Nearpost Football: Canberra United

Showing posts with label Canberra United. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Canberra United. Show all posts

Saturday, 4 February 2012

Where now for Cricketer Ellyse Perry?

Can you still really play two sports at the elite level in Australia?

Ellyse Perry thinks so and with great support from Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni over the years she has done so.

But her recent decision to play cricket for Australia and miss the semi and final of the W-League season left me wondering where now for Ellyse?

She's worked hard to perform at the elite level in both sports - making World Cup Squads in both.

But anyone who watched her over the last few years in the W-League would have seen a player who made a huge impact in her first W-League season, a Matilda in waiting it seemed. But despite continuing to perform admirably she has never really achieved that next level.

Ellyse, in my view, should have been a guaranteed starter in every game in the last World Cup - that she wasn't in part was due to her continuing participation in two elite sports.

She simply didn't progress quickly enough, check some of her United team mates progression and Ellyse is no longer the standout she was - ironically at the last World Cup she lost her spot to a 16 year old in Caitlin Ford.

Now the rumours are she walked away from United, or some say she was booted out and who knows where the truth lies - but you have to wonder if you can't play a semi or final for your team then who will recruit you under such conditions next W-League season?

Maybe one of the lesser teams would be happy - but a title chasing team, I wonder?

Similarly if she'd played football and missed the cricket internationals how would cricket view that.

While all the celebrations were happening in Canberra last week it was sad to see Ellyse Perry unable to be part due to her amazing talents. She'd contributed much over the last few seasons - when she'd played!

I feel she is going to have to make a choice between the two sports - I could be wrong - and one senses with the Matildas lack of football in coming months the choice is made for her.

It's cricket!

Canberra United: Why we were the best!

Les Murray on SBS's website wrote an article about the W-League coming of age this year - presumably because he watched the Grand Final and enjoyed it. Apparently the league is full of players with great technical skills this year!

Rubbish Les - not much has changed. The point being the standard from the top few teams has always been pretty high and remains so. So thanks Les but no thanks!

Canberra United won the league this year and deservedly so. Unbeaten throughout the season new Coach Jitka Klimkova gets a well-deserved wrap.

United have been strong in every A-League season, due in the main to CEO Heather Reid's passion for the club and desire to go beyond the other clubs, particularly regional clubs, in terms of salary payments and innovations.

It is noted that Canberra is the only team without an A-League side sapping all the funds and maybe that is to our advantage. Certainly hasn't harmed our crowds.

Robbie Hooker (now Socceroos Assistant Coach) Ray Junna (AIS Coach) lead the team in the first three years. And now Jitka; who's training schedule and attacking philosophy puts her Czech mate at Sydney FC to shame.

Ashleigh and Nicole Sykes, Ellie Brush, Lydia Williams, Sally Shipard, Caitlin Munoz, Grace Gill and Jenny Bisset were some who have played under all of these coaches and it seems developed and improved. Who wouldn't have improved?

Interestingly all Coaches played all of the above players in the same position for each of their terms in charge. Only Jitka had the luxury of pushing Caitlin Munoz into midfield due to the new attacking signings this season.

So, Jitka inherited an increasingly mature group of players already fiercely competitive and players who have learnt under quality coaches.

In Jitka they had another quality coach.

Add in Michelle Heyman, goalscoring freak, signed since the Mariners went defunct a couple of years ago, and US import Taryn Hemmings, one of the signings of the season, and the team was always going to be hard to beat.

In my view Brisbane and Sydney were not so hot this season. Lacking a little in cohesion; in Sydney's case despite an attacking squad, and in Brisbane the forward firepower was not the Roar of old.

Sarah Walsh and Heather Garriock - key Sydney players in the past are no longer at their peak.

Remove injured Lauren Colthorpe and Elise Kellond Knight from the Roar and again a team is lesser.

United deserved to win. As exciting an attacking line-up as you could ever hope for.

When Caitlin Munoz or Jenny Bisset had the ball at their feet you could almost hear the drools as they looked up.

In front was the pacy and skilful Ashleigh Sykes, goal scoring machine Michelle Heyman, Queensland young flyer the quickly improving Hayley Razo, add in the late addition of Emma Kete and of course the supremely talented, highly skilful and pacy American Taryn Hemmings and which defence was ever going to stop them?

