Kyah Simon, a native of Western Sydney, resisted the lure of Westfield W-League newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers, opting instead for a return to Sydney FC.
Kyah Simon, a native of Western Sydney, resisted the lure of Westfield W-League newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers, opting instead for a return to Sydney FC.
Sydney rewarded her loyalty by handing the 21-year-old the captain’s armband.
Simon will lead a new-look, youthful Sydney FC side, which includes Sam Kerr and Ellyse Perry, as well as 12 teenagers in its squad of 20.
The striker will miss the opening game of the season against Newcastle after receiving a red card in last season’s semi-final match against Brisbane.
She’s disappointed to be missing out on the game, but is excited about making her return the following round against Western Sydney in the first and eagerly anticipated Sydney derby.
“I can’t wait for it to get underway – it’s going to be a good, competitive match,” Simon said.
Simon has returned to Australia from the United States, where she played for the Boston Breakers in the US Women’s Premier Soccer League Elite.
It was a successful stint – she topped the club’s scoring charts with 12 goals in 13 games.
“I really enjoyed it and hopefully I’ll see myself back overseas next year,” Simon said.
The experience allowed Simon to judge for herself how competitive the W-League is compared to overseas leagues.
“I think it’s definitely up there,” she said.
“We’ve got more and more international players wanting to come over and play in our league, so that’s definitely looking good for the future.
“And hopefully our profile can get close to, if not as big as, leagues like in the US and Sweden.”
Outside of football, Simon juggles her time between work and her coaching role at Mr Soccer, a venture started by Mark Robertson and Lucas Neill.
She also spends a fair bit of time watching the game and counts herself as a Manchester United fan with veteran Ryan Giggs her favourite player.
“I have a lot of respect for Ryan Giggs, for how old he is and how well he’s still doing. Just the impact he has on every game he plays,” Simon said.
Simon is hoping that another high-profile footballer will help raise the profile of women’s soccer in Australia.
Alessandro Del Piero is without doubt the Hyundai A-League’s biggest import to date. He’s already had a major influence on the popularity of soccer in Australia and Simon wants the ‘Del Piero effect’ to rub off onto the W-League.
“Del Piero is the best thing that’s happened to Sydney FC since the club’s been established,” she said.
“Hopefully he’ll get some briefing on the W-League and hopefully he can get us some exposure.
“I’ve heard he’s a really great guy and so humble for all that he’s achieved.”
