McKenna rockets Australia into ASEAN Final

Vietnam 1-2 Australia U23’s

By Kieran Yap 17/8/25

Above: Australia U23’s at half time Photo: Football

Australia’s Under 23 side has made the final of the ASEAN Championship after winning the semi final in front of a packed stadium against Vietnam.

Leticia McKenna delivered a virtuoso performance with a goal and an assist in a game that Australia were not able to dominate as easily as the last two, but looked their most organised so far.

Alana Jancevski wore the captain’s armband for the Aussie U23’s while Chloe Lincoln returned to the lineup as goalkeeper. Amy Chessari was back in midfield while Claudia Cicco joined Alana Cerne in being reinstated to the defence.

Australia has grown more visibly cohesive as a team during this tournament and that was most obvious in the opening goal. McKenna played a short corner and then delivered a curling in swinging cross from her right foot.

Aideen Keane’s run was perfectly timed across the goalkeeper’s path to nod the ball home in the seventh minute for her second of the tournament.

The goal came early enough where Vietnam would not be forced into recklessly chasing the game and were happy to let Australia enjoy the majority of possession. However, they were more adept at winning it back  than Timor Leste or Myanmar. Counter attacks and set pieces still posed a threat to the Aussies and Vietnam were unlucky not to draw level from a well constructed free kick and header.

The decisive goal arrived in the 25th minute. Some great buildup play on the left resulted in Holly Furphy laying the ball off to Mckenna. The Western Australian playmaker looked up, spotted an opportunity and fired a left foot rocket from long range to give Australia a 2-0 lead.

In a tournament filled with brilliant solo goals this might have been one of the very best. It was a confident, almost instinctive long range strike and delivered with technical perfection.

Opposition sides seem to have identified that compressing Australia’s midfield has a better impact than parking the bus, but Australia are able to launch counter attacks if they one and the passing and movement opened up enough space for McKenna to shoot.

Her ability to hit a ball like that on her left foot mean that she can be virtually impossible to shut down completely and in a tight game, those qualities can make all the difference. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.

Vietnam began to attack more in the second half, but Australia’s defence stood strong. The home side’s best chance lay in long, direct attacks and the fullbacks had to be on their guard.

It took until the 88th minute for Vietnam to pull one back, and it was another quality strike.

Thị Bích Nguyễn received the ball on the right flank, flicked it over her marker and steadied before hitting the ball under a diving Lincoln to make it 2-1.

Aideen Keane almost immediately restored the two goal buffer with a surging solo run on the counter attack, but some excellent goalkeeping from Thị Kim Trần kept Vietnam’s hopes alive.

Australia were able to hold on to until the final whistle and give them a chance win this tournament for the first time since 2008.

Teams: Vietnam:  Thị Kim Trần, Tran Thi Duyen, Thị Diễm Lê, Thị Chương, Thu Trần, Thị Thu Trần, Thị Bích Nguyễn, Thị Vạn Ngân, Huynh, Thái, Thị Thanh Nguyễn. Substitutes: Thị Hải Trần, Pham, Thị Nguyễn, Quách, Thương, Hoàng, Trần Thị, Tuyết Nguyễn, H. Nguyen, Duong, Thị Khổng, A. Nguyễn

Goals: Thị Bích Nguyễn 88’

Australia: Lincoln, Cicco, Tumeth, Cerne, Johnston, Chessari, Gomez, McKenna, Jancevski, Keane, Furphy.  Substitutes: Franco, James, Makris, Sakalis, Woods, Grove, Tonkin, Rasmussen, Cassidy, Lemon, Chinnama.

Goals: Keane 6’ McKenna 25’

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Renewed Rangers push for the title as Hibs aim to repeat: team-by-team guide to the 2025/26 SWPL

By Gethin Thurlow (16/8/25)

Above: A player from each of the 10 SWPL clubs as the league launches for the new season Photo: Colin Poultney/Malcolm Mackenzie

After years of Glasgow City domination, the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) had delivered 4 different winners in a row, and 3 straight title races going down to the wire. The 2025/26 season is gearing up to be another cracker, with the league more competitive and at a higher level than ever before.

Impetus’ Gethin Thurlow looks in depth at every team, how they have changed over the summer and how the table could be shaping up come May.

Hamilton Academical

The ‘Accies’ are the only new team in the league, having gained promotion by winning the SWPL2 last year. The jump from one league to the next is significant and as such a title-winning SWPL2 squad is probably quite far away from competing in the top league, especially with 10 teams instead of the 12 that made up the SWPL for the last few years.

With a clear understanding of this, Hamilton have added several players to their squad, particularly focusing on those with previous SWPL experience. Standout among these signings is the young midfielder Lucy Barclay, who has played for Celtic and Motherwell and will be key for Hamilton if they are to be competitive this year.

Manager Robert Watson has said in interviews that the club’s aim is to finish eighth, and while this may not seem ambitious, it would be an incredible achievement. The way it works in the SWPL is that 10th place goes straight down, then ninth goes into a playoff with the second-placed team from the SWPL2 to decide who will play in the SWPL the next season.

