Irish Women’s National League Round-Up

Abi Ticehurst updates us with all the action from Round Nineteen in the FAI WNL as Shelbourne gained a vital win to close the gap on Peamount United at the top and Bohemians involved in a hugely important match in the context of the lower reaches of the table.

Above: Treaty United goal scorer Jenna Slattery beats Bohemians’ Sophie Watters in a clash between the two sides earlier in the season. Photo: Limerick Leader.

Bohemians 5-1 Treaty United:

Bohs will be over the moon with this winning result in the wet, as they secured their fourth victory in their league campaign this season. Lisa Murphy opened the scoring for the side as she headed home, Erika Burke made it two before half time. Abbie Brophy, Chloe Darby and Lara Phibbs were also on the scoresheet for Bohemians too with a second header from Darby as they made the set piece look well drilled. A clean sheet wasn’t to be as Jenna Slattery converted from the penalty spot to give Treaty their consolation goal.

Shelbourne 4-0 Athlone Town:

An important day for Shelbourne for two reasons, a chance to reclaim top spot from Peamount United in the title race and a return from 18 months out with injury for Chloe Mustaki and they did not disappoint.

Inside 15 minutes, an Emily Whelan strike from 25 yards was fumbled by Abbigayle Royanne to put Shelbourne ahead. Jamie Finn then subsequently brought down in the box and Alex Kavanagh coolly slotted one home from the penalty spot to put the Shels 2-0 up. Saoirse Noonan was also taken down in the box but unable to convert her own chance to make it three. Leah Doyle was there to ensure the third as she snuck in front of her defender to score at short range. Noonan put things to bed in the 88th minute, not before having missed a second penalty as she was once again denied by Royanne. 

Galway WFC 6-1 Cork City:

Cork City were 1-0 up inside 15 minutes after a ‘screamer into the top corner’ by none other than Eve Mangan but that was to be the only action Cork would see for the rest of the game as Galway fought hard to secure the win at home.

Above: Eve Mangan kicked things off in style for Cork City at Galway. Photo: Salem Photos.

Chloe Singleton kicked things off for Galway as she scooped one in at the back post, before Kate Slevin and Emma Starr put the home side 3-1 up at the half time whistle. Cork looked to have the wind taken out their sails in the second half as the relentless efforts of Galway continued, Aoife Thompson making an impact from the bench inside the six yard box. Starr with a brace as she took aim but was denied by Abbey McCarthy before nabbing the rebound to make it five. Not to be outdone , Ellie O’Flaherty struck at goal just before the final whistle to finish the game with six goals for the hosts.

In other news

The game between DLR Waves and Wexford Youths was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Peamount United’s UEFA Women’s Champions League tie with FC Nike Tbilisi on Saturday 21st August was initially postponed then cancelled due to a positive Covid-19 test within the Georgian side’s camp. The matter of result now remains in the hands of UEFA and evidence will be submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body, for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex H of the Regulations.

TeamPldWDLGFGAGD +/-Pts
Peamount United1614114811+3743
Shelbourne1714124713+3443
Wexford Youths1612314111+3039
DLR Waves179252716+1129
Galway175392838-1018
Bohemians1742112636-1014
Cork City1724111943-2410
Treaty United1723122466-429
Athlone Town1715111945-268

Next Fixtures

Saturday 28th August
Cork City v Shelbourne (14:00)

Galway v Bohemians (14:00)

Wexford Youths v Peamount United (18:30)

Athlone Town v Treaty United (19:00)

Impetus‘ Abi Ticehurst has been nominated in the Women’s Football Content category in the 2021 Football Content Awards. To vote for her, tweet the following message:

I am voting for @abfrti1 in @The_FCAs for #BestInWomensFootball

Notes From North America

Impetus’ North American Women’s Football expert Catherine Paquette brings us up to date with all the action from the NWSL.

Above: Washington Spirit celebrate Ashley Sanchez’s winning goal against Orlando Pride. Photo: Washington Post.

The past week in the National Women’s Soccer League was an odd one. Racing Louisville and the Chicago Red Stars participated in the inaugural staging of The Women’s Cup.  While their first game also doubled as a NWSL match, their weekend matches against Bayern and PSG were exhibition cup games.  Racing went on to win the cup by beating German champions Bayern Munich, a massive win for a club with less than six months of play under their belt.

