Above: Last season’s Champions League winners Barcelona list the trophy. Photo: David Lidstrom/Getty Images
The UEFA Women’s Champion’s League starts this week. Under changes by UEFA, it will now follow a different format compared to previous years, transforming how the competition will occur.
The competition will start with a group stage qualification for the competition, split into two rounds. Winners of the first round will be included in the group of teams that will be competing in the second round. The winners of the second round proceed to a six match group stage followed by knock out rounds.
The group stage qualification will follow two pathways: the champions path and the league path. The different pathways were conceived to ensure that at least ten countries are represented in the sixteen team group stage. Where each team enters depends on how they qualified, either as champions in their individual country or further down the league table in countries with more than one UEFA Women’s Champions League place, as well as their UEFA country coefficient.
The first of the two rounds starts midweek in the form of mini-tournaments. Forty-three teams are entering this stage under the champions path, being split up into 11 groups of four and one group of three. A draw decided which teams would meet for the first match in each group. The losers of the two matches in each group will then meet in a third place game. The winners of of the first matchups in each group will meet to determine the first placed team.
Above: Ada Hegerberg with the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy. Photo: @UWCL
The league path will be nearly identical to the championship path. Sixteen teams have been split into four groups and drawn for the first match. The losers will also play for third place while the winners of the first match will play in the first-place game. The eleven winners of the championship path and the four winners of the league path then proceed to round two of the group stage qualification.
Round two will start at the end of August. It will comprise of the eleven round championship winners, as well as three other country champions who enter directly in round two. They will be drawn for two-legged ties, with the seven winners proceeding to the group stage. The four round one league winners alongside six other league path teams enter directly into round two. They will also be drawn and play two-legged ties with the five winners proceeding to the group stage. Four more country champions will also join the twelve round two winners in the group stage.
The group stage will split the sixteen teams into four groups of four. All teams will play each other in home and away games this autumn for a total of six group stage games per team. The top two teams in each group then proceed to the quarter final knock out stages. The knock out phase will remain unchanged with two-legged home and away matches prior to a one game final.
⚽ “The world’s best women’s club competition will get both the platform and visibility it deserves.”
Impetus’ relationship with Wroxham Women dates back to the end of 2020 when the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division side became our first partner club and their defender Harriet Meers became the first player that the site sponsored ourselves. Shortly afterwards, we also linked up with their local girls club Bure Valley Youth. Due to the pandemic we’ve hadn’t been able to get up to the Norfolk Broads to meet the clubs in person. Until yesterday. Impetus editor Ben Gilby reports.
Above: Wroxham Women and Bure Valley Youth pictured together after yesterday’s match. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Bure Valley Youth FC.
Yesterday was the opening round of the 2021/22 East Region Women’s Football League Premier Division (Tier Five) and Wroxham Women, consistently one of the top sides in the competition welcomed fans back to their well appointed Trafford Park ground for their game against Luton Town.
Impetus’ features on Wroxham over the past eight months have revealed an exceptionally warm, friendly and welcoming club to our readership across the world. Yet when you are able to experience it in person, that friendliness was emphasised several hundred times over.
Above: Alice Parker plays another centimetre perfect cross-field pass. Photo: Ben Gilby
The Yachtswomen have strengthened well over the summer with players such as former Norwich City and West Ham United Academy defender Alice Parker and Cambridge United star Amber Cantwell being added to an already impressive squad.
Bure Valley Youth team were at the game, with their youngsters gleefully walking hand in hand with Wroxham players as the teams came out onto the pitch. The old saying says that “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Yesterday, the Bure Valley girls experienced the connection they have with the senior Wroxham Women team. They saw what they can be and dreams were made plus future ambitions stored away.
Above: Olivia Abraham heads Luton Town in front. Photo: Ben Gilby
The game opened with Wroxham having plenty of the ball but not quite managing to penetrate the Bedfordshire side’s backline, a frustration added to when Luton took the lead when Fiona Constable’s corner was met with a powerful header from Olivia Abraham.
But this Wroxham side showed character and determination. With Impetus‘ sponsored Harriet Meers strong in the tackle and in the air, Parker finding some impressive cross-field passes and the Yachtswomen’s hugely impressive striker Grace Burchall showing a consistently exquisite first touch, the home side became ever more prominent in the game as the vocal support from the ‘Blue Wave Band’ in the covered terrace went up a notch.
Above: Grace Birchall (right) was a thorn in Luton Town’s side all afternoon. Photo: Ben Gilby
Burchall hit a hat-trick, with her third goal being a particularly impressive effort. If it was not for three outstanding saves from Luton keeper Hannah Payne the score-line could easily have got beyond the Hatters.
Luton captain Jess McKay was then shown a straight red by referee Ryan Starkey for a tackle on Burchall. If anything this inspired the visitors to rally and Abraham brought it back to 3-2 with her second of the game.