Given the quality of the top nine clubs from last year, all picking up at least 37 points across 32 games, beating two of these would be a huge success for Hamilton.  This is especially true when you consider that their players are not paid at all, while almost the entire league offers at least some part-time contracts.

It will take a lot for the Accies to avoid 10th place, and I’m not sure they will manage it, but they are sure to put up a fight in every game and represent the community of Hamilton appropriately.

Montrose

Above: Montrose walk out for a pre-season friendly Photo: @MontroseFCW on X

Montrose secured ninth position and survival with a 4-0 victory on the final day of last season. Having advanced up the leagues quickly since they were formed in 2016, staying in the top division was an important step for the club, and they will be looking to build on this as the league gets tougher.

To do this, the Gable Endies (yes this is their nickname) have been active in the transfer window, with the headline being a trio of loanees from Heart of Midlothian, including Ashley Robertson, who is a bright young Scottish talent in the left back position, currently representing Scotland at under-19’s level. Left winger Leah Fleming was the highlight in terms of permanent moves for Montrose, and she brings the pedigree of playing in America for the last three years.  

This season will be the most difficult yet for Montrose, as it is the first time that their most common final position of ninth or 10th will get them either relegated or in the playoffs. They will have to perform better than ever to confirm that top eight position.

Aberdeen

Another team that has been on the up since they got into the league is Aberdeen, who came home eighth last season after battling with Partick for seventh right to the death. Ultimately however, fighting between seventh and eighth is not where the club want to be, and they have transformed this summer in a bid to reach the top six.

18-year-old defender Abi Tobin joining permanently from Rangers was a steal for the Don’s. On loan at Hamilton last year, she claimed both the league title and the SWPL2 young player of the year. On the other end of the pitch, striker Bridget Galloway brings goals and experience in English football, having represented Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham and Nottingham Forrest across the top two divisions.

Perhaps the biggest statement of intent shown in any transfer across the league was by Aberdeen, in bringing Chelsea and England U-19 goalkeeper Katie Cox onboard for a season long loan. Developing under the guidance of some of the greatest keepers in the world, it’s clear Cox has incredible talent and she will bring so much to the SWPL. Whether it’s a young player and whether it’s just a loan or not, doing business with the eight-time English champions is no joke and Aberdeen have their sights clearly set on improving themselves beyond recognition.

Above: Aberdeen unveil new signing Katie Cox Photo: @AberdeenWomen on X

That initial goal for Aberdeen will be getting into the top six. While this may seem a random number, it would be a great achievement for Aberdeen and indeed the clubs above them for various reasons.

In Scotland, the ‘Split’ exists. This is where, after each team has played each other twice, the top six and bottom four form two separate groups, play each other twice again to make up the season. The final positions are determined by total points across all games, with the top split occupying the top six positions then the bottom four filling the rest. Even if someone from the bottom split ends with more points than someone from the top split overall, the top split team would stay above them as they have earned that position by qualifying for that top split position.

Due to five teams being professional, they are always going to take those top five places. As such getting into that top six by the time the split happens is the primary aim of all the other clubs, and being ‘best of the rest’ is almost like winning the league for them. This will undoubtedly be the main focus of Aberdeen, Partick Thistle and Motherwell for the upcoming season and the Dons have not hidden that intention with their work over the summer.

Partick Thistle

Partick had really asserted themselves as that sixth best team the last few years, so losing out on the top split last year was bitterly disappointing, although they were able to win games at the back end of the season unlike they usually get the chance to, surely a good thing for morale. As they said goodbye to the busiest man in football (Brain Graham had managed the women’s team at the same time being a player-manager at the men’s team) a rebuild was in order.

Dave Elliot was brought in to bring back that success on the pitch, while the recruitment team got to work behind the scenes. The losses of Caley Gibb and Tiree Burchill were tough, yet the fact that they secured professional football at Hibs proves the level of Partick, and the club’s ability to bring out the potential in those players.

Not everything went against Partick in the summer though and as Elliot described it was truly a coup to sign the Scottish footballing legend that is Jo Love. Capped an incredible 191 times for the national side, central midfielder Love won 21 trophies in her time at Glasgow City. While at 39 she may be past her peak physical capabilities, the experience, mentality, work ethic and undeniable talent she can bring to the club is invaluable and she will be responsible for any improvement shown by Partick this season.

Above: Jo Love with her new club Partick Thistle Photo: ThistleWFC on X

Motherwell

The team that made it at Thistle’s expense you’re wondering? That would be Motherwell. Reaching the top six is the best result in their relatively short history, but there are no laurels being rested on here, and having tasted that success Motherwell are pushing for more of the same as other teams around them strengthen too.

They have been as active as anyone in the transfer window, although it is not just players coming in. Player of the year for the last two years Louisa Boyes departed the club for title-hunting Glasgow City, but once again that is a positive reflection on the club in general. 16-year-old defender Lily Boyce from Rangers coming into the team on loan is very exciting and she is one to watch for the future. Getting your senior debut at Rangers aged only 15 is no mean feat and Motherwell’s defence will be shored up by her presence.  

After Hibs stalwart Shannon Leishman spent the second half of last year on loan a permanent deal seemed natural but is still a big scalp for Motherwell – to have someone that was such a major part of a fully professional team on their books will only serve them well as they look to return to that top split.

