Highly-rated young goalkeeper Sally James has returned to Canberra United ahead of the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season, signing a contract with the club that launched her career.
James, a Canberra local, made her Liberty A-League debut at the capital club in late 2020; she played three games for United before joining Melbourne City in 2021.
A key member of the CommBank Young Matildas squad that represented Australia at the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, James followed her move to City with a one-season stint at Perth Glory, but has returned to Canberra to continue her club career in her hometown for the 2024-25 campaign.
“I am thrilled to be back in Canberra and playing for United once more,” James said.
“As my hometown team, they hold a special place in my heart and, after experiencing football away from home, I am delighted to be back.
“I can’t wait to pull on the United jersey once more and take to the field in front of the best fans in the league. It will be an emotional moment, and I am eager to go!”
The 21-year-old with 21 Liberty A-League appearances to her name will hope to receive consistent minutes at her new club after featuring just twice for Perth in 2023-24, competing for minutes with Glory’s first-choice custodian Morgan Aquino.
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James is Canberra’s first signing of the off-season, and will look to fill the void left by former Canberra number one Chloe Lincoln who departed for Western United after the 2023-24 season.
Canberra head coach Antoni Jagarinec says James has all the attributes needed to become a star for her hometown club.
“Sally is a bright young goalkeeper who has all the attributes you want in a top-class custodian, and we are excited to be able to bring her home for the new A-League season,” Jagarinec said.
“Canberra has been blessed with some great goalkeepers down the years and we are pleased that Sally is back in her hometown and ready to knuckle down and help us be successful during the forthcoming campaign.”