Above: Lauren Bullard, who scored Wroxham’s fourth goal, gets a shot in. Photo: Ben Gilby
Wroxham finished the game stronger and gained a fourth goal which made the score line feel a bit more representative on the balance of the game. Once more Birchall was involved with the ball squared across to Lauren Bullard who took a couple of touches before shooting home.
Above: All smiles for Wroxham at the end. Photo: Ben Gilby
Post match, the Bure Valley youngsters loved the opportunity to mingle with the Wroxham players and have photos taken. It was a day that two hugely important parts of the #ImpetusFamily came together and showed just what the ties of women’s football can achieve.
Above: Grace Birchall receives her Player of the Match Award from Impetus editor Ben Gilby after the game. Photo: Kate Pasque
If you are ever on holiday in the Norfolk Broads, then there is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than at Trafford Park to watch the Yachtswomen. You are assured of a friendly welcome.
Above: Impetus‘ sponsored player Harriet Meers pictured with Ben Gilby after the game. Photo: Kate Pasque.
Impetus’ North American Women’s Football expert Catherine Paquette brings us up to date with all the action from the NWSL both on and off the pitch
Above: Fifteen year-old Olivia Moultrie, who made her NWSL debut for Portland Thorns last weekend. Photo: Equaliser Soccer.
It has been a busy week and a half in the National Women’s Soccer League. After the dismissal of Gotham FC general manager Alysa LaHue last month, the NJ/NY based club announced former player Yael Averbuch West was named as interim GM and head of soccer operations last week.
This week saw the suspension of Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke. The club had originally announced this Tuesday that Burke had stepped down from his position due to health reasons and had been moved to the front office. However, a further announcement from the Spirit organization occurred on Wednesday stating that Burke had been suspended.
The second announcement came after the Washington Post reported alleged long standing abusive behaviour by Burke against present and former players. The Post’s article stated that Burke had a pattern of behaviour which included insults, tirades, abusive treatment and racist and homophobic language. An inappropriate contact incident in last weekend’s game against one of his players, Ashley Hatch, has also come to light.
One former Spirit player, Kaiya McCullough, has since come out publicly to discuss the verbal and emotional abuse which she suffered at the hands of her former coach. The abuse was so great that McCullough said she lost all her love of soccer and it ultimately led her to retire from the sport last fall.
SB Nation’s Black and Red United reported that this abusive nature may have predated Burke’s hire at the Spirit. When first appointed head coach in 2019, the publication wrote of several incidents of inappropriate behaviour. The first occurred while Burke was a youth coach with FC Virginia. Another player also came forward from their time with the DC United U-23 PDL 2015 squad. They both stated alleged abusive incidents by Burke which included insulting, homophobic, sexist and violent outbursts.
The U-23 PDL player in question stated that Burke’s then assistant-coach Tom Torres witnessed this abuse and did not act upon it. Torres went on to coach with Burke at the Spirit until last year, when he left to pursue other interests. The Athletic though have reported that this departure had been preceded by intoxicated inappropriate comments directed at players at a post-NWSL Challenge Cup party.
Above: Richie Burke – suspended by Washington Spirit. Photo: Black and Red United.
Both the Washington Spirit and the NWSL have since stated they have opened a pending investigation into the allegations against Burke during his time with the capital region club. The Spirit have since put Kris Ward and Paul Crichton, both current assistant coaches, as interim head coaches while they start a search for a replacement.
While the recent incidents may seem bleak, NWSL player’s association director Meghann Burke stated their importance. Speaking of the incident she told The Athletic “What we are seeing this season is the beginning of a reckoning. The Players Association will continue to work towards creating an environment in the NWSL that is worthy of the people who play in and support it.”
The following is a resumé of last weekend’s matches.
The first match of last weekend’s NWSL was between NJNY Gotham FC and the North Carolina Courage. In the tight league table, both teams were looking for a win to try to catch up to the first placed Portland Thorns.
The first part of the match was a good two way game between both sides. While the Courage had slightly more possession, neither team threatened in the final third. This changed in the 38th minute. Carson Pickett provided a great cross into the box. After a block from the goalkeeper, Meredith Speck put it in for her first NWSL goal. A few more chances occurred on both sides, however neither team was able to convert. The Courage won the match 1-0.
North Carolina’s Carson Pickett deserves a mention not just for her contribution in the last match but also for her form this year. Joining the Courage from the Orlando Pride prior to this season, she has gone on to flourish with her new side. In a team packed with talent, she has become not just the Courage’s but one of the league’s most effective attackers. So far this season, she leads the NWSL in progressive passes, with 70 more than any other NWSL player, and passes into the final third. This past weekend she also played the full 90 minute despite picking a serious injury to her thumb that will require surgery. Pickett is proving that development, progression and grit are alive and well in the league.