The only thing that you could suggest Motherwell would want to improve on after last season would be that performance once they got into the split. They lost every single game. While it is going to be difficult facing professional sides week after week; they still would have liked to take at least a point away and that can be something to aim for this season.

Heart of Midlothian

While fifth place last season saw Hearts dip below the position they’ve established since becoming professional – fourth; they were actually closer to the top than ever and it was arguably their greatest season. Indeed, that was what new signing Mairead Fulton from Glasgow City thought, explaining her decision to join the Edinburgh club by saying “seeing the progression over the last few seasons, it’s an exciting time to be part of the club.”

This is something that manager Eva Olid has been building since she was first appointed, and the clubs progress is clear to see in the way they cause issues to the title challengers now. Fulton described the Spanish manager as “one of the main factors” in her choice to sign with Hearts and praised the style of football which is “enjoyable to watch” under Olid.

It was a change of goalkeepers over the summer break as Charlotte Parker-Smith exited following six years at the club and Carolina Vilão, the Portuguese keeper replaced her, having played in New Zealand the season prior and with Benfica in the champions league before that. Keri Halliday is also a very exciting signing. The young winger has already become a star for her country Northern Ireland, winning player of the year in 2024.

For the season ahead, Fulton said that the club were aiming to “continue progressing and competing at the top,” which seems like a reasonable goal. By staying relatively stable and letting Eva Olid keep doing her thing without risking disrupting that by doing too much too soon, Hearts are setting themselves on a path towards to top and who knows whether this will be the year they can reach it.

Celtic

Around December 2024, it looked like Celtic had become a new version of Glasgow City and were on the brink of dominating Scottish football for years. They were top of the league, having finally claimed their first SWPL the season before and they were competing in the group stages of the Champions League, being the Scottish team to qualify. Then it all came crashing down. The number of games they were playing took its toll and Celtic collapsed, finishing only fourth in the end.

Above: Celtic clebrate the SWPL in the 23/24 season Photo: @CelticFCWomen on X

For such a big club, and following what was such a successful few months, that was a huge blow and a feeling that Celtic weren’t used to experiencing. The disappointment wouldn’t end there however as a mass of players left the club at the end of their contracts, including people that had been so crucial for the ‘Ghirls’ in their golden period. Bruna Lourenço, Lucy Ashworth Clifford, Murphy Agnew and Abi Harrison all departed, leaving holes throughout the starting lineup.  

However, there has only been two signings by Celtic so far. Defender Claire Walsh and Midfielder Lisa Robertson both bring strong experience from the SWPL, but they are perhaps not the ambitious, game changers that Celtic’s fanbase would have been hoping to see brought into the team. With so many areas weakened those players leaving not addressed by those two additions, its fair to say Celtic fans have not had a happy window.

Naturally, those two factors have led to manager Elena Sadiku being questioned but long serving defender Chloe Craig ensured to us that within the squad “she’s our leader, we’re all behind her.” While she may have the team fully behind her, the fans will still take some convincing, and Sadiku undoubtedly needs a fast start to the season if she is to persuade them and avoid more of that noise.

When challenged on the quality of the squad and their title-winning capabilities, Craig responded valiantly, arguing that every player is good enough for that because “if you’re at Celtic, you’re there for a reason” and that the squad has belief they can “right the wrongs of last season.” It is hard to judge this Celtic team, but their ability to have full focus on domestic football can only be beneficial.  

Rangers

Rangers must be feeling déjà vu. For the second season in a row, they come disappointed that the league title escaped them, while simultaneously wanting to repeat aspects of the season that did bring them success. Heartbreaking losses on the final day took the league title away from them in consecutive years, but the reprieve was back-to-back cup doubles. Asked whether those seasons can be a success despite the title eluding them, club captain Nicola Dochery told us “Four trophies – that is still a success, but it’s the league title we really want.”

Given how Rangers did play throughout the season, they really should have brought the title back to Ibrox. Scoring 139 goals across 32 games, Rangers blew away almost every opponent that they played, but it was the games against other title rivals they couldn’t hack. Two losses post-split to eventual champions Hibs made up their six-point losing margin, while they also fell to Glasgow City twice across the season. While they were able to score five past almost every opposition, this didn’t translate to getting through those tight games.

Looking ahead to this season, this will be the main thing for new manager Leanne Crichton to solve. After Jo Potter departed for Crystal Palace, Rangers’ search eventually led them to Glasgow City legend and then assistant coach Crichton. Nicola Docherty said she was “really excited” for the season ahead under Crichton, and that having played alongside her for almost a decade “I respect her just as much as my manager.”

Crichton will have to execute those plans without some key parts of that goalscoring machine last year, as Rio Hardy, Chelsea Cornet and Kirsty Maclean all left the club alongside keeper Victoria Essen. Rangers’ fans can feel positive though with the incomings, most notably Alice Griffiths, the Welsh international midfielder can bring that extra strength in midfield to help them control and dominate the midfield areas when facing those other top sides.