The Portland Thorns and the Houston Dash for their part competed in the Women’s International Champions Cup, with FC Barcelona and l’Olympique Lyonnais also participating.   The Thorns went on to beat OL for the title of World’s Best Club.  The Dash finished fourth after having being beaten by Barça in the third place game.

The NWSL though did go ahead with four games.  The first, already mentioned, occurred on Wednesday between Racing Louisville and the Chicago Red Stars. The double meaning of the match, being both an NWSL league game and a decider for the first place game of The Women’s Cup, resulted in even more high tempo play than one normally sees in the league.

The record attendance in Louisville also spurred the home side on.  Ebony Salmon, who has been electric this year for Racing, stole the ball off a Red Stars defender in the 10th minute of the match and then proceeded to nutmeg Chicago’s goalkeeper to score.  


Like they have in many games this year, Louisville had a greater percentage of possession.  However, their transition and specifically their penetration into the final third was often lacking.  Despite having more of the ball, they were outshot by the Red Stars.  Chicago finally capitalized in the 57th minute thanks to a strike from Kealia Watt. Similar to Louisville’s goal, it was a defensive error that opened the door to Chicago’s equalizer.

The game ended 1-1 with each team taking home one point in the NWSL.  Louisville would go on to progress to the final of The Women’s Cup through penalties.  However, that result did not affect their standing in the league.  They remain in ninth place, while Chicago remain in seventh.  Both are currently out of play-off contention.

Two NWSL games occurred on the Saturday.  The second placed North Carolina Courage faced the league’s current bottom placed side Kansas City.  KC were hoping that their first franchise win the week before would continue their momentum in Carolina.  It was not to be. 

North Carolina decisively beat the visiting team.  This is not to say that KC did not produce.  Not only did they have more possession than their advisory, but also more shots and shots on goal as well.  The difference was that like most of this year, KC could not convert attempts into goals.

North Carolina for their part had no problems with that this game.  Lynn Williams opened the scoring in the 12th minute.  This was followed by a wonderful Jess McDonald header in the 21st minute.


Former KC attacker Amy Rodriguez, who was traded to the Courage earlier this month, then made it three in the 64th minute.  While North Carolina went down to ten players in the 75th minute, KC were not able to capitalize.  It was the Courage’s Meredick Speck who did in the 91th minute of play, putting the hosts ahead 4-0, the final score of the match.  While the Courage crept closer to first placed Portland in the league table, both teams’ positions remained unchanged after last weekend’s play.  

The second Saturday match was between the OL Reign and Gotham FC.  Ifeoma Onunomu, who has been electric this year, opened the scoring in the 10th minute of play. Well placed to receive the ball in the box she made a small deflection put it in.  Her second goal, which came minutes later, was the fantastic one.  Again receiving the ball in the box she managed to place her body in the proper position to one touch it past Sarah Bouhaddi. 


The Reign did not give up though despite the two goal deficit in the first fifteen minutes.  They found their first goal in the second half, through a Kristen McNabb header.  However, it was two successfully converted penalty kicks taken by Megan Rapinoe in the 78th and 91st minute of play that put OL ahead.  The Reign won the match 3-2.  The win put them in fourth position in the league, with Gotham FC falling to fifth. 

The last NWSL weekend match was between the Washington Spirit and the Orlando Pride. Washington came out taking control of the game.  However, despite dictating the pace and having good chances, they were not able to convert.  The same occurred for the Pride.  A number of missed chances and a double save by the Spirit’s Aubrey Bledsoe resulted in neither team finding the back of he net the first half. 

It was the Pride’s Marta who scored a fantastic long range to the scoring in the 68th minute.  However, just two minutes later the Spirit equalized.  A cross into the box was badly deflected by Orlando’s defence straight to Ashley Sanchez who scored.

The goal of the game though occurred in the 89th minute.  After Trinity Rodman received the ball in Orlando’s half off a great long pass from Tori Huster, the youngster did well to be patient with it.  She then passed it to Ashley Sanchez who beat a defender and then from outside the box scored a rocket shot.  The Spirit won the game 2-1.


The win put Washington in third place and dropped Orlando to sixth place.  The league table has therefore separated at the top, with the Portland Thorns and the North Carolina Courage seven and five points ahead of the third and fourth placed teams.  However, from third to ninth place only six points separate the teams with some clubs having one or two games at hand. Only KC are arguably out of playoff contention.  
The latter part of the National Women’s Soccer League season should be an exciting one.  