No-one!

This truly was a great Canberra United side - a side it should be said that had developed under Robbie Hooker and Ray Junna. Jitka to her credit took the team to another level.

And a note on United keeper Lydia Williams - prone to the occasional gaff in previous years she secured the Matildas spot over the last 12 months - and has turned in a fantastic season between the sticks. Early days but if she remains in this sort of form - and again she continues to improve - Lydia must be in the top three keepers in the World.

A more confident, athletic keeper I've yet to see in the W-League.

Controlled, attacking, fast football that was United under Jitka, our Czech Coach. Viteslav eat your heart out. Les you need to watch more W-League.

Monday, 23 January 2012

Record crowd for Canberra United

The result was important - but the attendance of 1750 at the weekend semi final was a record for Canberra United, has all associated with football in Canberra delighted.

In fact the crowd increased by over 100% from the previous game - could the same happen for this weeks final?

Brisbane will take on United in the W-League final this weekend and it should be a cracker.

Local talk is more about what time you'll have to get their to secure one of the decreasing number of available seats!

462 - that's how many seats we have, and with an increasing membership, media and sponsors allocated seats there are hardly any left for the fans!

1.30pm - that's the word if you want to actually get a seat at the Grand Final next week. Alternatively a spot on the bank should be available but we all love a winner so who knows if the crowd could swell to capacity. A capacity of just 3,500!

Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Canberra's biggest football game in years

When was the last time a Canberra team got to a football final, a home final?

Not the Cosmos - remember them?

So when Canberra United walk out for their home semi this weekend Canberra sports fans will be watching history in the making.

And while the Melbourne Victory will make a very tough opponent, United under new Czech Coach Jitka Klimkova have lifted to a new level this season.

Are they good enough to go one more?

The strike force is better than ever. US star Taryn Hemmings and young Queensland winger Hayley Ruso are both pacy, skilled and quality additions to Ash Sykes and the goalscoring machine Michelle Heyman.

Caitlin Munoz will be a big loss in midfield, but Jenny Bisset has caused many an eyebrow to rise this season as the local girl fulfills her huge potential. Isn't it great to see?

Sally Shipard and Grace Gill will give the team plenty of experience and skill, but it could be Jenny with her touch and shrewd passes that could unleash the United forwards.

Ellie Brush and the ever improving and fan favourite Caitlin Cooper have had strong seasons and Ellyse Perry and Nicole Sykes are phenomenal speed merchants out wide. Their athleticism is wonderful to watch.

Lydia Williams has had her best season ever. And that says something. Her confidence and shot stopping brilliance lift the whole support, never mind the team.

It's going to be another great day for football in Canberra - we don't have enough do we - but win or lose United have made history.

Enjoy the game, could be a nailbiter - C U in Green!

Why Sally Shipard rocks!

It's hot! Bloody hot.

Australian summer can be a bit like that, can't it, even this year. My friends are gathered, some want to sit close, others are over dressed, most in green.

Chocolate cake! On a summers day? I went for hot chips!

Move over, it's getting hotter, but there's no space, not in the Canberra stands.

United are at home!

How do they do it?

If you've ever played football - I did in England and loved it when the temperature soared to 11 degrees.

In Canberra in October it reached - 16 degrees one day. I nearly died!

Watch Sally Shipard. 30 degrees and more and she's running 40, 50 or even 80 metres to chase a ball, to stop the play, to make the play. For her team.

And with 70 minutes on the clock the sun blazing all game, and she doesn't just make the runs, she finishes with aggression and skill. And then goes back for more.

There are many thing to like about Canberra United this season, but if you are at the game on Saturday, the Semi-Final, and you're hot in the shade - just take a minute to admire the athleticism of Sally, of the whole team.

They really are phenomenal. Go United.

Sunday, 13 November 2011

Canberra - in a league of it's own.

Canberra United are top of the league. By some margin.

Sally Shipard and Caitlin Munoz are in outstanding form and with Ashleigh Sykes scoring freely now - Michelle Heyman always scores, and US import Taryn Hemmings belting it home on the weekend, the good folk from the Capital are starting to get cocky!

