Boasting a potent mix of experienced internationals, talented youth and the guiding hand of Young Matilda’s coach Alen Stajcic, Sydney FC’s inaugural Westfield W-League team is looking to shine on the National stage as the start of the Westfield W-League draws near.
With little over a fortnight remaining before kick-off, Sydney-s new mentor is confident his players can emulate the success of their male counterparts during their opening campaign.
“We have a lot of stars in the team and are looking to win the competition,” said Stajcic. “We are not afraid to say first position is what we are aiming for so hopefully we will be there on finals day.”
The Sydney squad boasts a number of Matildas, including Heather Garriock, Danielle Small and Sarah Walsh.
With women-s football absent from the National scene in recent years, Walsh believes the re-born league will provide renewed opportunities for young women to follow their football dreams.
“The W-League is going to keep a lot of people in women-s football that would otherwise have been lost from the game,” she said. “Later on this will obviously lead to added pressure and more competition for places in the Matlidas, which can only be good for the game.”
Walsh and FC team-mate Heather Garriock have been chosen in the draft for America-s upcoming Women-s Professional Soccer competition, but before taking up that challenge she has her sights set on taking the Westfield W-League trophy.
“I may be biased but I believe we are probably the best on paper, and if we can live up to our potential we should have a good season,” said Walsh.
Training alongside the Central Coast Mariners women-s squad, FC-s coach believes preparations are progressing well for his side-s first round match against the Perth Glory.
“The team is working well,” said Stajcic. “We have a big group of players so we play together quite regularly and things are shaping up nicely for the start of the competition.”
The Sky Blue women will face their first test when they take on the Glory in the opening match of the Westfield W-League season in Perth on October 25.
Sydney FC Westfield W-League 2008/09 Squad
Name – Last Club
Danielle Small – NSWIS
Linda O’Neill – NSWIS
Alesha Clifford – NSWIS
Yesim Uzunlar – NSWIS
Carlie Ikonumou – NSWIS
Nicola Bolger – NSWIS
Kylie Ledbrook – Macarthur Rams
Leena Khamis – NSWIS
Loren Mahoney – NSWIS
Lisa Gilbert – NSWIS
Danielle Brogan – Macarthur Rams
Sarah Walsh – NSWIS
Jessica Seaman – NSWIS
Samantha Spackman – NSWIS
Michelle Heyman – Illawarra Stingrays
Jo Burgess – QLD
Rachel Cooper – NSWIS
Nikki Dieter – Albury Assoc.
Makkieh Elhusseini – Sutherland
Heather Garriock – NSWIS
Sydney FC memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season remain on sale, with information available at www.sydneyfc.com.