Heyman Re-Signs For Canberra & City Announce Wilkinson

The big news overnight from the latest batch of W-League signings is Canberra United announcing the retention of iconic league record goal scorer Michelle Heyman with Melbourne City adding New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson. We hear from both players and head coaches.

Above: Michelle Heyman scoring for Canberra United in the W-League last season against Adelaide United. She’s back for more in 2021/22. Photo: Canberra Times.

Canberra United have announced that two-time Julie Dolan Medal winner Michelle Heyman has re-signed with the club for a tenth season ahead of the 2021/22 W-League season.

From her incredible return to the W-League, reclaiming the all-time league goal scoring record, playing her 100th game in green and helping Canberra United make finals, 2020/21 was a big season for Heyman.

To cap it all off, the striker was awarded the Julie Dolan Medal at the Dolan Warren Awards, as voted by a panel of technical football experts and media representatives.

With 73 goals to her name in the W-League, including 61 for Canberra United, Heyman will be looking to add more to her tally when the season commences in November.

Speaking about entering her tenth season with the club, Heyman said she’s counting down the days.

“I am so excited to announce that I am back in green for the 2021/22 W-League season,” Heyman said.

“I absolutely loved everything about last season and can’t wait to be back training and playing with the girls.

“I’m just so happy and grateful for another opportunity to represent Canberra, play in front of our amazing fans and push for another finals appearance.”

Canberra United Head Coach Vicki Linton was delighted to have Michelle back playing for Canberra.

“I really enjoyed seeing her come back to the game last year and do so well and I hope she enjoys another great season this year.”

Melbourne City add Football Fern Hannah Wilkinson:

Above: Hannah Wilkinson unveiled in sky blue for 2021/22. Artwork supplied by: Melbourne City

New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson has joined Melbourne City for the upcoming W-League season.

The 29-year-old striker made her 100th appearance for her country earlier this month in the Tokyo Olympics and has scored 26 goals for the national team.

Wilkinson is no stranger to the big stage, having represented New Zealand in the last two Women’s World Cups as well as the last three Olympics.

After attending college at the University of Tennessee, Wilkinson has had lots of experience playing abroad, spending time playing in Sweden, Portugal, and most recently Germany.

She joins from Bundesliga club MSV Duisburg and will bring a wealth of experience to City’s squad in season 2021/22.

Wilkinson is known for her aerial prowess and with her strong finishing instincts in front of goal, she’ll be looking to wreak havoc for defences all over the country this season.

W-League Head Coach Rado Vidosic said: “It’s exciting to have a player with a resume like Hannah’s join us for the upcoming season.

“She’ll be a goal-scoring threat in the final third for us and she has shown her quality in Europe and on the international stage plenty of times in recent years.

“Hannah will provide us with some crucial experience and leadership on the pitch and we expect her to complement our style of play well.

“We look forward to her arriving in Melbourne and joining us for pre-season.”

Explaining her move to Melbourne City, Hannah Wilkinson said: “The W-League has always caught my eye. It’s a very professional league and it’s great to see that on our side of the world, especially with how much women’s football is developing.

“Melbourne City is a big name and I’ve heard fantastic things about the Club. Melbourne sounds like an incredible place to live and I’m just so excited to meet all the girls. I can’t wait to get to work and help create some new memories for our fans.” 

Three More Major Additions To W-League Squads

Overnight, Melbourne City announced the hugely important retention of Emma Checker on two year deal, Western Sydney Wanderers have brought Teigen Allen back to the club and Brisbane Roar announce the signing of Shea Connors. We hear from the players and head coaches.

Above: Emma Checker – back in sky blue. Artwork supplied by: Melbourne City

Melbourne City FC have announced the re-signing of W-League Captain Emma Checker on a two-year deal.

Having joined City in 2019, Checker has made 23 appearances for the club and was named captain last season.

Playing in a star-studded team during her first season at City, Checker was part of the club’s record-breaking 2019/20 squad that went through the season undefeated on their way to a Premiership and Championship double.

After making her W-League debut as a 15-year-old, Checker has gone on to make 101 appearances in her career so far. In March she made her 100th W-League appearance in City’s 1-0 win over Perth Glory.

Checker has scored two career goals and netted her first in City blue in Round Five last season against Adelaide United.

