Wexford Youths: Successful Past And A Bright Future

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.”

Huddersfield Preparations Complete For New Season

by Oliver Eaton

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

Kyah Simon: Spurs Sign The Ultimate Fighter

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.

Jets Announce Re-Signing Of Key Pair

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.”

Things Have To Change

Above: Team GB taking the knee at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: Getty Images

Catherine Paquette observes that football still has a long way to go before it gets rid of its racist, ableist, xenophobic, sexist, and homophobic problems.  At the end of this week, a released PFA report on social media abuse was then followed by a controversial tweet that demonstrates that these are mainstays of football, and a reality in many women’s and men’s player’s existence (8/8/21).

The English Professional Footballers’ Association put out a report on Thursday, August 5th about the propensity of abusive targeted social media messages sent during the 2020/21 season to current players in the Premier League, the English Football League, the Women’s Super League, and to former players from the top divisions of English football. 

The numbers clearly show that racist, ableist, xenophobic, sexist, and homophobic social media messaging is commonplace for top-flight men and women footballers.  The last year saw an increasing trend in these types of abuses, with online discrimination worsening as the pandemic continued.  

In the Premier League, racist messages intensified in the second half of the season, with certain athletes being increasingly targeted with abuse.  However, homophobic messages remain the greatest type of abuse directed at Premier League players, with the December 2020 period being the worst as it coincided with anti-homophobia campaigns.  Racist messages were second followed by ableist and xenophobic comments.  When one dropped down to the English Football League the ratios changed, with racism being half of all discriminatory messages followed by ableism and then homophobia.

In comparison, the Women’s Super League faces different types of targeted abusive messaging.  As one would expect, sexist comments followed by sexual harassment make up for the majority of abuse WSL players have to contend with.  Homophobic messaging is as prevalent as sexual harassment.  In the past season, every club in the WSL except for one has had a player discriminated against online, with 15% of WSL players being the target of abuse. 

The lower the profile of the league, the less Twitter acted on and removed abusive messages directed at players.  While 27% of all abusive posts are removed for Premier League players, this number drops down to 17% in the EFL and only 12% for the WSL.  The majority of this abuse is homegrown.

This problem is not new.  The report clearly shows the well-known fact that social media companies do not do enough to stop discrimination and to shut down abusive accounts.  It was this lack of action that lead the PFA, in conjunction with Premier League, WSL, and EFL teams and players to take action earlier this season to highlight the growing issue.  Over the course of the weekend of 30th April 2021, English football boycotted social media companies in an attempt to demand change.

However, for change to occur, it must take place not just with social media companies but also within football itself. The PFA report came out an hour before Juventus Women put up a post of one of their players portraying themselves in a racist manner against Asians – a tweet which Impetus has made a conscious decision not to re-publish here on the grounds of it being offensive. Juventus have since apologized and put out the following message as a response:

However, as sincere as this explanation may be, it highlights a greater problem. At least two to three individuals were involved in the tweet: the player, the photographer and the social media manager (of which the latter two could have been the same person.)  How the picture and its posting could have passed through a number of individuals, without any of them realizing its severity is concerning.  

Even more disturbing is that the tweet stayed up for almost 30 minutes during which nearly every single reply was a request for deletion.  On a day where Lionel Messi became a free agent, it is revealing that this would be the topic to overtake the Twitter thread of women’s football. 

The tweet is not a huge shock though to those who follow football.  It was less than two years ago that Serie A chose to create an anti-racism campaign through the use of artwork with monkeys.  They did this without consultation of individual clubs, and like yesterday, received quick condemnation and cancelled the advertisements.

English football is not without its outrageous moments as well.  You only have to go back to 2015, when upon their return to England after a third-placed women’s World Cup campaign, the English FA put out the following tweet: 

Reducing a group of players to non-football-related titles without afterthought or knowledge of its blatant sexism follows the same lack of awareness and insensitivity to misogyny as the Juventus tweet and Serie A campaign did to racism.  It demonstrates a greater problem within institutions still blighted by the inability to identify and combat serious problems that propagate hate towards some of their players.

While some would say that the English FA has since improved, the recent numbers put out by the PFA show that not nearly enough is being done.  For football to change there must be a collective effort, with clubs and federations leading the way. 