The second match of last Saturday was between the Washington Spirit and the Portland Thorns. 15-year-old Olivia Moultrie, the youngest player to ever play in the league, started her first NWSL match for the Thorns. It proved to be an inspired decision. Despite her young age and professional inexperience, she showed her attacking abilities. Her first shot on goal came just six minutes into the match and narrowly wide of Washington’s net. She then supplied a fantastic ball into the box in the 29th minute which was headed in by Simone Charley.
The Thorns’ defensive capabilities were also on full display in the last match. While their offensive prowess and creativity are often mentioned, Portland’s defence has been an equal strength this season. This defensive force starts with their press and goes all the way to their back line. Just this past game, they won 62% of all duels, 11 shots and 64% of all tackles. Spirit attackers Ashley Sanchez and Ashley Hatch, who have both had a fantastic month while international players have been away at the Olympics, were relatively restrained this past weekend.
It is this defensive capability that has ensured Portland’s stay at the top of the league. This past match also saw perhaps the best demonstration of defensive heroics this season. When it looked like Trinity Rodman would put it in for the Spirit, The Thorns’ Christine Westphal came flying in to block her shot. The match ended 1-0 for Portland.
A close call for Portland. Trinity Rodman nearly puts it in only to be denied by @Cwestphal20! Wonderful play from the defender.
The final Saturday match was between the OL Reign and the Houston Dash. The Reign started their 2021 season slowly. After registering just three wins in their first ten games in which they found the back of the net only six times, they have changed their fortunes in the last three weeks. Their talent-packed squad started to find their attacking power and have scored nine goals in three consecutive victories.
The latest game can only be described as a Reign first half goal fest. Bethany Balcer opened the scoring account in the sixth minute of play. Sofia Huerta doubled the score several minutes later. The Dash were able to get one in though. Shea Groom showed some fancy footwork, beating off her defender, before taking her shot on goal. It was deflected off Alana Cook before going in to make the score 2-1.
Eugénie Le Sommer then made it 3-1 for the Reign when she was able to put her own blocked rebound in. The goal of the game then came courtesy of Jess Fishlock. She picked up the ball just inside the Dash’s half before striking an amazing long range effort into the net. Balcer made it 5-1 several minutes before the first half ended. This was the final result.
⚽️It is Reigning goals in Tacoma! @JessFishlock with a rocket to make it four!
Sunday saw two games being played. Racing Louisville met KC in the first match. Louisville were looking to turn around their form after a month of July with three losses and one draw. KC for their part, were still looking for their first franchise win.
Louisville dominated the first 15 minutes with the majority of the possession. However, it was KC who registered the first shot on goal. Despite this fact, Racing were the more attacking side. They were able to get ahead in the 43rd minute.
The wonderful team goal started in the Racing half. Savannah McCaskill made a run with the ball out of her box. She then passed it in to Emily Fox, who passed it back to McCaskill as she was making an overlapping run. McCaskill made a one touch pass to Nadia Nadim who passed it back to McCaskill as she continued her run. The play ended with McCaskill sending in a cross which was then deflected in by Ebony Salmon.
KC were able to get a goal just before the half ended. Kiki Pickett, who has been one of the bright spots for KC, put in a cross. After a rebound, Darian Jenkins equalized. Upon her return from the half, McCaskill produced another bit of brilliant work when she was able to fight off her defender and send in a cross that found Nadim. She headed it home to put Louisville in the lead. The final goal of the match was another Racing spectacle. Cheyna Matthews stole the ball off a KC defender, beat goalkeeper Rowlands and then walked the ball into the net. Racing won the game 3-1.
Racing’s person of the match was Savannah McCaskill. A terrific creative force, McCaskill has often been inconsistent during her time in the NWSL. However, she seems to be settling in well with Louisville. This game was her best one for her new side. Not only did she dictate the play for her team and wreak havoc for KC but she also took chances on goal as well. Racing will be hoping that this becomes her permanent form.
The last match of the weekend was between the Chicago Red Stars and the Orlando Pride. The Red Stars started the game by attacking. The Pride were able to gain some control after the 15th minute. For the second week in a row defender Ali Krieger provided a fantastic ball in for her attacker, this time Jodie Taylor, to finish and score.
⚽️Goal for the Pride 🦁. For the second week in a row @alikrieger with a wonderful ball gives an assist. This week it is to Jodie Taylor who beats her defenders and puts it home.
However, the Red Stars did not give up. Morgan Gautrat’s wonderful 2021 form continued. The vision, creativity and passing capabilities that lead her to the USWNT when she was still in college have been on full display. She was able to give one of those great passes to Mal Pugh in the first half who then turned and shot on goal. Ashlyn Harris, who has also had terrific 2021 form, showed her goalkeeping skills by stopping it. Sydney Leroux was able to double the Pride’s lead late in the second half. Erika Tymrak provided a great pass in for Leroux to finish. Putting in her seventh of the year, she became the leading NWSL goalscorer. The Pride won it 2-0.