Widely regarded as one of the best defenders in not just the W-League but country, she received a Matildas call-up for July’s friendlies against Netherlands and Germany, appearing in both fixtures to now sit on seven international caps.

Above: Checker photographed in June on her return to the Matildas squad. Photo: Football Australia.

Checker will again lead our W-League squad in season 2021/22 and is the second of many signings to be announced over the coming weeks.

W-League Head Coach Rado Vidosic said: “Emma’s an exceptional leader and having now been at the Club for the past two seasons, she knows exactly the way we want to play and will set a great example for the rest of the squad.

“She is one of the best and most experienced defenders in the W-League and I have no doubt she’ll continue to improve this season.”

Expressing her delight about resigning, Emma Checker said: “It was an easy decision to sign on for the next two years. I’ve loved my time at City so far and feel like there’s a lot more I can bring and contribute in the seasons to come.

“We’ve experienced some highs and some lows, but that’s football and it’s all in the way we bounce back this season. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m excited by the direction the Club is heading in.

“The Club shows great commitment and ambition towards the women’s team. It’s important as women that we feel valued by our club and that’s a big part of why I feel so heavily invested in the club in the long run.” 

Teigen Allen returns to Western Sydney Wanderers:

Above: Teigen Allen in action for Western Sydney Wanderers during her previous spell, against Adelaide United. Photo: Eric Berry

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have signed defender Teigen Allen for the upcoming W-League season.

The experienced defender returns to the club with over 120 appearances in the domestic competition as well as international experience with clubs Välerenga in Norway and Western New York Flash in the United States.

A Penrith Nepean junior, Allen brings a winning mentality and attitude to the club having won a number of accolades including an AFC Asian Cup, FFA Cup of Nations, and a W-League Premiership twice. 

Allen was part of the inaugural Wanderers W-League squad, making 21 appearances over two seasons, where she played alongside club legend and head coach Catherine Cannuli.

Head coach Catherine Cannuli welcomed Allen back to the club. “Teigen played an instrumental role in helping create the foundations of what the Wanderers W-League team looked like and stood for in its early years,” said Cannuli.

“It is fantastic to welcome back a player of such calibre to our club and a person who comes from the Western Sydney region that understands our mentality and ethos.

Above: Teigen Allen playing for the Matildas against Argentina in 2019. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

“Teigen is a true professional and someone that our next generation of Wander Women can look up to.”

Allen said she was ready to be pushed to her football limits at the Red & Black. “I’m at a stage in my career where I understand the importance of atmosphere and energy within a team and a club,” said Allen.

“I know I will be able to get the most out of myself and play my best football if and/when I am surrounded by a healthy football environment and I do believe the club and Catherine (head coach Catherine Cannuli) will and have provided that. 

“Catherine has always been a leader and a role to model to me since I first started my professional football career. I have so much respect for her on and off the field.

“I know playing for the Wanderers with Catherine as head coach, myself and my team will be pushed to our football limits. Putting us in a position to be a top-quality team, week in and week out, giving us the best opportunity we have to come finish on top.”

Brisbane Roar Sign Another Young Starlet:

Above: Shea Connors returns to Brisbane Roar after two years away. Photo: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar is excited to confirm NPL Queensland star Shea Connors as the Club’s fourth signing for the upcoming W-League campaign.

Following two games and a goal in a brief stint with the side two seasons ago, the prolific 25-year-old returns to Roar colours as one of the state’s leading strikers.
Connecticut-born Connors has already scored 30 times for NPL Women’s leaders Lions FC this term, improving her overall tally to 66 goals in 48 appearances in the competition.

Her sustained scoring form was recognised with a call-up to the Queensland state team that beat New South Wales in the Watson-O’Connor Cup late last year and she will now get the chance to carry that into a full W-League campaign.

“It’s definitely something I’ve been working towards and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” said Connors, who plays alongside Roar team-mates Mariel Hecher and Holly McQueen at Lions.

“I think Mariel said there’s so much talent here and it’s so true. I think the team is going to bond really well because everyone knows each other already in some capacity. We’re not starting from scratch, it’s going to be such a good group of girls.”

Having lived locally since arriving in Australia in 2019, Connors said she feels right at home in the Sunshine State.

Above: Shea Connors pictured with her NPL club Lions FC.
Photo: Lions FC.