In their conclusions to tackling systemic abuse problems in football, the PFA identifies clear solutions.  They highlight that abusive accounts can be identified and brought to justice, that clubs do have the power to sanction fans for hate crimes and that all involved in football must use their social platforms to deal with issues.  However, for any of these solutions to be effective though those working in social media at institutions of power in football must be properly vetted and properly trained to combat the problem of hate, not create it.

The actions of Juventus Women’s Twitter feed at the end of last week demonstrate that we are still, sadly, a long way from that occurring.

This is the final part of our series of articles we’re republishing between Christmas and New Year to share once more some of our material from 2021 that makes Impetus who we are.

The first part featured Jean-Pierre Thiesset‘s interview with Selma Bacha from February: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/02/22/selma-bacha-part-of-an-exciting-new-generation-in-french-womens-football/

Part Two was our look back at Kieran Yap‘s analysis of Australia’s performance in reaching the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in August: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/08/08/that-was-fun/

The third part saw us re-publish Abi Ticehurst‘s article looking back at the massive missed opportunity that this year’s Women’s Football Weekend turned out to be: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/11/19/womens-football-weekend-an-opportunity-missed/

Part Four was Ben Gilby‘s account of why a guy born and bred in South-West London has been a massive fan of The Matildas – Australia’s national team – since before 2010: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/07/16/we-are-matildas/

Yesterday, we re-shared Kris Goman‘s article on the social media abuse faced by the USWNT before and during the Olympic Games: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/08/04/uswnt-and-the-x-factor/

That Was Fun

Kieran Yap reviews Australia’s record run at the Olympics and sees huge positives in not only the team’s fortunes and future prospects, but in the way they brought fans together and connected with them (8/8/21).

Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her last gasp goal to take the Quarter-Final with Great Britain into Extra Time. Photo: Getty Images.

That was fun. The Matildas made it to a semi-final and were only denied a bronze medal by some suspect added time and the width of the post.

There are things to analyze about the tournament, the team, and the performances.

There are definitely areas that will need to be improved upon by the 2023 World Cup, but putting aside all of the “if-only’s” and “we should have’s” the Tokyo Olympics was a really good time to be a Matildas fan.

Not only was it the best tournament position reached by an Australian women’s team, it was watched by record numbers of viewers. More than one in 12 Australians watched them overcome Great Britain in an epic goal-fest. Millions again tuned in to see Sam Kerr become the greatest goal scorer in Matildas history.

The family-friendly time zones meant that people could watch together, unburned by a 2am alarm or the need to calculate how many hours sleep are needed to survive the next day at work.

Online communities formed, through official and community-formed channels.

Football Australia organized Zoom watch parties and The Matildas Active support held a Twitter Space at half times and pre-game Facebook session.

The Far Post podcast doubled their output to provide information that in an IOC controlled world is nearly impossible to come across and millions of locked-down Australians were given something to look forward to.

The wider Australian public became suddenly familiar with players like Ellie Carpenter that the football fans have been raving about to blank faces for years.

Onto the scene burst Mary Fowler a young striker long proclaimed as the next big thing but due to her short W-League stay and playing in the hardly broadcast French league, she always seemed slightly overhyped despite little evidence to suggest either way.

Above: Mary Fowler was outstanding at the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images

How good could she possibly be to be worth all the discussion and urge to cap-tie her to Australia? The answer was provided with two touches against Team GB.

First, that touch to control a dropping ball. A mix of instinct, special awareness, and skill allowed her to control it and turn in one touch to face goal.

Then came the finish, it deflected off Lucy Bronze to fly into the net but, here was a young player given a chance to change the game and taking it in spectacular fashion on the big stage.

“How good could she possibly be?” that question is now asked with excitement, not skepticism.

Then there was Sam. After a season of unrelenting pressure with Chelsea, the captain came into the Olympics with no goals in five games.

She insisted she was only focused on the Olympics, that fans needn’t worry, it was all a process that would come together.

Six goals in six games including a last-minute equalizer in the quarter-final have put an end to any doubts about her form.

Are Australia too reliant on Kerr? Perhaps, but her job is to score goals, that is her role in the side, in the same way it is Catley’s to send in crosses or for Hayley Raso to literally roll up her sleeves and terrorize the left flank of the opposition.