Glasgow City

Having won an incredible 16 titles overall including a run of 14 in a row, Glasgow have certainly got all the history in Scottish football. The professionalisation of more clubs however has seen others rise to challenge them, and last season marked the first time since 2007 that Glasgow lost the title two years straight. This does not mean they’re fading by any means however, battling right up towards the top every year and coming home second last year, securing Champions League football.

While many teams have suffered tough losses in the transfer window, Glasgow City have lost more talent than anyone. Arguably the best player in the league, commanding centre-back Samantha van Diemen was sold to Italian giants Roma, while their best striker Brenna Lovera moved to regular Champions League qualifiers SK Brann.

Glasgow have also probably brought the most quality to the club. Abi Harrison moved across the city, Loisa Boyes will add some quality to the squad after her brilliant recent run at Motherwell, while Irish international Erin McLaughlin is probably the headline signing in midfield. New defender Emma Brownlie told us she made the move from Hearts because it “felt like the right fit.” As a defender she will be tasked with trying to replace van Diemen, which is not easy at all.

When asked about ambitions for the upcoming year, Brownlie confidently expressed that Glasgow City have “built a squad we believe can compete on all fronts domestically,” and it remains clear that Glasgow City’s standards have not dropped even while the trophies have dried up a little. There is no reason to doubt them entering this season despite their big personal losses in the transfer window

Hibernian

Above: Hibs celebrate the SWPL title last season Photo: HibernianWomen on X

Finally then we come to last year’s champions. They somehow brought the SWPL back to Leith after consistent fifth place finishes in the seasons prior. With all the eyes on them, there will be no going under the radar so trying to win again will be an “extremely difficult task” in the words of striker Eilidh Adams.

What is unique about Hibernian this window is that they have managed to keep the squad that won the league together. Yes, they have lost some players, but no one that was a key playing member, especially in the back half of that historic season. The business they have done is exciting, bringing in youngsters Hannah Jordan and Tiree Burchill in the attacking areas, two players that were welcomed by Adams as it is “great to have competitiveness within the squad.”

While they are not new signings, the return of key players within the missed the crunch time of last season like Rachel Boyle and Ellis Notley can certainly help as the Hibees face a tough task to try and win the league again, while also playing Champions League football. Eilidh Adams emphasised that when it came to Europe “every player has a role” in the squad and managing the minutes of key players will be something Grant Scott has to get right.

When asked about the team’s aims for the season, Adams took a lesson from Grant Scott’s own expectation-setting last season, saying that they will “take each game as it comes” rather than focusing on the bigger picture. As a media tactic that worked so well last year, why not do it again, so expect to see similar words coming from Scott at any opportunity this season.  

Overall Picture

There we have it, a full breakdown of each team. With Hamilton and Montrose doing all they can to avoid that bottom two; Aberdeen, Partick and Motherwell all aiming for the top six the SWPL will be entertaining and twisting with every game and every goal. Meanwhile, Hibs miracle run last year means that any of the top five could win the title. There are arguments to be made for and against every team. With the teams looking so different from a year ago, who knows what could happen.

Having said that, if I was to make a prediction, this would be my table for the 2025/26 SWPL season.

  1. Glasgow City
  2. Rangers
  3. Hibernian
  4. Heart of Midlothian
  5. Celtic
  6. Aberdeen
  7. Partick Thistle
  8. Motherwell
  9. Montrose
  10. Hamilton Academical

The season kicks off tomorrow Sunday the 17th August, with BBC Alba and BBC Scotland showing games at least once per weekend. Many of the non-televised games are streamed on the club’s own YouTube channels.

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Australia qualifies for ASEAN semi-final with dominant win

Australia U23’s 9-0 Timor Leste

By Kieran Yap 14/8/25

Above: Australia’s starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia

Australia’s U23 side has qualified for the semi finals of the ASEAN Championships with a 9-0 thrashing of Timor Leste in the final group game. Braces to Holly Furphy, Alana Jancevski (and possibly Aideen Keane OR Emilia Makris) were added to by goals from Emilia Makris, Leticia Mckenna and Grace Johnston to set up an encounter with hosts Vietnam on Saturday.

Continuing the recent tradition of rotating the captaincy, Isabel Gomez donned the armband for the must-win game. She was partnered in midfield by Georgia Cassidy with Mckenna deployed in playmaking role ahead of them.

The attack began with Furphy in the central position, flanked by Jancevski on the right and Keane on the left.

Tahlia Franco began in goal for her first appearance of the tournament. She was protected by Tori Tumeth, Ella Tonkin, and Grace Johnston in the defence, with Sasha Grove switching from the left side to right back.

This was a strong squad that had found their footing in the tournament with an impressive win against The Philippines and against the winless Timor Leste, they went in favourites, but still had a job to do.

A win would likely see them jump ahead of The Philippines in the group, but it still had to be done, and the Australian U23’s were on the front foot from the opening whistle.

It took only two minute for Furphy to open the scoring. Mckenna’s free kick curled in from the left wing and the Victory striker leapt highest to head the ball beyond Gorette da Costa in goal.

Another quick attack found the mobile Gomez on the left. Her cross was directed towards Furphy’s aggressive run, but wound up at the back post where Jancevski was able to score her second of the tournament.