“I absolutely love living in Queensland,” she said. “I never want to leave! It’s funny, I feel like an adopted Queenslander.

“And playing for Queensland against New South Wales last year, that was so much fun.
I feel like I’m not just a visitor, I want to live here. I’m trying to make this my home. I get a lot of pride from representing Queensland and playing for the only W-League club here.”

Head Coach Garrath McPherson said Connors would be a dangerous proposition for W-League defences.

“Shea is a proven goal scorer in the NPL Women’s competition and brings speed and attacking threat to our team.

“Like Mariel Hecher, Shea is an example of the pathway into the W-League environment that the NPL competition provides.

“She has shown across the last few seasons that she can create and convert goal scoring opportunities against the best defenders in Queensland.”

Ashford Pride In Opening Day Win

Ashford Town (Middx) 9-1 Millwall Lionesses

Words and Photos by Ben Gilby

Above: Millwall goalkeeper Millie Carter makes a save at Ashford Town yesterday. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Yesterday, Impetus made our first visit to partner club Ashford Town (Middx) for their opening day Tier Five London & South-East Regional Football League Premier Division game against Millwall Lionesses.

Above: Ashford Town pile on the pressure in the Millwall penalty box. Photo: Ben Gilby.

The Tangerines are one of the favoured sides to be contesting the promotion places to the National League and they overcame a frustrating start to comfortably defeat the newly promoted Lionesses.

Millwall took an early lead with a freak goal with their first attack of the game when the ball looped up and over Ashford Town keeper Sophie Shults.

Above: Impetus sponsored Ashley Cheatley (left) in a battle for possession for Ashford Town. Photo: Ben Gilby

Ashford began to take control and were desperately unlucky not to level when Impetus sponsored hot shot Ashley Cheatley saw her shot come crashing back off of the cross bar and the follow up attempts rebounded off of the same piece of woodwork.

It didn’t take long for the Tangerines to find the net and they went in at the break 5-1 ahead. By full-time it was 9-1 as Lavana Neufville hit four goals, Impetus sponsored Ashley Cheatley two, Alissa Down two and Phoebe Head one. Cheatley also hit the post near the end. Millwall were unlucky not to add at least one goal to their tally with Shults pulling off a sensational second half save to push the ball over the bar.

Above: Ashford Town goalkeeper Sophie Shults makes a stunning second half save. Photo: Ben Gilby

To see Ben Gilby’s full gallery of action shots from the game visit the @ImpetusFootball Facebook page by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/ImpetusFootball/photos/pcb.126375689720684/126374203054166/

Don’t forget to “like” and “follow” our Facebook page whilst you are there!

The 16 page full colour match programme can be read via this link: https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/files.pitchero.com/clubs/51537/c6mgSNN3REqoW2OIKPuQ_Matchday%20Programme%20V%20Millwall%20Lionesses.pdf

Artwork: Ashford Town (Middx)

Brighouse Claim Opening Tier Three Win In Style

Hull City 1-5 Brighouse Town

Report Supplied by Brighouse Town AFC

Photo From: @btafcwomen

Brighouse Town Women picked up their first three points as a tier three team away at Hull City with a 5-1 win.

Town started the game brightly and probably should have been ahead as early as the third minute when Amy Woodruff went clean through only to drag her shot wide. She did however open the scoring on the 15th minute, again latching on to a long ball before composing herself and finishing in at the near post.

Town made it 2-0 shortly after when a Kayleigh Bamforth cross was glanced in by Becky Gompertz. It was three before the break, Woodruff again breaking clear to score after great work from Darcie Greene.

The second half started in much the same fashion, Town dominating and looking threatening on the attack and Impetus sponsored Leah Embley opened her account for the club after beating her marker, she cut inside and fired in to the bottom right hand corner to make it 4-0. Ellie Dobson made it 5-0 after coming on as a substitute, latching on to a Danielle Whitham cross to complete the rout.

Town didn’t manage to hold on to the clean sheet, in the final minutes of the game they switched off and were punished by Ellie Tanser who managed to get on the end of a cross to make it 5-1.

In truth Town could and maybe should have added several more given the amount of chances they created, but manager Rob Mitchell will be pleased that his side got off the mark and can now build on the win for the upcoming games against Huddersfield Town and Middlesborugh.

Player of the match Cara Fields.

Hickson Header Sinks Leeds

Chorley 2-1 Leeds United

Report supplied by Chorley FC.