We know we have the much improved Jets to come - (yes Emily we are waiting to thrash ya) Brisbane away and Sydney at home in coming weeks but we're on a roll and top of the league.

For once teams seem to be missing more chances than us.

Of course it will be a roller coaster ride - it always is with Canberra - even on the weekend we nearly let the comfortable 2-0 lead slip.

Our cry from the Football Capital?

Catch us if you can?

Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Canberra United to get overseas coach - I kid you not!

Interesting positions:

Former Coach Ray Junna thinks we shouldn't import players for Canberra United.

CEO Heather Reid has just imported a Coach into the Club

Former Coach Ray Junna said:

''That link is still important with whoever is the coach there [at Canberra United] because primarily you want to have most of your local players going to the W-League [and] not Canberra having to import players yearly because we haven't got the depth here. I think Canberra football has improved vastly in the last few years.''

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/united-to-reveal-new-coach/2260934.aspx

Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid wouldn't be drawn on who the new coach was, but did reveal it would be the first coach recruited from overseas by a W-League club.

''It'll be exciting for the league and it'll be another first,'' Reid said.

''Canberra United will be achieving another first.''

It's rumoured the new United coach will come from Norway, Sweden or the Czech Republic.

W-League side Canberra United are apparently going to get an overseas Coach.

So there isn't an Australian women or man worthy of this role.
Pathetic, even more so in the Women's game which is all of ten games last time I looked.

Does the ten game league really need overseas talent in 2011 - when we could surely be developing our female and/or male coaches in the national league.

Aren't we moving beyond this?

And on that open process which Canberra, with its Public Service mentality seems to value soooo highly, anyone see the Ads for the job over the last few weeks/months?

I was going to apply - dammit!

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

Why Canberra needs to plan!

Are Gold Coast junior soccer players better than, and more in number than the thousands in Canberra and the surrounding region.

Well, no and no, is the answer.

But the current Gold Coast United A-League franchise, despite only pulling a couple of thousand people per game, and losing almost half their squad this year, still have a pathway and youth model any young player or parent of a young player in Canberra, would die for.

Read the post on the A-League site also posted here below and see how it would change the focus of player development of our young Canberra players overnight.

We need to plan - who is the we? That's the first problem in Canberra! Local youngsters to get a shot at the big time
Tuesday, 26 July 2011

United Youth Team Head Coach, Mike Mulvey TWO-TIME title-winning coach, Mike Mulvey, will open the door to local youngsters as he begins compiling his squad for what he plans to be a third National Youth League (NYL) championship in three seasons.

Gold Coast United’s youth mentor will offer trials to two recommended under-20 players from every club in the region as he looks to unearth a hidden gem in the local ranks.

After nurturing United’s young brigade over the last two seasons and breeding a winning culture among his troops, Mulvey claimed two successive NYL crowns. But perhaps more importantly, many of the youngsters were primed for senior football.

Foundation youth players, Josh Brillante, Ben Halloran, Chris Harold and Zac Anderson, were all rewarded with senior contracts, leaving both vacancies and opportunities in Mulvey’s new-look squad for the 2011/12 NYL season.

“We will be asking the coaching staff at each local club to recommend their two best young prospects who qualify by age for our youth team and giving them a chance train with us,” Mulvey said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the local football community to strengthen their connection with our youth team who have done the Gold Coast proud over the last two years and represent the career pathways that our club wants to provide.

“Obviously, we will only be able to actually sign the very best of them and spots on our roster will be limited, so for the players who get invited there are two ways of looking at the opportunity.

“Either it will be a chance for them to come into a professional environment and see exactly what is required to make it to the top levels of the game then go away and improve. Or, if they are good enough and we see the right qualities, they could be offered a National Youth League contract with us for next season.

“Aside from the 16 players we are permitted to sign to the NYL roster, we also like to have a handful of others who train with the squad as often as possible and are held in the wings should we need to draft them in for injury cover. These ‘shadow squad’ players build up their skills over the course of the season and could be front runners for youth contracts the following year.”

Mulvey says Gold Coast United’s success in the NYL was not down to a chance meeting of fate and good fortune, but rather the result of shrewd player selection and meticulous planning with a clear outcome in mind.