Did Australia play well every game? Mostly, did they ever look overawed or nervous? Never.

The players laughed in the tunnels before games, joked after singing the anthem, and posted social media videos of them screaming support for other Olympians.

Above: Togetherness was the key for the Matildas at the Olympic Games. Photo: Football Australia.

Tony Gustavsson, a new coach who has yet to set foot in Australia is measured and detailed when he talks to the media.

On match days he celebrated with the emotion of a lifelong fan, running high-fives and screaming into the sky after goals were scored.

They were having the time of their lives and millions of us were along for the ride.

In the end, the team fell short of a medal, they looked devastated but had done themselves and their country proud.

It did hurt to see how happy the Americans were at their medal presentation but that was fleeting and will be soon forgotten.

What will not be forgotten was that in these last few weeks The Matildas gave us reason to believe, a reason to call your friends in lockdown and just scream down the phone, and reason to be excited for the future.

What a tournament, what a team, what a football community.

That was seriously fun.

Artwork: Football Australia

Perth Glory Re-Sign Anton

Above: Liz Anton’s return is another hugely important piece of business completed by Perth Glory. Photo via Perth Glory.

Perth Glory have confirmed that defender New Zealand international Liz Anton, who won the club’s player of the year award last season, is returning to the club for the new W-League campaign.

The 22-year-old made a huge impact in what was her maiden W-League campaign last year, playing every minute of Glory’s 12 games and being rewarded for her outstanding performance levels with the club’s Most Glorious Player Award.

Having recently returned from Tokyo where she was a part of New Zealand’s Football Ferns squad, Anton is thrilled at the prospect of building upon the impressive start she has made to her Glory career.

“I’m so excited to be back at Perth for a second season,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting some new faces and to getting back training with the girls in what will be a competitive environment.”

Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, believes that the Auckland-born centre-back will be a cornerstone of Glory’s defence once again this term.

“We are really happy to have Liz back this season,” he said.

Above: Liz Anton won Perth Glory’s player of the year award last season. Artwork: Perth Glory.

“She returns on the back of her Olympics experience and spending the majority of the off-season involved in national team training camps in New Zealand.

“Liz was a player who really stood out and played an important role throughout some of the difficulties of last season.

“It is easy forget she is still very young, but she plays with experience and conducts herself in such a fantastic way on and off the field and is a real benchmark athlete and person!

“I am fully aware of how focused she is to return and help the team and club bring our vision to life and I am excited to work closely with her to further assist her personal development.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Tony Pignata.

“Liz was one of the best defenders across the entire competition last season and a very worthy winner of our coveted MGP Award,” he said.

“She’ll be a key figure in what we are confident will be a highly-competitive team in 2021/22 and I’m sure our Members and fans are looking forward to seeing her star in purple once again.”

Adelaide United Re-Sign Another Four Key Players

Above: Adelaide United star Chelsie Dawber is one of four players that the club have re-signed. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United have announced the re-signings of Isabel Hodgson, Chelsie Dawber, Ella Tonkin and Meleri Mullan for the upcoming W-League 2021/22 season.

Hodgson started all 12 matches while scoring two goals predominantly as a full-back last campaign.

The 25-year-old is entering her seventh season with the Reds where she has registered a total of 45 appearances and four goals.

Hodgson had spent the offseason in Sydney with Bankstown City Lions before returning last month to Adelaide City in the Women’s National Premier League (WNPL).

Speaking on recommitting with the Club, Hodgson, said: “I’m excited to be back again for another season.

“Last year was a lot of fun and I felt like I adapted well to playing in a more defensive role. 

“I believe we improved so much as a team and I’m eagerly anticipating seeing our group progress further.”

Above: Back for another year at Adelaide United – Isabel Hodgson. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Meanwhile, Dawber returns for her fifth campaign with the Reds after debuting in 2017 and experienced her most prolific season to date last term.

The 21-year-old scored five goals in eight matches to claim the W-League Golden Boot for the Club.

The striker has continued her scintillating form with Adelaide City during the SA WNPL campaign, scoring 15 goals in 11 games in all competitions so far.

After putting pen-to-paper on a new deal, Dawber, said: “Last season was my best so far in the W-League.

