Football West and Perth Glory are delighted to announce that Nicola Williams has been appointed as Head Coach of the Perth Glory Women’s team in the inaugural Westfield W-League to commence on October 25.
Williams, 26 of Mullaloo, is the current National Training Centre (NTC) and WA State under 17-s girls coach and has signed a one year agreement to lead Western Australia-s newest national team.
The W-League will see eight teams taking part in a 10 match round robin series, with the top four progressing to the finals in January 2009.
Football West & Perth Glory have worked together to bring the Perth Glory Women-s team to fruition and are looking forward to seeing them in action against Australia-s best players.
“We are delighted to be able to appoint Nicola Williams as the head coach of the Perth Glory Women-s team,” Football West CEO Garry Chandler said.
“Nicola is an accomplished young coach, she has great experience at state and NTC level and she recently led our WA under 17 girls to the final of the National Youth Championships.
“Western Australia has a fantastic pool of talented players including several girls who have represented the Matilda-s on a national level. Nicola will be finalising the squad in the coming weeks as the kick-off for the W-League fast approaches,” said Chandler.
Perth Glory CEO Scott Gooch said Williams was a standout candidate for the Head Coaching role and her knowledge and passion will be key components in the success of the team in its inaugural season.
“Perth Glory is excited about extending our brand to encompass the entire football family and are very happy to have Nicola taking a lead role in this exciting new initiative for women-s football,” Mr Gooch said.
Williams is a highly regarded young female coach both within Western Australia, and nationally, and her appointment shows the faith that Football West and Perth Glory have in her abilities.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity,” said a beaming Williams.
“The Westfield W-League is definitely a step forward for the women-s game in WA and also at a national level.
“There are now many more opportunities and pathways for our players to succeed and perform at a high level without having to leave Australia, and this can only be a great thing for our game.
“I am confident that we will be able to assemble a very competitive squad and I-ll be speaking with Matilda-s players Collette McCalllum and Lisa De Vanna to get them on board for kick-off” said Williams.
Football West and Perth Glory will continue to work together to ensure the Perth Glory W-League side has the resources and expertise to excel in the new competition.
The appointment of support staff will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Nicola Williams
Career Highlights:
Player with the Western Waves representative side – 2004
Completion of AFC B & C Coaching badges
National Training Centre (NTC) Head Coach – 2008
Established Lynwood SHS Specialist Sports Football Program