The game though was overshadowed by poor refereeing. Two players from Chicago, Danielle Colaprico and Morgan Gautrat, were forced to leave the field after bad tackles. Like too many NWSL games, the referee never had a grasp on the game nor the proper judgement to reprimand dangerous tackles.
With these results, Portland have increased their lead at the top of the table with 28 points. Only four points separate the second placed North Carolina Courage from the eighth placed Houston Dash. KC are still winless at the bottom. Five matches occur over this coming weekend.
Derbyshire based Pride Park are one of Impetus’ partner clubs. Earlier this summer they ran a Young Sports Writing competition for their youngsters. We’re delighted to publish below three of the entries.
First, this piece by under-eights player Edie:
“I couldn’t wait to get back into the routine of getting dressed and going to football. Everything started well, with a brand new kit. Wearing this on Saturday made me feel smart, proud and thrilled. I was once scared of the ball. Feeling nervous on Saturday, however, I scored my first goal on Saturday. This made me feel more confident and I was proud to do it with my teammates. The match was good and I was rewarded with a sausage cob back at home with my family. I love football because its fun, joyful and I learn new skills with my teammates.” Edie U8
Yumi, from the under-tens submitted this entry:
“The return to football kept me on my feet for one whole week. I was so excited for the matches, training and to see all my teammates again!. In the lockdown, I had missed getting up on the morning of a match and putting on my leather, black boots, ready for a run on the pitch.
“Now, I would be doing that once a week; getting back on the field and playing for my team. What a fabulous feeling to be able to assess – in a match – the progress I have made from training every week on a Tuesday with our coaches at Moorways and at the weekend with my Dad in the garden.
My energy before a match on a Saturday is incredible, no matter who we play, the result or the weather. However, on Saturday 3rd April 2021, my nerves were taking over, it was our first match in a few months! We would be playing against a team we had played a few times before so I knew exactly how well they played and that was overwhelming…
“Though I was anxious for the coming game, I was equally thrilled to get back into play! But I reminded myself that playing football with myself and my team is very enjoyable, we all work together so well as understand the positions we have to be in order to play well in defence and attack whether in an actual match or in a practice at training. This reassured me.
“In addition, I always look forward to football as it takes my mind off things. The cold breeze thatblows in my hair, when I run strategically, ready to either ‘pass, run, dribble or shoot’ as my coach always says, is such a nice sensation.
“The night before we went to our first match was so exciting. I couldn’t wait to see the freshly cut grass of the pitch again, or to hear the loud, supporting audience’s voices fading as I would get further and further away from our half!
“Although I was nervous, my eagerness was starting to overpower the butterflies in my tummy. I couldn’t help but think that the game be even, as it was the first one for both teams; we would have all lacked formal practice. Soon, I was running down the wing, tackling, passing and releasing all the energy that had accumulated in my body the past few months. I even scored! I felt proud to be part of Pride Park under 10s.
“I love the team spirit at the end of a match, whatever the end result is. We will always cheer each other up if down or upset. We will always sing the fun, made up songs that we eagerly rehearse at the end of training. We are a GREAT team! I really hope that is the end of the restrictions. I don’t want the football spirit to be taken away from me again.” Yumi U10
Finally, this piece by Lucy from the U10s
“I have been doing extra goal keeping sessions with my coach, Andy. At first I let a lot in, but as I had more sessions I started to get better. I was doing a lot of drop kicks and managing to get them quite far.
“Eventually, my first training session in a long time with my teammates came, I felt so happy to finally do it again! Our coaches Andy and Chris worked us hard so we were ready for the match on Saturday. On Friday we had another training session at the park. We did a new passing exercise and it was very fun. We all rested well on Friday night ready for the match the next day.
“Finally the first match back came. I was in goal and I felt really nervous about what could happen, it could either go really well or terribly wrong. I tried my hardest and made some amazing saves. When I was having extra goal keeping sessions with Andy he told me to look scary and intimidating, but that didn’t work because it’s really not my thing!
“The first match back felt amazing and everyone was fully committed to the team. I didn’t quite manage to save all the goals but Andy said it didn’t matter. During the match my teammates Polly and Yumi did a great job running down the wing! During the match I felt well protected because I had such great defenders! After the match everyone said I was amazing and Andy wouldn’t stop saying how pleased he was with the whole team. Our team was unstoppable that day.”
Lucy U10s
Here at Impetus we think the writing produced by the Pride Park youngsters is fantastic and really captures the sheer passion and joy the girls have for playing football. We look forward to following Pride Park’s season at all levels from the first team down to the youngest girls side.
This week saw the transfer window close and the second tier Elitettan return along with some friendly matches between Damallsvenskan sides. @DandalBs rounds up all the action.