Every United youth squad is segmented into three development levels to ensure a constant conveyor belt of talent is fed into the senior playing group. After only two seasons in the competition, Gold Coast are arguably leading the way in terms of nurturing home-grown talent for their Hyundai A-League side.

Mulvey explains: “We like to construct the youth squad in a particular way so that we are continually producing players. Out of the 16 we can sign, we want six of those players to be ready to play first team football now if required.

“Then, we want another six who will continue to develop this year and be ready for the first team in 12 months time. The other four remaining spots, plus two to four ‘shadow’ players, are the ones who will be competing for senior football in 24 months.

“If you look at how we’ve done these things historically then it really does highlight what an opportunity this could be for those who have what it takes to make the grade. Josh Brillante, who has been with us from the beginning, now has a senior contract. Zac Anderson, Ben Halloran and Chris Harold all have senior contracts and next in line will be the likes of young Mitch Cooper and others who are entering their second year with us.

“We’ve been watching local games and we’ve already identified a few who may be what we’re looking for, but we will consult with the local coaches and clubs because there may be one or two, or even several, who we are not aware of and we want to give every top young player a chance.

“Helping and developing local young players has always been one of our aims and this is yet another step towards that. The local coaches will also be very welcome to come along to any of the sessions and see how we do things here.”

With the letters going out to local clubs this week, it is expected that the first group will be invited to training in early August.

Saturday, 18 December 2010

Brisbane V Canberra United: Called off - To be played on Tuesday 3pm

Due to wet and dodgy pitch apparently.

Tuesday, 7 December 2010

Canberra United: Back on track?

Canberra United thumped lowly Adelaide United 4-0 on the weekend, no surprise there, but maybe Coach Ray Junna has found a solution to the teams surprisingly low-key performances this season.

Under Coach Robbie Hooker and last season under Junna United performed well. Reaching the final four each time, playing some entertaining football in both seasons, while missing it seemed just a ruthless finisher to go one step forward.

This year United has signed last years top scorer in the league, Michelle Heymann, Matildas stars Caitlin Munoz and Sally Shipard returned and the best of the rest were one year older and wiser.

It could only get better, or so we thought.

It hasn't not yet. Or is that just me. We've not lost, thumped two poor teams and drew with Brisbane, never a mean feat.

Emily Van Egmond was pushed further forward at the top of a midfield diamond it seemed to me, and with touch players Grace Gill and Kahlia Hogg in the starting line-up there could be hope for improved football performances as the season goes on.

Better results? I'd rather more football, more entertainment - but that's just me!

But is there enough time for a new pattern? The season is so short.

Adelaide were brushed aside, due in part to their woeful defensive opening rather than any great United skill. That said United punished them quickly and ended the scoring after 23 minutes or so.

I'd predicted 6-0 and rain before the first goal went in. I got the rain right at least.

From the 23rd minute until the match was abandoned due to rain early in the second half United surprisingly failed to dominate Adelaide a team lower in the table, playing away from home, and already 4-0 down, and not a Matilda in their line-up.

I was puzzled.

Adelaide had chances, too many, to score.

Canberra won. Delighted I was. Injuries may have forced the team change in formation. But with a heavy pitch and interrupted game it's hard to know yet if United have an attacking potency, and shape, to take on the best.

Three road trips will test them.

For me we're a long way off last seasons best. The two new defenders are yet to settle into a sweet passing distribution game; hence the ball from the back is often sent long and then lost.

But Emily Van Egmond pushed forward could be our wild card. Strong, fast and a shot to die for - when released from her midfield responsibilities she may yet turn into a powerful asset for the team.

Captain Brush and co have high expectations on them after their first two seasons, if not in results, certainly in attacking football.

In truth only the performance against Melbourne Victory left me completely surprised, and last weeks early attacking display against Adelaide may set the tone for the rest of the season.

Next up it's the Jets - away. Having recently dumped Sydney FC, Canberra will need to be at their best.

Sunday, 21 November 2010

United stumbling this year?

With new signings and strong performances in the past two season United fans expected even more this season. Better performances if not results.

We're getting neither.

Canberra United conceded a very late goal to Melbourne Victory yesterday. Having chosen to sit near, very near, ABC Commentator Peter Wilkins during the game I felt a sense of inevitably as Wilko called the last corner of the game in the 94th minute.