Australia added a third in the 30th minute after Cassidy strode through the middle of the pitc. Her pass eventually found its way to Grove and the cross was on a platter for the well position Furphy to tap in for her fourth in The ASEAN Championships so far.

Johnston scored the most spectacular goal of the match in the shadows of half time. The Perth Glory defender cut inside from the left and unleashed a rocket from 25 yards to make it 4-0 at the break.

Australia made two changes at half time, Tumeth was replaced by Naomi Chinnama and Emilia Makris came on for Furphy. Australia were flexing their considerable depth and bringing on fresh players who could  further influence the game.

The changes had an almost immediate effect. Makris’s introduction saw her take up position on the right wing, and the naturally left footed Jancevski scored her second with a long ball that the goalkeeper completely misjudged and mishandled. 

No complaints from the Aussies. 5-0.

Jancevski was involved in the sixth goal for the now rampant Australia. She chased down a wide pass and whipped in a cross to the back post. Makris arrived right on time to finish from close range.

After being the architect of so many attacks, it was McKenna’s turn to score one for herself. The Melbourne City gun finished Johnston’s cross with a composed volley in the 18 yard box.

Box Hill United playmaker Sofia Sakalis then had a chance to show off the best of her game. Her vision and lofted pass dissected the Timor Leste defence and Aideen Keane’s  control on the chest put her into enough space to finish unopposed.

The last goal of the evening was contentious. Some say Makris’s cross went in directly, some say it was an own goal. In real time it looked like Keane may have gotten the final feather touch.

In any case, the ball was in the net for the ninth time, Australia had reached the semi

Finals and gone one step better than the 2022 side.

Next up they likely face a huge crowd along with the hosts Vietnam. But the last two games should give the team and supporters every confidence they can reach the final for the first time since 2018.

Teams: Australia: Franco, Grove, Tumeth, Tonkin, Johnston, Gomez, Cassidy, McKenna, Jancevski, Furphy, Keane. Substitutes: Lincoln, James, Murray, Sakalis, Woods, Lemon, Chinnama, Cerne, Rasmussen, Chessari, Cicco.

Goals: Furphy 2’ 30’ Jancevski 11’ 46’ Johnston 44’ Makris 58’ McKenna 62’ Keane 79, Own Goal 82’ 

Timor Leste: da Costa, Conceição, Alves Belo, Martins, Fatima da Costa, Freitas Belo,    Da Silva Costa, Amaral, Soares, Fernandes Songge. Substitutes: Sim, da Cruz, Bossa, da Silva, M da Silva, De Fátima Soares, Chavez, Sanhes Chaves, Canizio, Margareta Fernandes, Lawa, Avelina.

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England’s FAWNL releases new three-year strategy: where our game grows

By Eloise Smallbone (13/08/2025)

Above: the FAWNL strategy ‘where our game grows’. Photo: The FA website.

Today, the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) have announced a new strategy, titled ‘Where Our Game Grows’, aiming to take the third tier of English women’s football to the next level.

The strategy is intended to shape the future and direction of the league between 2025 and 2028. The FA WNL has outlined four key priority areas: environment, people, impact and commercial. ‘Where Our Game Grows’ is supported with investment from the Premier League and the aim is to further the development of both the FA WNL and the wider women’s football pyramid.

The league has previously had a strategy called ‘Empowering for Success’, which provided strong foundations for ‘Where Our Game Grows’. ‘Empowering for Success’ helped contribute to a 100% increase in average match attendances since 2021 and minimum standards were also introduced across the league.

Speaking on the new strategy, Sue Hough, Chair of the FA Women’s National League Board, said:

“We saw sustained growth throughout the previous strategy but now it’s time to step things up as we look to grow the profile and reach of the league and leverage the commercial opportunities within the women’s game. The Women’s National League is ‘Where Our Game Grows’- it’s the connection between the professional game and our grassroots players. Over the next three years we will ensure we offer our people, both on and off the pitch, the best environments to enable them and the league to thrive.”

As Hough highlighted, a key element of ‘Where Our Game Grows’ is that it is the next development from the league’s previous strategy. The FA WNL have considered the progress already, and looked at specific ways to sustain the league’s development. This involves four key priority areas. Within these priority areas, there are five threads which weave through each of them: diversity and inclusion, facilities, female health and wellbeing, safeguarding, and technology and data.

The first priority area is environment. There will be a focus on propelling club standards, protecting and enhancing positive culture and behaviour, and enhancing league delivery, with the aim to elevate the football environment overall. The second priority is people. The league goal is to establish a system where players, referees, coaches and club staff are all supported in achieving their goals, and they also have access to the best facilities.

Impact is the third strategic priority for the FA WNL, and they aim to build visibility, leverage the power of community to grow the league’s profile, as well as engaging diverse audiences. In general, there will be a focus on raising the profile of the WNL, through innovative storytelling, supporting clubs to become the heart of their communities, and finally, influencing and educating key football stakeholders to support the growth of the league. The final area is commercial: the FA WNL are aiming to increase their sustainability, by elevating commercial focus and collaborating with partners and clubs.