Photo: Julia Olsson, newly signed by AIK. Photo: Jesper Zerman/Bildbyrån
NEWS ROUND-UP:
AIK have continued their signing spree with the arrival of 24 year-old defender Julia Olsson, who graduated at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida this spring and then returned to IF Brommapojkarna. She has joined the Solna based side for the rest of this season.
The club have announced that their 19 year-old defender Clara Härdling has left to study and continue her footballing development at the University of California, Los Angeles and UCLA Bruins. She has 26 caps for Sweden from U15 to U19.
Mia Jalkerud, formerly a prolific forward with Djurgården has joined EskilstunaUnited. The 31 year-old most recently played in for Arna-Björnar in Norway where she scored five goals in nine matches.
Above: Mia Jalkerud (left) in action for Djurgården. Photo: Maxim Thoré/Bildbyrån
EskilstunaUnited have taken a second person from Arna-Björnar with the arrival of 36 year-old Gudbjörg “Gugga” Gunnarsdóttir, who was also previously at Djurgården player, as a new goalkeeper coach.
Following Melina Loeck’s hand injury, Kristianstad has decided to bring back goalkeeper Moa Olsson who was on loan at third tier side Lörby IF.
Synne Skinnes Hansen, who left Linköping last week, has signed a two year deal with top Norwegian side Rosenborg.
Hammarby have loaned out Jonna Ståhl to Elitettan side IF Brommapojkarna. The 26 year-old is coming back from injury and needs playing time.
Vittsjö‘s promising 20 year-old forward Pauline Nyström has gone out on loan to Eskilstuna United for more playing time.
DAMALLSVENSKAN:
Whilst the Damallsvenskan is still on a break until 20th August, several friendly matches have been played in recent days.
Last Friday, hosts Hammarby lost 2-1 to Rosengård despite going ahead thanks to Nina Jakobsson’s goal after nine minutes and the home side kept the lead until Stefanie Sanders equalised on 64 minutes and grabbed the winner in injury time.
Above: Stefanie Sanders, who scored for Rosengård in their win over Hammarby in a friendly. Photo: Rosengård
AIK draw 1-1 at home with KIF Örebro last Sunday. Newly signed Kaisa Collin scored the opener for AIK in the first half, with Elli Pikkusjämsä levelling for Örebro in the second period.
On Tuesday, Djurgården went down 1-0 at home to EskilstunaUnited thanks to goal by Elise Stenevik after just six minutes.
Also on Tuesday, Vittsjö went down 3-0 at home to BK Häcken. The goals came from Julia Zigiotti Olme, Stine Larsen and Julia Karlernäs. Michella de Jongh played her first game for Vittsjö since returning from France with Tove Almqvist and Ebba Wieder also back for the home side.
Table From: Svensk Fotboll.
The Damallsvenskan is presently on a break for the Olympic Games and returns on 20th August with the set of fixtures below:
Round Thirteen Fixtures:
Växjö v Vittsjö
Hammarby v Eskilstuna United
AIK v Djurgården
Piteå v Linköping
Rosengård v KIF Örebro
Kristianstads v BK Häcken
ELITETTAN
Above: Umeå’s Monica Jusu Bah, scorer of two goals in their 5-1 win over Borgeby FK. Photo: Pelle Börjesson /Bildbyrån
The Elitettan returned from its short break last weekend. Leaders Umeå IK are four points clear at the top after a comprehensive 5-1 win over Borgeby FK in front of 245 fans. Monica Jusu Bah hit two goals with Lisa Björk, Alma Uvell and Alexandra Sandström all on target. Borgeby’s effort came via an own goal. Morön BK are second following their 3-0 win at Sundsvalls DFF. The three goals came in a sixteen minute spell from the 67th minute onwards thanks to strikes from Carla Portillo, Villemo Dahlqvist and Michaela Kovacs. IK Uppsala edged out fellow challengers Älvsjö AIK FF 3-2 in a real rollercoaster of a match watched by 272 supporters. Uppsala were 2-0 up after just 18 minutes thanks to goals from Maria Poli and Angelina Thoreson. Yet midway through the second half, Älvsjö were level thanks to two goals from Alice Ahlberg. It only stayed 2-2 for five minutes as Ellen Toivio hit Uppsala’s winner. The consequences of that defeat for Älvsjö are that they are now highly unlikely to maintain their promotion challenge as they are now six points outside the top three. IFK Kalmar lost a chance to go second when they could only draw 1-1 at home to Alingsås FC United. The visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when Rebecca Cameras netted. An own goal on 56 minutes earned Kalmar a point.
Latest Results: IF Brommapojkarna 2-0 IFK Norrköping, Bollstanäs SK 0-0 Jitex Mölndal, IFK Kalmar 1-1 Alingsås FC United, IK Uppsala 3-2 Älvsjö AIK FF, Mallbackens IF Sunne 1-1 Lidköpings FK, Sundsvalls DFF 0-3 Morön BK, Umeå IK 5-1 Borgeby FK.