Above: Rachel Hindle equals the scores for Chorley from the spot. Photo: John Shirras.

After a battling display last week saw Chorley take all 3 points away at Bradford City, this week they faced a Leeds side who are already fancied by most for promotion this season after heavy financial backing from the men’s club.

Chorley started the game the better of the two sides and should have gone ahead when a failed clearance from the Leeds keeper fell kindly to Matthews who has been in excellent form of late but her shot was straight back at the relieved keeper.

Leeds looked dangerous down the wings but it was Chorley who continued to play the better football. Against the run of play Leeds were awarded a dubious penalty when Worth was judged to have caught the Leeds winger. Striker Danby tucked away the penalty.

Matthews then had a further chance when a lovely through ball by Worth saw her one on one with the Leeds keeper, the striker chipped the keeper with the goal mouth open but the ball drifted just wide of the post. 

It was then Bradley’s chance in the Chorley goal to spring into action as she was forced to make a point blank save from the Leeds left winger.

Above: Chorley’s Emma Hickson (right) shadows her Leeds United opponent. Photo: John Shirras.

Chorley were pushing for the equaliser and Hickson on the left was beginning to grow into the game it was her tricky run into the Leeds penalty area that saw her taken out by a clumsy challenge and it was Chorley’s turn from the spot. Hindle stepped up and made no mistake with a beautiful finish into the top corner to level the scores.

Leeds came out stronger in the second half and dominated the first 10 minutes with Bradley forced into making a couple of good saves. Chorley then settled back into the game and began to play the better football.

Mackay, Walker and Bell worked tirelessly in the Chorley midfield to snuff out any danger from Leeds midfield despite then making changes. Leeds were beginning to get frustrated and another late challenge on Hickson allowed Walker to float in a free kick which Hickson unmarked at the back post expertly floated over the hapless Leeds keeper to give Chorley the lead their performance deserved 2-1.

Chorley knew they would need to dig deep to get all 3 points and they did just that; Bradley making a couple of outstanding saves in the last 10 mins as well as some excellent defending from the whole team. Having a strong bench helped as Gooden was able to make strong substitutions to push through to full time.

CHORLEY: Bradley, Searson, Topping, Bell (Evans 82), Hindle, Mackay, Jones (Stocks 46), Matthews (Wood 80), Hickson, Worth, Walker. Subs not used: Catlow, Mills.

Scorers: Hindle pen 41, Hickson 67.

LEEDS UNITED: Wattam, Hunter, Hamill (C), Hannon, Bass, Underdown (Bartup 46), K Hunt, R Hunt (Smith 72), Brown, Danby, Williams (Soares-Martins 46): Subs not used: Joyce, Trickett. 

Scorer: Danby pen 10.

Scottish Women’s Football Unveil New CEO

Ben Gilby hears from the new leader of the Scottish Women’s Football about how she aims to develop the game further across the country after the sad demise of senior football at Forfar Farmington.

Above: Aileen Campbell, unveiled to the media to day at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Photo: Colin Poultney.

Aileen Campbell was today presented to the media as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Scottish Women’s Football (SWF).

The former Scottish Government Minister, who has been in post for two weeks says that she is “relishing the challenge of leading the women’s club game in Scotland.”

“The recent growth and development in women’s football has been phenomenal” said
Campbell. “The chief executive position at SWF therefore brings enormous responsibility – I have been entrusted to maintain and accelerate progress, raise the game’s profile, attract audiences, increase investment and widen access. #

“There should be no limit on ambition. Women’s football is only going in one direction – the question is simply how far and how quickly it can move.”

Whilst Campbell is certain the future is bright for the game, the new CEO had a challenging first week on the job. Forfar Farmington outlined their intention not to compete in SWPL 1 for the 2021/22 season.

Above: Aileen Campbell – SWF’s new CEO. Photo: Colin Poultney.

“I was heartbroken to learn of Forfar Farmington’s forced withdrawal due to a lack of
players. It cruelly demonstrated that fragilities still exist.

“I am relieved and assured, however, that with its exemplary youth pathway the club is still leading the way and thriving at the grassroots level.”

While Campbell will look to continue growing and developing the girls and women’s game alongside the various stakeholders, she also hopes to reach true gender equality across society, sport and football.