Nick Frith, Head of the Women’s Football Pyramid at the FA, said:

“We are to proud to be launching ‘Where our Game Grows’, a new strategy and roadmap that will shape the future of our league. The next three years will be about driving forward a series of initiatives that raise standards on and off the pitch. From enhancing club governance and championing progressive pathways to building partnerships and supporting clubs to unlock new revenue streams, we are focused on building a sustainable, inclusive and innovative league.”

Frith’s comments highlight that sustainability is a key focus of the ‘Where Our Game Grows’, and that the aim is to develop the FA WNL long-term, through the different elements outlined in the strategy.

The FA WNL season officially begins on Sunday 17th August.

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NPL Women’s NSW – Round 23 Wrap

By Georgie Lewis 13/8/25

Above: NWS Spirit. Photo: Georgie Lewis

Despite the wet and windy conditions, Round 23 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW delivered another weekend of drama, goals, and season-defining moments.

Match of the Round – Illawarra Stingrays 1–0 UNSW

Under the lights at Ian McLennan Oval, the Stingrays struck early through Poppie Hooks and held on in a tense, rain-soaked contest. Both sides came in with high stakes — the Rays chasing a premiership, UNSW fighting for a finals berth — but only the home side handled the occasion. For UNSW, who have been flying in recent weeks, this was a deflating step back at the worst possible time. For Illawarra, it was another statement win in a title race that’s going down to the wire.

Bulls FC Academy 4–1 Sydney Olympic

It was all going Olympic’s way in the first half at Northbridge Oval. Alyssa Whinham’s stoppage-time penalty gave them the lead at the break, but the Bulls roared back with a ruthless second-half display. Isabella Coco-Di Sipio was the star, scoring a hat-trick in 31 minutes, while Petria Phillips added another as Olympic’s afternoon unravelled — not helped by Chloe Gordon’s red card. The Bulls showed exactly why they’re top of the ladder: clinical, relentless, and punishing in transition.

Macarthur Rams 3–0 Sydney University

Sydney Uni came into this one as one of the league’s in-form sides, but never found their rhythm. Macarthur took full advantage, with Lola Sossai opening the scoring before Tea Mucenski took over, scoring twice in the second half — one a close-range header, the other a composed finish after a sharp turn on the edge of the box. For the Rams, the three points are massive in the relegation fight. For Uni, this was a disappointing missed opportunity to keep climbing.

APIA Leichhardt 2–0 Northern Tigers

APIA’s dream run rolled on with another win, this time over the Northern Tigers. Ashlie Crofts scored in the 4th minute with a pinpoint header, then sealed the result in stoppage time with a surging run, a cool round of the keeper, and a tidy finish. The Tigers worked hard and created chances but couldn’t find the equaliser. APIA stay second and look every inch a title contender.

Western Sydney Wanderers 4–4 NWS Spirit

This one was pure chaos. Wanderers took the lead, Spirit hit back with three quick goals, Wanderers levelled before half-time, then went ahead after the restart, only for Spirit to equalise again. Olivia Vanderlaan scored either side of the break, Lola Greenberg netted twice for Spirit, and both sides will feel they could have taken more than a point. For neutrals, it was the match of the round; for the coaches, maybe a nightmare to rewatch defensively.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers 6–0 Newcastle Jets

The Rangers keep proving they’re not just here to make up the numbers. They blew the Jets away with five goals before half-time — Erin Leah Tavares scoring a hat-trick, Leena Khamis bagging two, and Rosaria Galea smashing in a beauty. Tavares completed her treble late on as the newcomers reinforced their reputation as a genuine finals threat.

Gladesville Ravens 0–3 Manly United

After holding the league leaders last week, Manly backed it up with a dominant second half at Christie Park. Sienna Dale pounced on a loose back pass to set up Ellie Kerr, then hammered in a goal of her own minutes later. Emily Minett rounded things out with a calm finish after good work from Grace Arnold. It’s a result that keeps Manly firmly in the hunt for finals football.

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Young Matildas qualify with perfect record

Australia 3-0 Chinese Taipei

by Kieran Yap (11/8/25)

Above: Australia’s starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia’s Young Matildas have qualified for the U20 Asian Cup. The 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei capped off a perfect campaign where they scored 20 goals and conceded none. Skye Halmarick starred once again with a brace in the final game, while Talia Younis’s work on the right flank forced the opening goal.

Australia were able to dominate possession early and were patient without being ponderous. The ball zipped along the ground while they looked to open up space on the wings. The packed Chinese Taipei defence made the final ball difficult however, and crosses were often lofted in too high or sent in from deeper areas of the pitch. Halmarick leapt at an early header but could not direct the ball on target.

Chinese Taipei played nine players behind the ball, with only one striker up top. This allowed Australias fullback’s Teagan Bertolissio and India Breier to get high up the pitch and join attacks on the wings or by cutting inside.

Zara Kruger wore the armband and partnered by Maddy Caspers and Avaani Prakash helped control the midfield while pushing Australia forward at every opportunity. Still that first goal remained elusive despite their dominance.

It arrived in the 38th minute through the trickery of Younis. Her low cross in was almost met by Caspers but deflected off a Chinese Taipei defender and into the net. It was a fortunate way to score, but a well deserved lead.

