CommBank Young Matildas head coach Leah Blayney has been appointed assistant coach of Asian rivals and world number eight Japan.
Australian pioneer and former A-Leagues midfielder Blayney has been poached by the senior women’s national team as new boss Nils Nielsen shapes his coaching staff with the 2011 world champions ahead of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Asia.
Blayney, who became the first female to take an Australian national team to a World Cup after overseeing the Young Matildas’ 2022 Under-20 Women’s World Cup, guided Australia to a third-place finish at the 2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup while securing World Cup qualification.
BUY TICKETS TO THE NINJA A-LEAGUE!
In charge of the Young Matildas since 2019, the former Sydney FC and Canberra United player previously served as an assistant coach of the U17 and U20 women’s national teams.
“Leah has played an important role in the development of many current CommBank Matildas, dedicating nearly a decade to coaching our national women’s youth teams,” said Football Australia head of national teams Gary Moretti.
“Her appointment reflects the global recognition of Australian coaches who are making their mark both domestically and internationally.
“We wish Leah every success in this new chapter and look forward to welcoming her back to Australian football in the future.”
Featured image: Football Australia