Next Fixtures: Morön BK v IF Brommapojkarna, Borgeby FB v Sundsvalls DFF, Alingsås FC United v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Älvsjö AIK FF v Umeå IK, Bollstanäs SK v IK Uppsala, Lidköpings FK v IFK Kalmar, IFK Norrköping v Jitex Mölndal.
Above: Danika Matos (left) in action for Western Sydney Wanderers in the Sydney derby last season. Photo: Jason McCawley/Getty Images.
Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed defender Danika Matos will again play for the club in the upcoming W-League season.
The young defender had a breakout season at the Red & Black in 2020/21 featuring in 11 matches.
Matos joined the Wanderers two seasons ago as a train-on player before being promoted to a senior contract last season.
Head coach Catherine Cannuli praised Matos’ growth and development over the last two years ahead of her third season with the club.
“It has been fantastic to play a role in Danika’s development over the last two years and see her shine in the professional W-League environment,” said Cannuli.
“I am very excited to see where this season goes for Danika as well as support her in her development journey at the club.”
Danika was delighted to be re-signed for the 2021/22 campaign.
“I gained a lot of confidence last season and I grew not only as a footballer but also a person,” said Matos.
“The W-League has grown so much in my last three seasons and it’s so good to see it continue to do.
“Being a young player, it is an amazing opportunity for not only myself but other young players in the same boat to be part of the W-League set-up.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and I cannot wait to see it continue for the younger generations coming, I think it’s very important for clubs to give young players the opportunity to try and break into the W-League.
“I just want to continue to develop more and at a club level I would love to make the Finals Series again. To be in the Final would be a dream come true.”
Wexford Youths are the most successful club the FAI Women’s National League’s history and are enjoying another great season this time round. The club’s media officer Ronan McCarthy spoke to Impetus editor Ben Gilby about the club, its development and their aims.
Photo above: Wexford Youths.
Wexford Youths are one of the most successful teams in the FAI Women’s National League. They were founder members of the competition for its inaugural 2011/12 season.
“The Women’s National League is now in its tenth year, and there have been a core group of three clubs that have played every season – Wexford Youths, Peamount United and Cork City. Shelbourne also trace their lineage to Raheny United, who were also in the debut season,” Ronan explained.
“Wexford, Peamount and Shelbourne have mostly shared the silverware in the years since then, and it is another exciting three-way battle for the league this year. In recent seasons the league has expanded to include new clubs, in Treaty United, Bohemians and Athlone Town.”
“Wexford Youths have seen great success in the years since then thanks to an incredible generation of players, including Kylie Murphy, Rianna Jarrett, Claire O’Riordan, Ciara Rossiter, Lauren Dwyer, Edel Kennedy and Aisling Frawley,” highlighted Ronan.
Above: Kylie Murphy, one of Wexford Youths’ long term stars. Photo: Wexford Mirror.
“We won the Women’s National League four times in its first 10 years of competition, a record unmatched by any club in the league. We’re continuing our challenge this year, being in the title mix for the 2021 season, with an exciting generation of young players coming through the ranks in the shape of Ellen Molloy, Aoibheann Clancy and Della Doherty.”
This season comes amidst the struggles of the coronavirus pandemic. Ronan outlined how the past sixteen months or so have impacted the club.
“We badly missed our fans during the matches played behind closed doors. We have a large community of supporters who have a close relationship to our players, and their support was greatly missed during that period.
“We received great support from our sponsors and the FAI in carrying on our league campaign safely and sustainably, and we are pleased to think of that period being behind us now.”
With it looking like there is light at the end of the covid tunnel, Ronan highlighted the other challenges that the club are looking to meet head on off the pitch.
“A major challenge is to expand our fan base, and spread the enjoyment of women’s football to a wider number of society in County Wexford. Our years of success have certainly helped our exposure in a local sense, and we hope that our hard work in match live streaming has also assisted that process. However there is certainly more to do, and now that fans can return to matches we hope to really increase attendances for the remainder of this year.”
With the league approaching the half way mark, Ronan is clear about the club’s aims for the campaign: “Our players are well used to success in this league, and they will be aiming to bring the league title back to Ferrycarrig Park in 2021. We know that Peamount and Shelbourne have also strengthened their squads, and it will be an exciting three-way battle. We also have a good record of success in the Women’s FAI Cup, and our players will always target silverware for the club.”
It’s far from all about the first team at Wexford though, as Ronan highlighted the player pathway with exists at the Youths: “We were proud to launch a new academy system this August, from U13 to U15 level. We also enter teams in the U17 and U19 national leagues. We have excellent relationships with local clubs, and we are proud to further the development of the young players coming from local clubs like North End, St. Leonards, and many more. I believe we have somewhere in the region of 60 players at Wexford Youths Women from the U17, U19 and senior teams.”