“I was able to regularly contribute to the team by scoring goals and I really want to build on that moving forward. 

“We came so close to reaching finals and, while it was disappointing to fall just short, I’m optimistic we can book a place this year if we play to our potential and build on our progress.”

Above: Meleri Mullan – back in Adelaide red. Photo supplied to Impetus By: Adelaide United.

After making her debut during the 2018/19 campaign, Meleri Mullan returned to the Reds last season and featured in 11 games.

The 21-year-old attacker spent the offseason with Bankstown City Lions in Sydney before returning last month to SA Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) outfit Salisbury Inter.

Speaking about re-signing with the Club, Mullan, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be re-signing with Adelaide United.

“While I was happy with my contributions in a record-breaking season for the Club last year, I want to push myself even further and do as much as I can for our group this upcoming season. 

“We have an amazing group of people who have contributed to the successful culture that has been established at the Club.

“After last season’s heart-breaking end, I know we have some unfinished business, which is something I know this group can achieve and is why I can’t wait for the season to begin”.

Above: A real potential star of the future in South Australia, Ella Tonkin returns to Adelaide United. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Meanwhile, Ella Tonkin is back with United for a third successive season and has previously made two substitute appearances for the Reds.

The 18-year-old defender has spent the offseason with Football SA NTC in the WNPL, scoring one goal in 10 appearances.

After signing her contract, Tonkin, said: “I’m really excited to be back and pushing for more first-team opportunities in what is a really competitive squad.

“Training every day at this level last year really helped improve my game, and if I continue to work hard, I’ll give myself the best chance of getting more minutes under my belt.

“I’m also hoping we can make the finals for the first time in our history too.”

Adelaide United’s W-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Isabel and Chelsie are two integral players in our squad.

“They both enjoyed really positive seasons last year and having them on board again is a huge boost for our Club.

“Chelsie was excellent and was able to carry her strong form in the WNPL into the W-League, while Isabel showed a lot of poise playing as a full-back.”

“Both Meleri and Ella have really progressed as players during their time with the Club.

“Both girls are still quite young and only at the beginning of their careers, but they’re on the right path to fulfilling their potentials and being successful. 

“Their additions certainly bolster the depth in the squad and I’m very happy to have them return.”

Impetus Announces Sponsorship of Leah Embley

To complete our nationwide group of eight sponsored players for 2021/22, Impetus is proud to announce we are sponsoring Brighouse Town winger Leah Embley. Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Leah ahead of the new FA Women’s National League Northern Premier season.

Artwork supplied by Brighouse Town FC.

Leah began playing football from a young age, and has gone on to achieve big things in the game.

“I started when I was nine years old for a local team. I played locally from 9-16. I then played for Accross College and later signed for Burnley FC Women. Whilst at Burnley I won the Players’ Player of the Year Award, two league titles and National League Division One Player of the Year. I then went on to sign for Blackburn Rovers last season where I made my first appearance in the FA Women’s Championship and then signed for Brighouse Town in tier three for this coming season. I would describe myself as a quick winger who is hard working and committed and passionate about football.”

Above: Leah Embley with her FA Women’s National League Division One Player of the Year Award in 2019. Photo: Jon Buckle/The FA

Leah credits several people with helping her to become the player she is today: “I always used to play football with my brother when I was younger so I would say he has helped me a lot. I enjoyed my time at Burnley, the environment that was created there was amazing to be a part of and I learnt so much during my time there.”

Last season, Leah made the step up to the FA Women’s Championship with Blackburn Rovers, something she described as being: “A rollercoaster season. I enjoyed making my debut in the Championship and I learnt a lot about myself as a person and a player. I was very resilient whilst I was there and wouldn’t regret anything as I gave everything every week.”

Above: Leah in action for Blackburn Rovers against Sheffield United in the FA Women’s Championship last season. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley.

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but Leah feels that the last sixteen months or so have included some positive developments in her footballing career.

“Personally, the pandemic has allowed me to improve my mind-set. I signed up to a footballer’s mind-set course during lockdown and completed it a few months ago.

This helped me massively and helped me become more confident as a person and also as a player. I also used it as a time to focus on setting some personal goals and used it as a time to work on myself fitness wise.”

