Sydney FC have announced the first names in their Westfield W-League squad for the Westfield W-League 2015/16 season today, as the October kick off fast approaches.
The Sky Blues, one of the most successful women’s teams in the league, will be led by returning Head Coach Daniel Barret with defender Renee Rollason combining her playing duties with coaching duties as she comes on board as Barrett’s Assistant Coach.
Pipped at the semi-final stage last season, Barrett’s squad will be eager to go one step further this year and the squad has all the billings of a Championship side.
Boasting six players from the successful Westfield Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 squad, the Sky Blues have national team members Alanna Kennedy, Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis, Nicola Bolger, Servet Uzunlar and Teresa Polias in their ranks.
Kennedy returns to Sydney FC after spending last season at Premiers Perth Glory where she played every minute of every match, including the 2014 Grand Final, while Simon returns following her stellar World Cup where she played in all five matches, scoring three goals including the winner against powerhouse nation Brazil.
Season 2014 golden boot winner Jasmyne Spencer, who scored eight goals in 13 games, returns from the United States to strengthen the Sky Blues forward line with her scintillating form proving key to Sydney FC’s run to the semi-finals last season.
Recent Westfield Matildas call up and 2014 Westfield W-League Young Player of the Year Amy Harrison returns alongside fellow recent call up Teigen Allen and Young Matildas Princess Ibini, Natalie Tobin, and Olivia Price, while Sham Khamis will resume her place in goal following a year at Western Sydney Wanderers.
Head Coach Daniel Barrett has set his sights on the Championship as he said he believes he’s strengthened the squad with recent recruitments that complement all parts of the field.
“The squad is well balanced in all areas,” he said.
“It’s got a fantastic blend of youth and experience with a real cutting edge up top. I am clear on the style of football that I want the team to play so recruiting the correct players to help bring this to life was crucial and I am pleased with our signings.
“We want to be there on the final day of the season,” he continued.
“Last year we fell a game short and I still remember how disappointed the players and I felt after that match. So much energy has gone into ensuring that we can challenge to go one better. Planning is done and thankfully pre-season is on our doorstep and I’m looking forward to getting the group together and beginning the journey.”
Sydney FC will be captained during the 2015/16 season by midfielder Teresa Polias who said she can’t wait for the season to get underway.
“I’m really looking forward to this year’s W-League after a long wait from last season,” she said.
“Dan Barrett has done a fantastic job in recruiting a very strong squad that has a lot of potential. The whole squad is raring to go.”
Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League squad will begin pre-season training later this month, with Barrett still in talks with a handful of other players to complete his squad. Details of the remaining additions will be announced in due course.
Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League 2015/16 Season squad:
Goalkeeper
Sham Khamis
Defenders
Teigen Allen
Renee Rollason
Elizabeth Ralston
Alanna Kennedy
Servet Uzunlar
Ellyse Perry
Midfielders
Nicola Bolger
Natalie Tobin
Teresa Polias (c)
Olivia Price
Amy Harrison
Trudy Camilleri
Sunny Franco
Forwards
Princess Ibini
Jasmyne Spencer
Leena Khamis
Kyah Simon
Sydney FC W-League Memberships are now on sale for the Westfield W-League season 2015/16. Click HERE to become part of the Sky Blues family
