Western United have re-signed CommBank Young Matildas prospect Avaani Prakash on a one-season deal ahead of the 2024-25 Liberty A-League campaign.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder made 14 appearances for Western through her debut campaign and has put pen to paper on an extension whilst representing Australia at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where Prakash has featured in both of the Young Matildas’ group-stage fixtures to date.
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Highly rated by the club, Prakash expressed her delight in extending her stay in Tarneit ahead of Western’s first full season at their new home base, Ironbark Fields.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to return to Western United. My first professional season here was an incredible experience, and coming back feels like a natural progression in my career,” she said.
“Western United has been instrumental in my development. Together with the club, I am enjoying success at the national level and I am now eager to take the next step at Ironbark Fields.
“It’s a chance to build on my experience and contribute even further to Western United’s success, together with the support of the great fans.”
Prakash is one of four Western United youngsters currently on Young Matildas duty at the U20 World Cup, along with Sasha Grove, Chloe Lincoln and Kahli Johnson.
She’s the ninth player to re-sign at Western ahead of the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season, after Johnson, Melissa Taranto, Adriana Taranto, Julia Sardo, Alyssa Dall’Oste, Natalie Picak, Aimee Medwin, Grace Maher all put pen to paper on extensions.
Western United general manager of football Mal Impiombato praised Prakash as a shining example of the club’s youth policy.
“We are immensely proud of everything Avaani has achieved in the last 12 months and we are delighted that she will continue her development at Ironbark Fields,” Impiombato said.
“Her experience at the World Cup will be invaluable and we are looking forward to seeing her take the next significant steps in the Liberty A-League.
“As a club, we are promoting a number of extremely talented young players in both our men’s and women’s first teams, and we urge all our supporters to come to Ironbark Fields and watch our next generation of stars.”
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