Leah was recently unveiled by Brighouse Town as one of a raft of impressive signings ahead of their first campaign in Tier Three. She was very clear about how easy a decision it was to join them.

Above: Leah Embley pictured after signing for Brighouse Town ahead of their first season in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier. Photo supplied by: Brighouse Town FC.

“They’ve always seemed like a great club whenever I have played against them and once I’d spoken to manager Rob Mitchell and met the girls I knew it was a club that I wanted to commit to and be a part of. The girls and staff have been really welcoming and I am ready for the new season ahead. I think it will be a tough season as a new team in this league but there’s some quality players here and the coaches are brilliant too so it will be interesting to see how we can push on. I am very excited for this one.”

“I want to help the team in every way I can whether that’s with assists or goals. I always enjoy getting in amongst the goals but sometimes an assist can be just as crucial.”

We look forward to following Leah and Brighouse Town’s progress closely throughout the season.

Above: Leah Embley – Impetus‘ latest sponsored player. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley

For more information on all the other players that Impetus sponsor plus our Content Partnerships with grassroots clubs and our Charity Partner, Moriarty Foundation, click here.

The Swedish Scene

@DandalBs updates us on the week’s goings on in the Swedish domestic club game with lots of transfer activity.

Above: Amanda Nildén unveiled by Juventus Women this week after joining from Eskilstuna United. Photo: Juventus.

NEWS ROUND-UP:

Eskilstuna United midfielder Amanda Nildén will be joining fellow Swedes Linda Sembrandt and Lina Hurtig at Serie A champions Juventus. Eskilstuna have now lost three key players during the summer window. Eskilstuna scored 12 goals before the Damallsvenskan broke for the Olympics. The three players who have departed Eskilstuna have scored seven goals between them and provided a further seven assists. The transfer window is open until 11th August and the club needs to make signings urgently.

Hammarby winger Emilia Larsson, who has attracted interest from other clubs, has extended her contract for a further two years: “I chose to follow my heart”, she explained. Also extending her contract at the club is goalkeeper Britta Gynning signs for the rest of the season.

Caisa Collin, who has had limited playing time this season at Eskilstuna United, moves to AIK on a two and a half year contract. The 24 year-old forward has 21 caps for Finland.

Above: Matilda Nildén unveiled as an AIK player. Photo: Jesper Zerman/Bildbyrån 

AIK have also announced that talented 16 year-old forward Matilda Nildén has signed a two and a half year contract. Nildén joins from IF Brommapojkarna in the Elitettan and is the younger sister of Amanda Nildén who just signed for Juventus. The Nildén family have long standing links with AIK.

The last of the Solna based side’s three arrivals this week is 20 year-old midfielder Ebba Jahnfors from Kristianstad on a year and a half contract. Jahnfors hasn’t appeared in any competitive matches with Kristianstad this season.

Kristianstad, in a training camp outside Göteborg, played Norwegian UEFA Champions League competitors Vålerenga in a friendly. The match finished 2-2 after Kristianstad came from behind two twice. Amanda Edgren and Sveindis Jónsdóttir scored.

In slightly less positive news for the club, goalkeeper Melina Loeck has injured a hand in training and is expected to be out for “a few weeks”, which might include their UEFA Champions League qualification ties.

Linköping have announced that their 25 year-old Norwegian midfielder Synne Skinnes Hansen has left the club after a year and a half. As yet, her new destination is unknown.

Above: Amanda Rantanen, newly signed by KIF Örebro. Photo: Joope Erkkilä 

KIF Örebro have signed Finnish national team forward Amanda Rantanen from PK-35 in the Finnish league. The 23 year-old has signed a contracting lasting for a year and a half and comes in as a replacement for Karin Lundin.

DAMALLSVENSKAN:   

Table from: svenskfotboll.se

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

The Elitettan returns from its short break this weekend. The fixtures are below.

Next matches: IF Brommapojkarna, IFK Norrköping, Bollstanäs SK v Jitex Mölndal, IFK Kalmar v Alingsås FC United, IK Uppsala v Älvsjö AIK FF, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Lidköpings FK, Sundsvalls DFF v Morön BK, Umeå IK v Borgeby FK.

Table from: svenskfotboll.se