“My aspiration is that one day women’s football is viewed by everyone with the same
respect, admiration and enthusiasm as the men’s game. The progress to date has been
phenomenal and I truly believe that one day we will get there. I want to make a valuable contribution in pushing us along that road.

“It is my honour to have the opportunity to bring my experience from government, my
passion, drive and enthusiasm for football, and my ambition for the women’s game to SWF. I hope I can achieve my overriding ambition – that future generations of women and girls know and believe football is, absolutely, for them.”

Major Financial Boost For Women’s Football In Australia

Ben Gilby summarises the overnight news which saw a four year partnership between the Commonwealth Bank and women’s football in Australia commence and hears from some of the key people involved.

Artwork: Ashley Feder/Football Australia. Photo: Getty Images.

Football Australia’s partnership with Commonwealth Bank which aims to significantly elevate women’s football across the nation has officially commenced.

In April this year, Football Australia and Commonwealth Bank announced the new partnership which sees the bank become one of the largest investors in Australian women’s football, injecting millions of dollars into the elite women’s game and grassroots initiatives across the country over the next four years.

News of the partnership sees the bank becoming the naming rights partner of the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas, and Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas, and pledging to play an integral role in supporting Football Australia’s ambitious Legacy ‘23 plan, to increase women’s participation in football.

Commonwealth Bank Group Executive of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Monique Macleod, said the partnership represents a landmark moment for CBA and for Australian football.

“This is an exciting time for women’s football; the Matildas recent performance on the world stage is showing young Australian women and girls they can achieve great things. We are ready to play our part in strengthening the game at all levels as we head towards 2023 and beyond.

“We are delighted to partner with Football Australia in supporting the Commonwealth Bank Matildas in their quest for glory on the world stage, and the future growth and development of the game across all levels,” Ms Macleod said.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, said: “Our partnership with Commonwealth Bank represents a clear and strong alignment of values between our two organisations.  It is also a significant endorsement of our vision for Australian football and our strategic priority to anchor the growth of the game in women’s football.

“We are already seeing Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to helping Football Australia provide opportunities for all Australians to play football, and to further strengthen the Commonwealth Bank Matildas’ position as an iconic brand, by helping us to reach more Australians than ever before.

“We are thrilled that today the Commonwealth Bank Matildas partnership has officially begun following the announcement of our landmark agreement in April this year. It is one which will also become synonymous with our senior and youth women’s national teams through to 2023 and beyond.

“In recent weeks we’ve seen the Commonwealth Bank Matildas set the record for the largest audience for a women’s team sport in Australian TV history, with an average television audience of 1.87 million tuning in to watch Australia and Sweden in Tokyo. This is a sign of how this team is capturing the hearts and minds of Australians everywhere and with Commonwealth Bank’s support, we believe this team will continue to grow and reach new heights over the coming years.

The partnership between Commonwealth Bank and Football Australia includes:

  • Official Naming Rights Partner of the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas and Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas
  • Official Bank of the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas and Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas
  • Official Partner the Female Football Awards
  • Official Naming Rights Partner of Commonwealth Bank Matildas Fan Days
  • Official Partner and Bank of the Socceroos
  • Official Partner of the MiniRoos (children’s football scheme).

Roar Announce Re-Signing of Teen Queensland Defender

Artwork: Brisbane Roar.

Brisbane Roar have announced teenage defender Holly McQueen as its third re-signing ahead of the new W-League season.

The 19-year-old Queenslander has spent recent seasons learning from the likes Clare Polkinghorne and was officially promoted into the squad late last term. She will now get the chance to push for a W-League debut as a fully-fledged member of Garrath McPherson’s side, having played for the new Head Coach while part of the QAS/NTC program.

“It’s great having that security with the contract sorted early,” McQueen said.
“My first goal is the debut and then to play well throughout the season. Hopefully I can secure a spot in the starting line-up.
“Knowing some of the girls as well, and with a lot of us being locals, it’s really good. Everyone should fit in straight away. Garrath is very good at getting everyone to bond together.”

McPherson praised McQueen as a “tremendous defender” and promising young leader.
“Of all the players to graduate from the program in the last two years, she is a role model for having that winning mentality on the pitch,” he said.
“She is explosive and outstanding in one-on-one contests.
“Holly was the QAS Player of the Year last year, receiving the award from the previous year’s winner Jamilla Rankin.
“It will be exciting to see the two of them reconnect in the W-League this season.”