Encouraged by the goal and with more space opening up as their opponents chased the game, Australia grew in confidence. Breier’s 30 yard attempt looked good off the boot but skimmed over the top of the goal.

The second half saw Australia increase their lead. Halmarick’s clever volleyed flick eluded the goalkeeper in the 63rd minute. The introduction of Sienna Saveska and Caley Tallon-Henniker into the game helped keep the pressure on Chinese Taipei.

The match was sealed by a moment of pure quality. Halmarick received the ball out wide on the right and danced into the penalty box, she twisted, turned and shaped to shoot, keeping the defenders guessing before hitting a high curling effort from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 and book Australia’s spot in the Asian Cup.

Skye Halmarick has been a terrific find this year. After 19 goals in as many games in the NSW NPLW, she has seamlessly carried that form into the national team setup. She is tall, but fast and has a natural strikers instinct. She is dangerous off either foot and can beat an offside trap with impressive timing and enviable acceleration.

This was a remarkable tournament by the 17 year old striker and an excellent one by The Young Matildas as a squad. They were thoroughly professional in their approach to each game. The 14 goal win in the opening game was followed up by two more convincing if not as mathematically amazing performances.

There is at least a decade of football ahead for many of these players, and the future for the game is bright, but right now we look forward to seeing them in the Asian Cup.

Congratulations to all the players, Alex Epakis and his staff.

Teams: CHINESE TAIPEI: Jian, Li, Lo, Chang, Chuan, Kao, Fu, Huang, Lin Szu-Ying, Lin Pin-Hsin. Substitutes: Chian, Ma, Wu, Li Yi-Syuan, Liao, Li Pei-Yao, Deng, Li Yu-Hui, Wang, Hung I-Ping, Chen.

AUSTRALIA: Melegh, Bertolissio, Breier, Halmarick, Fuller, Kruger, Apostolakis, Prakash, Caspers, Younis, Sullivan. Substitutes: Bennett, Lobo, Dewey, Broughton, Luchtmeijer, Cassar, Saveska, Black, Fante, Tallon-Henniker, Trimis, Kinsella.

Goals: Halmarick 64’ 75’ Own Goal 38’

Referee: TBC

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Jancevski wonder goal wins it for Australia

The Philippines 0-1 Australia U23’s

By Kieran Yap 11/8/25

Above: Australia’s starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia’s Under 23 side has given their ASEAN Championship hopes a boost with a 1-0 win over The Philippines senior team in the second group game. Alana Jancevski’s first half solo goal was all that separated the sides on the scoresheet although both goalkeepers had a big say in the result.

Australia’s loss to Myanmar in the opening game was a surprise, but they faced a well-conditioned, well prepared side on the back of only one training session together themselves. The result meant that this was a must win encounter against a side favoured to top the group.

Australia made 10 changes to that lineup with only Analisse Rasmussen retaining her spot. Sasha Grove took up duties at left back, while Leticia McKenna was given the playmaking role in a side captained by Sydney FC defender Tori Tumeth.

In attack, Rasmussen was the centre forward, flanked by Melbourne Victory duo Jancevski and Holly Furphy.

Australia dominated possession for much of the game. But The Philippines were very well structured and hard to break down, often forcing the Aussies into backward passes after patiently gaining territory.

Jancevski had the first meaningful shot on goal with a long range strike on the turn, and forced Olivia McDaniel into a diving save.

Australia looked more dangerous with longer, more direct passes or when McKenna was able to get on the ball around the 18 yard box. Isabel Gomez grew into the game and started to replicate her game from the A-League Women. The Mariner’s midfielder has an ability to dribble through the midfield and used that to break up the Philippines structure when possible.

Right back Claudia Cicco linked up with Mckenna to play the city attacker in on goal, but her shot from the angle was parried with a stinging save from McDaniel.

With the midfield crowded long balls from both sides looked to be the best route to goal, but the deadlock was broken by a superb individual effort from Jancevski.

She won the ball on the right after snapping in with an interception, held off the defender and cut inside the penalty box. McDaniel had almost every angle covered, but Jancevski found the one ball-sized gap left and curled her shot into the far bottom corner with perfect placement.

The goal came in the dying stages of the first half, and meant that The Philippines who only really needed a draw from this match would have to adjust in the second half.

Gomez’s influence and confidence continued to grow in the second half. Her pass for Furphy created  a good chance that McDaniel had to attend to and a later cross set up Rasmussen to be denied once again.

At the other end it was time for some heroics from Chloe Lincoln in the Aussie goal. The new Brisbane Roar signing did very well to stop Hali Long’s header from finding the net.

As the half wore on, The Philippines pressed in search of and equaliser, and Australia looked to kill off the game. Furphy had another chance after linking up with Aideen Keane, and Gomez continued to knit play in the middle, with Mckenna the beneficiary of a great pass in the 90th minute. Once again McDaniel produced a good save.

The win gives Australia hope of escaping the group stage, but with Myanmar defeating Timor-Leste 3-0, they sit atop the table as the only side with two wins. Australia need a big win in the final game and hope that Myanmar continue their strong form in order to jump into second place and guarantee progression.