"Could this be the chance for Melbourne to equalise."

It was and the relief and delight on the Victory bench was joyous to see in itself.

Victory deserved their point, and the team that plays attractive football, short-passing and quick movement, creates chance after chance, in my book, such a team deserves three points.

But football is never like that is it?

Victory started well controlled the ball and attacked United, but conceded softly in the fourth minute to a Caitlin Cooper header and with their young keeper Canberra fans just knew we'd rip em apart.

Canberra didn't and more depressingly they lacked, again, any real invention or craft coming from midfield.

Seems to me Sally Shipard, Cian Maciewjeski and Emily Van Egmond offer much the same, physical strength, varying amounts of skill and control but little variety.

Who plays the short-ball, the one touch ball. No Iniesta or Xavi in that mix is there?

Kahlia Hogg could solve a problem or three and will when fit, Grace Gill offers a shorter pass, more often. Interestingly with Cian, Grace Gill, Kahlia Hogg and Jenny Bissett last year, we were more enjoyable to watch, lacking at times just a goal scorer.

With Sally Shipard, Caitlin Munoz and ace goalscorer Michelle Weyman we could only be stronger. And we are on paper and can be on the pitch but not with the current formula. And non of the three from last season are starting.....yet.

For me it's the midfield three that needs to be changed. Emily Van Egmond might add more power upfront left or right, she can shoot, is fast in small bursts and would play a mean cross.

A midfielder? Not sure about that. Her position is too important to the team. Her touches at the moment way too many, too often and her balls too direct too long. She's young but will need to learn quickly if this team is to improve this season. At the moment her role is crucial, but she's not providing what the forwards or other midfielders need. Maybe she can't in that position.

Lyndsay Glohe is not Nicole Sykes. Lyndsay is strong but lacks a little of that zippy pace, that quick short pass that gets the midfield going and makes United that bit quicker, bit more mobile.

Melbourne were just that.

New players, new systems take time to mould but in the short W-League season confidence goes to the winners, and yesterday despite the score the Winners were Melbourne.

We're not dominating teams, not even at home. And more importantly we're not seeing the link play in the front six that gives you hope of a shot, or a goal. Certainly not often enough.

Ashleigh Sykes seems restricted by the presence of Michelle Weyman. Of course we needed a goalscorer but Ashleigh doesn't seem to be running so freely, causing havoc like she did last season.

Then again the ball delivery, and quick breaks have not been evident this season - not yet.

The squad is better, everyone says it, but getting the results may take time, but on yesterdays performance Canberra is not guaranteed a top four showing, or even an improvement on that, even in a seven team league.

On the plus, Caitlin Cooper was much improved, Ellyse Perry tightly marked still imposed herself. Sally Shipard, Lydia Williams and Caitlin Munoz showed their class, but Ellie Brush was probably my standout.

Sadly most of those players are in the back five or six...and that might just be the problem.

Monday, 15 November 2010

Canberra United are home

Went to watch the mighty Canberra United take on a Brisbane Roar side famous for their quality but pumped by Sydney FC in their first game.

The Roar needed to lift and get something from this game and they did. It ended 1-1 with their goal coming in the seconds before half-time. Great time to score.

And notice it was the crafty ex-Canberran Amy Chapman who created the goal for the stylish Tameka Butt. We haven't forgot you Amy - nor yet forgiven you for that moment of magic! Great to see Amy back at McKellar. Talents clearly wasted Orange. Yuk!

United has often struggled against Brisbane, at home, but with a rebuilt, perhaps improved squad and a thumping of Perth hopes were high.

It was a strong performance right to the end with the new players Caitlin Cooper, Lyndsay Glohe and Michelle Hayman performing well, although all have room for improvement based on this performance if Canberra are really going to challenge the leaders Sydney.

All seemed to lack a little mobility compared to others around them. Maybe I'm too harsh.

We came to see a Heyman goal. We didn't get a goal, hardly a shot. Next time.

Midfield worked hard, Sally Shipard was simply amazing to watch. Her energy, awareness and composure shows why she is a Matilda.

In the forward line, to my mind we were a bit static, a bit linear, with no real pace to catch a long through ball - and there were too many - and no-one really coming deep.