Those sixty players rely on the support of a group of valued volunteers at the club, with Ronan pointing to the work of two people in particular.
“We are always hugely grateful for the work of Eddie Cullen and Tom Dunne, who have kept the club ticking over from the very beginning. They are hugely important in preparing the kit, equipment, and logistics of the club.”
The conversation ended by looking at the women’s game more widely in the Republic of Ireland. From a WNL perspective, Ronan sees some really positive developments.
Above: Wexford Youths’ young star Ellen Molloy (right). Photo: Kilkenny People.
“The national league has a strong presence in the Irish Women’s National Team, and the domestic leagues are vital for the progression of young women in football.
“We hope the introduction of women’s football livestreaming to LOITV.ie will help promote the profile of women’s football to the wider Irish football fan base, as this will be a huge contributor to the success of women’s football as a whole.”
The future, for Ronan is bright both at Wexford Youths, and internationally for the Repubic of Ireland:
“We are bringing through an exciting new generation of players, and we are hugely excited for their development in the years to come. Ellen Molloy, Aoibheann Clancy and Della Doherty are already playing a role in the National teams at senior and U19 level, and I am sure they will be an integral part of the senior teams in the years to come.”
Above: The Huddersfield Town squad for 2021/22. Photo: Jess Hornby.
After a month of preparation, Huddersfield Town Women are gearing up for their FA Women’s National League Northern Premier opener away to Nottingham Forest this Sunday. They will go into the season with great momentum especially after finishing the 2020/21 season top of the league and unbeaten at home.
During pre-season Town played a mixture of teams from divisions above and below. They kicked off their schedule up in Glasgow against Champions League contenders Celtic where they narrowly lost 2-1 after dominating the ball for most of the second half. However, they soon got back to winning ways when they thrashed Fleetwood Town Wrens 9-0 and routinely beat Stockport 2-0.
Huddersfield put on a competitive display against Women’s Championship side Blackburn Rovers with a 1-1 draw at home. Before finishing the pre-season with elite side Sheffield United that ended in a 2-0 loss.
The playing squad has also changed since last season with Sarah Danby (Leeds United), Lauren Joyce (Leeds United) and Emma Samways (Hashtag United) all departing.
Above: Macy Ellis (right) in action for Huddersfield Town in their pre-season friendly with Champions League bound Celtic. Photo: Jess Hornby.
However, the squad has been bolstered with plenty of Championship experience with Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Becky Flaherty (Blackburn) adding competition in goal, Autumn Housley (Sheffield United) boosting the defence and young Ria Montgomery (Blackburn) adding to the attack. Zoe Laughton and Macy Ellis also made the step-up into the first team after impressing in the development squad.
The new season will also see a new manager in charge with Jordan Wimpenny announcing his departure last week due to “personal circumstances”. Highly experienced Steve Appleton will take the interim managerial role for the upcoming season as Town will attempt to fight for promotion once again.
The fixture list looks tasty for the Terriers too with several Yorkshire clashes against the likes of Sheffield FC, Middlesbrough, Hull and close-neighbours Brighouse Town.
Huddersfield open the season away to Nottingham Forest before travelling up to Middlesbrough. Their first home game takes place Wednesday 25th August against Brighouse Town.
Above: Beth Ibbotson celebrates scoring against Championship side Blackburn Rovers in pre-season. Photo: Jess Hornby
Above: Kyah Simon after being unveiled as Tottenham Hotspur’s latest signing.Artwork: Tottenham Hotspur.
Kyah Simon’s road to the FA Women’s Super League has not been an easy one. After all, this is a player some people wrote off when she was 15 years old. Despite her setbacks though, Simon has come back time and time again, proving in the most recent Olympics that she is still a deadly attacker. Catherine Paquette argues that with her recent announced move to England, Tottenham Hotspur have signed not only a gifted attacker, but also a fighter.
Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing Kyah Simon grew up near Sydney, Australia. A two sport athlete as a child, in both soccer and rugby league, she later specialized in soccer with hopes of making the Australian women’s national team. That dream was nearly ripped away at age 15. Just prior to winning a scholarship with the New South Wales Institute of Sport, Simon broke her leg.
She did not give up though. After several months of dedication to her rehabilitation, she would go on to get the scholarship six months later. This would be quickly followed by a Matildas call up and debut, at 16 years of age. Simon would then become a player in the inaugural 2008 season of the W-League with the now defunct Central Coast Mariners.
For a footballer to face such a mix of adversity and success at such a young age, and be able to come out stronger, says a lot about her character. In her third W-League season, having moved to Sydney FC, Simon would go on to win the league’s golden boot, young player of the year and Julie Dolan awards while still a teenager. The latter is given to the best W-League player of the year. To this day she is the only player to have won this trifecta of honours in the same year.