Regardless of what happens in the near future, this was an impressive, cohesive and determined win by Australia against a very good side and the current trophy holders. Philippines coach Mark Torcaso remained rightfully proud of his side despite the defeat, pointing out that they introduced two teenagers to international football, and that is what Australia’s U23’s can take from this game too.

What was essentially an A-League Women all star team adapted well to difficult conditions and a dangerous opponent. They were able to grow into the game, create chances and once they found themselves in a winning position they were able to hold onto it and adjust to the opposition’s change in tactics and mindset.

This was a good win, and sets up exciting possibilities for the future.

Teams: PHILIPPINES: O McDaniel, Oka, Long, Hawkinson, DeFazio, Lemoran, De Las Alas Pidding, Pasion, Cesar, C McDaniel, Quezada. Substitutes: Mathelus, Tolentin, Arcenal Chan, Caprio, Wyrzynski, Schinaman, J DeFazio, Weibel, Palacios.

AUSTRALIA U23: Lincoln, Cicco, Tumeth, Cerne, Grove, Jancevski, Chessari, Gomez, Furphy, McKenna, Rasmussen. Substitutes: Tonkin, Keane, Woods, Murray, Cassidy, Sakalis, James, Franco, Johnson, Lemon, Chinnama.

Goals: Jancevski 45’

Referee: TBC

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Gareth Taylor almost cost England the Euros; now he’s been hired by Liverpool

By Gethin Thurlow (9/8/25)

Above: Gareth Taylor is unveiled as the new Liverpool manager Photo: Liverpool FC

Two crucial assists and a game saving penalty in the quarter final, the winning goal in the semi and a game tying assist followed by the tournament-deciding goal. It’s not been the worst summer for Chloe Kelly.

However, this was so nearly taken away from us. In January, Kelly was close to taking a break from football all together to get away from what was happening at Manchester City; she made a public statement to force their hand and let her move to Arsenal. That ultimately saved England’s dream.

This point was only reached after almost a year of poor treatment by Gareth Taylor. It started by dropping her for one FA Cup game, and then she was a second-choice winger for the entire rest of her City career. It was clear that Kelly wasn’t held in the high regard by City that she is by England when they didn’t sell her in the summer. Whether Taylor or the higher management felt the next season would be different or no sufficient offer was made for the now 3-time European champion we will never know, but it was a dreadful decision to keep her at the club knowing how it did go.

Whether she was performing or not in training and the very limited opportunities she had in matches is irrelevant, given how well she performed in different environments at Arsenal and England just months later. Clearly, Taylor and Kelly didn’t get along well and it was a toxic space for her to be in. This may not be so damning on the new Liverpool boss if they weren’t a number of other players that have had similar experiences under him at City.

Ellie Roebuck has referenced similarly being frozen out at City after receiving a red card in a game, missing a game and never being the number one again. Esme Morgan is another player who has thrived after moving away from City, where she was dropped by Taylor. The mass exodus of talent in the summer of 2022, including England trio Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway also doesn’t reflect well on the new Liverpool manager.

It is also worth noting that not everyone shares this experience of Taylor and Alex Greenwood spoke of the positive relationship she had with him.

After all the perfect stories that got capped off by Kelly’s heroics at the Euro’s it feels like all this is being undone by the hiring of Taylor. What did we learn from the Kelly situation? Seemingly that she was problem and Taylor won’t do the same damage to players at Liverpool.

Above: Kellly (number 18) celebrates Englands quarter final win after her tumultuous season Photo: @Lionesses on X

For a club that has sold its best player and asset in Olivia Smith and captain Taylor Hinds and failed to replace them with top internationals, there seems a serious lack of ambition for the womens team’s future, especially in comparison to the mens team that have thrown money around this transfer window.

It feels as though Taylor was a relatively well-known name in the WSL, so they just went for him based on that rather than considering best overall outcome for the team. While the club as a whole is certainly not a mid-table straggler, the womens team is acting like one for now.

With the rigid possession-based style that has been forced into him through years of coaching within the City group, it is hard to imagine how Taylor will manage a team that will probably have less possession in most games. His lack of squad rotation could actually work out better for a club like Liverpool with much less squad depth and therefore less high-quality players being left on the bench for a long period. It just seems a strange appointment and one that doesn’t particularly fit the direction Liverpool need to head.  

Another aspect of this appointment is the demotion of Amber Whitely. After transforming Liverpool in her few games in charge she openly admitted she wanted the job full time, but now she steps back into the assistant role. It is worth noting that her previous tenure in this role didn’t allow her to express herself tactically, something which she did as interim and that was effective.

In a time where we are crying out for more women to become coaches this is a massive blow. Rather than actively seeking to employ women or at the very least helping women to get trained up to be coaches, many clubs are still turning to the same journey-men coaches that have gone around the houses, safe but not brilliant options.

Liverpool had a perfect opportunity to give Whitely a go after she had that fantastic season with them, but instead chose to ignore that and introduce someone that almost derailed England’s Euros bid by subduing the talent of Chloe Kelly to the extent that she almost quit football all together.

Whatever happens with Liverpool this season, this choice reminds us that while there has been some wonderful progress made this summer in womens football; many problems still exist, there is a long way to go and a lot of attitudes to be shifted.

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