Shu and Caitlin Munoz have this ability to drop, work the ball and release a player with a short ball but not so effective when played high and wide. Emily Van Egmond seems to want to hit it long, always, and with no Ashleigh Sykes until late in the game it was a wasted effort.

Brisbane are no mugs but still lacking in the final third. Fortunately.

United worked harder in the second half, got more players forward more often and when Ellyse Perry scored a technically wonderful goal it was no surprise.

Perry is an amazing athlete, clearly wasted in the colonial game of cricket, and will have some interesting choices to make this year - a World Cup year.

She missed the Asian Cup win due to cricket commitments, will she ensure she makes the World Cup team. We'll see.

Either way watching Ellyse play is worth the admission alone.

Lydia Williams and Ellie Brush were immense.

Great home start. Next up it's Victory, a team Canberra has struggled against at home, but surely this time we'll be too strong.

With Kahlia Hogg, Ashleigh Sykes, and Grace Gill just a few options on the bench for Coach Ray Junna the strength of the squad this time appears much stronger.

Mind you Sydney FC are off the scale. We're good for second place after the weekend's scores. But early days.

Go United!

Thursday, 4 March 2010

Kahlia Hogg, Canberra United. My football journey....so far.

Download

Kahlia Hogg, daughter of former Socceroo Steve Hogg, started her football journey at my local club, Majura FC. Kahlia's only 16 but has already held down the centre midfield spot in W-League side Canberra United.

Her path from Majura Pee Wees, through Papua New Guinea, onto Chelsea FC and back to Canberra makes interesting listening for any young girl or parent involved in the game.

Tuesday, 1 December 2009

Vote for Canberra United player of the year now!

It's time for the Canberra United Player of the Year Awards.

Send your votes to russ.gibbs@mail.com

1. Best
2. Second best
3 Third best.

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Podcast national fails!

Apologies to fans of the Nearpost..no National show this week due to..er I pressed the wrong record button...you'd think after two years I'd get it right....and the Station is having a few issues!!!!

Locally we have another great show. Peter Funnell wonders if Vikings wouldn't be better off running Futsal in Canberra. (How is it possible that we have no Futsal facilities of our own?)

Alfred Galustian, Head of Coerver and new Tech Advisor to the FFA, Ray Junna Canberra United update us on the latest in Coerver development and of course Ray talks us theough United's first win.

Download here

Thursday, 27 August 2009

Canberra United Coach plans for the season ahead.

Peter Funnell caught up with Canberra United's new Coach Ray Junna.

Where else would you get such a lengthy interview on local football in Canberra?
Got to love volunteers in this city; And it's a great interview.

Download

Emily van Egmond, Overseas players signed up, pathway and training schedule for the team and just how hard is it to be a United player? It's tough and the details are all here.

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

Is China near Dubbo?

A few local types in Canberra complain and rant about girls from Dubbo getting a go in the Canberra United W-League team.

Their logic is clearly flawed in my view. So only players from a town or city which has a W-League team can play for that team. Should we kick out Ulladulla's Cian Maciejweski, Albury born Amy Chapman and Albury resident Ellie Brush or do the rules not apply for them?

Anyway before you get steamed up about that.

Three women from the PR China have been trialling with Canberra United. Word is they are technically very good.

Makes Dubbo seem local doesn't it?

And just wondering how many more Asian players will be coming to our wonderful W-League in years to come. Very interesting!

Friday, 10 July 2009

Canberra United beginning to stir

Ray Junna United's new Coach is seemingly looking to engage more local talent for Canberra United this season, andLydia Williams set to come home from the USA for United's new season.

For Canberra Times Journo Merryn Sherwood's recent articles in the Canberra Times read on.

By Merryn Sherwood

Last season Cian Maciejewski was the only local premier league player to take part in Canberra's inaugural W-League side.

This year, even Maciejewski thinks that will change.

New United coach Ray Junna started holding trials last week and invited players from all ACT clubs to participate along with ACT Academy of Sport squad members and a selection of NSW players.

''I think it's fantastic that Ray has gone to the local league first and given them that chance,'' Maciejewski said.

''Last year, you could have gone along to training but it's kind of hard to just pick yourself up and go out there by yourself, but this year Ray has really given them the confidence to come in and be part of it.