Above: A young Kyah Simon in action for the now defunct Central Coast Mariners in the early days of the W-League. Photo: Wikipedia
Simon would then start a near decade long journey of playing both at home and abroad. In the W-League she would go on to don the jerseys of the Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC for a second time and then Melbourne City. In total she won the W-League Championship three times and the Premiership twice.
She also spent six W-League off seasons playing in the United States, first with the Boston Breakers and then with the Houston Dash. Again, like in her youth, this decade was not one without its injury woes. She had a knee reconstruction, two operations on her shoulder, a number of soft tissue tears and an ankle injury. It was the latter combined with a hamstring strain that kept her from competing in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
This is not to say that Simon is necessarily injury prone. Part of the motivation for many Australians in making the switch from the American NWSL to European clubs in the last few years has been to minimize their playing load. The rotating door of playing the NWSL and W-League non-stop, their respective seasons normally being held in the other league’s off season, has resulted in higher rates of injuries and burnout for many Matildas.
Simon made the European jump last year, signing for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. While COVID-19, a calf injury and a subsequent ankle surgery kept her from the field for part of the year, she did go on to help her side to a second placed Eredivisie finish and a win in the Dutch KNVB Cup. It was the first trophy for the women’s PSV side which was only formed in 2012.
Above: Kyah Simon (right) in action for PSV Eindhoven last season taking on SC Heerenveen’s Wielle Douma in the Dutch Eredivisie Women. Photo: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images.
Simon was back to full form though during the summer. She started all six of the Matildas’ games at the Olympics and was integral in getting the Aussies to a fourth place finish, the highest ever for the nation. During the tournament she also passed 100 Australian caps, becoming the ninth Australian to do so and the first person of Indigenous descent to pass the milestone.
Having recently turned 30 years old, her two-year contract with Tottenham Hotspur will open a new chapter in an already impressive footballing career. The move though was not just another step for Simon. Speaking to tottenhamhotspur.com she said:
“I’m really excited to join Spurs, an incredible, historic club that is known around the world. Playing in the WSL has always been a dream of mine and I’m so happy to be joining such a big club. It’s a fantastic opportunity and a good challenge for me. The club is making strides on and off the pitch and I’m looking forward to meeting the team and helping them achieve success next season.”
Upon her arrival, the Spurs will get a seasoned international player who has participated in two FIFA Women’s World Cups, two Olympics, and three AFC Women’s Asian Cups. She also has extensive club experience on three continents. Her lethality in attack is well proven, as are her leadership and supporting skills.
Above: Kyah Simon in action for Australia at the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images.
More than anything though Tottenham are getting a fighter. In Simon they have signed a resilient determined footballer who understands how to overcome adversity and what it takes to keep being a winner.
Hot on the heels of their retention of head coach Ash Wilson as well as co-captains Gema Simon and Cassidy Davis, Newcastle Jets have re-signed another two important players ahead of November’s W-League kick-off.
Artwork: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets have announced overnight that they have secured key players Tara Andrews and Hannah Brewer once more for the new W-League campaign.
Andrews, Newcastle born, has played 104 games in the W-League, scoring 40 goals including five last season.
At 27, she is eager to get back on the pitch and adding to her goal scoring tally next season.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Jets again for this season, it’s my hometown club and I love playing in front of my family and friends,” Andrews said.
“Last year, we didn’t do as well as we hoped. So, I’m excited to see the team we put together and I believe we can be successful this season.
Above: Tara Andrews – back for another season with her home town club. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
“I’d love to be able to make the semis again and build on my own performances and of course, try to score lots of goals.”
Coach Ash Wilson said; “I’m very happy to have Tara back for another season. She is a proven goal scorer, bringing a variety of attacking threats through her technically ability, vision and desire to score goals.
“In addition to this, she is someone who has such passion for this team. It’s rare in the W-League to play over 100 games and she has done it with one club.
“That commitment and drive to make the team the best it can be, will be important, as we look to make finals again.”
Hannah Brewer is also back for another season in blue and red. Part of the inaugural W-League season in 2008 at the age of 15, she has developed into one of the competition’s best right sided defenders.
“This season, I believe is our season to really showcase our real potential,” Brewer said.
Above: Hannah Brewer on the ball for Newcastle Jets. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
“A lot of blood, sweat and tears are shared throughout a season and that’s what really makes a team. I can’t wait to share all these experiences with the girls this year and see where the season takes us.
“I was fortunate enough at 15, to start my career with the Jets and I am excited to continue the journey playing for and representing this amazing club and city.”
Brewer is a key signing for coach Ash Wilson’s squad for the upcoming campaign.
“Hannah has been an invaluable member of this Jets team for years,” Wilson said.
“Anyone who has ever watched her play, knows she leaves everything on the field which is reflective of the mentality and the values we strive to promote in our players.
“Defensively, her experience and aggression will be important, however I also expect younger players and players new to the team will be positively influenced by her passion and attitude.”
impetusfootball.org 