''It's been great to see so many more girls involved.'' This year's story is different from Maciejewski's.

Maciejewski played in the old women's national league for the Canberra Eclipse.
However, a knee injury meant she spent time out of the game before coming back to play for Belwest in the local women's league where she has played for the past three seasons. This year, it's a host of talented teenagers making their way on to the national stage.

Almost every premier league team has players in the ACT schoolgirls under-15s and under-17s nationals teams who are making a difference. At Belwest, Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Hope Wilkins have impressed, Weston Creek has Aleisha Tupper, Krista Hagan and Elizabeth Pearson and Belconnen United has Erica Weatherly.

Woden Valley has the biggest contingent, with players like Sally Rojahn, Catherine Brown, Grace Field and Ashleigh Palombi all scoring bags of goals in Woden's so far undefeated season.

The biggest issue for Junna could be age restrictions.

This year each W-League team is allowed to have just three under-17 players.
Almost all of the women's premier league players coming through are under that age.
But Maciejewski doesn't think that's a bad thing.

''The W-League can be pretty stressful, maybe some of them their age, they might be a bit too young,'' Maciejewski said.

''But they certainly have potential. There are some great players there.'' Junna is still working out how to balance his squad, which will start to take shape when the W-League registration opens, but is keen for more Canberra-based players.

Last season, the whole 20-player squad didn't train together once, even in the week leading up to the grand final against the Brisbane Roar.
For season two, Junna wants that to change.

Canberra United can officially sign players when the W-League registration period opens on July17.

Williams netting plenty of experience
By Merryn Sherwood

As an understudy to one of the world's best goalkeepers at the Chicago Red Stars, Lydia Williams believes she has learned a great deal and can't wait to bring her form back to Canberra United. After finishing the inaugural season at Canberra United with the second-best defensive record in the league last year, Williams trialled with Chicago in the new American women's professional league club in March and secured a contract.

For the past three months she has trained almost daily, earning enough to live on and has been mentored by one of the world's leading goalkeepers and practised against some of the sharpest female strikers in the world. ''I think Carli Lloyd is the hardest shot to stop in training,'' Williams said. ''So I know if I start stopping her shots regularly then I'll be up there.

''But it's definitely given me a lot of incentive, I think its the most physical competition there is, so being a part of that will improve me a lot.''Williams is yet to take to the field for the team but is happy to be gaining skills to bring back to Canberra when the W-League starts in October.

While no players can be officially signed until July 17, Williams was keen to return to her home team, Canberra United, for its second season.

''I probably won't be playing this season in the [US] league unless Carre [Jonsson] gets injured, but I don't mind at all because she's probably one of the best keepers in the world at the moment,'' Williams told The Canberra Times from Chicago.

''I'm learning so much from her and its only making me better.''''... On crosses I think I'm a lot cleaner now and my foot work has improved, there is a whole lot of things have been cleaned up a little bit.''Williams said the experience had given her incentive to improve.

As the No1 Matildas goalkeeper, she was one of the most experienced players in the W-League. But in America, Williams was was an under-study to Swedish international Caroline Jonsson and is one of the youngest players in the league.

The women's pro soccer league season ends in August.
The official W-League draw is expected to be released in the next fortnight.

Monday, 15 June 2009

Canberra United new coach

United are expected to announce their new coach tomorrow...and it will be a new coach if I'm reading the t-leaves correctly.

Monday, 27 April 2009

FFA fight for women's rights: Dubbo Dinosaurs re-educated?

Canberra United players Ashleigh and Nicole Sykes maybe be barred from playing in their local Dubbo/Bathurst Under 18 team in the Western District boys league...but the story has reached the FFA....

And the FFA has it seems engaged their Legal Department quicksmart.

Some members of the local association were laughing almost mocking when I rang them recently. Guess who is laughing now?

Reckon there is only one winner in this. So forget the legals and let the girls play..if others deem they are good enough, physical enough blah blah

Isn't that what ANY coach does when picking an Under 18 team? Anything else is purely discriminatory isn't it?

And while we're on it..what a way to thank two players who have by their pure talent done so much to promote the Dubbo Football District.

You'd think that Western District would be doing it's utmost to help any player male or female who has reached or the potential to reach the very top.

Football Administrator's: A rare breed!

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