Calder United have opted for a pair of first-time captains and a youthful leadership group for their inaugural NPLW season, with Rachel Binning and Rachel Alonso to lead the side.
Supplementing the pair will be vice-captain Claudia Fruscalzo and the elected leadership group of Jess Pitts, Cindy Lay and former Bundoora United captain Enza Barilla.
“Previously I’ve had Enza as a captain and she’s someone who’s always been a fantastic leader,” coach Mark Torcaso said.
“She was very professional about [the decision to step down from the captaincy]. She approached me and said ‘If I’m being considered for the captaincy, is it possible if maybe you could consider someone else?’.
“Enza wanted to focus on playing and let someone younger have a go – she said that she’d be more than happy to guide and help those people we picked.”
22-year-old Alonso – a close friend of the former captain – was seen as one of the standout candidates for a leadership role, and she believes her age will help galvanise the young playing group.
“Having a youthful squad, I find it fitting that with myself being a young captain, I can relate better to the players and perhaps have a better insight as to what we want to achieve as a team,” Alonso said before discussing Barilla’s influence on her as a leader.
“Enza leads by example on and off the field. She’s a player that will give 100% in everything she does – that will be something I will strive to do this year.”
Co-captain and namesake Binning admitted the leadership position was a big responsibility that will dictate all aspects of her role at Calder, from the senior team down.
“I’m honoured to be given the chance to represent Calder United as their captain alongside Rachel Alonso,” Binning said.
“It’s a big responsibility that I’m prepared to take on and do the best that I can to be a leader for not only the senior group but also the up and coming young players too.
“I’m really excited for this season at Calder United – the team has really come together and it’s a very positive atmosphere and we’re gelling as both a team and a family.”
While the Rachel’s may be officially donning the title of co-captain, the club has maintained that the brunt of the work will fall on the shoulders of the leadership group as a collective.
Even though the coaching staff had a strong idea of who he wanted at the helm, the decision ultimately came down to the players, who helped decide on the group of six.
“After our initial trials and pre-season work it became evident we had a rich pool of players that showed leadership traits,” said President Eric Psarianos.
“During our games in Tasmania the coaching group decided to put the selection of our captains and vice-captains back onto the players and it’s very pleasing that both Rachel Alonso and Rachel Binning along with Claudia Fruscalzo have been selected by their peers to lead the squad.
“All three have demonstrated outstanding leadership characteristics and we all look forward to them leading Calder United in its inaugural season, a mix of youth and experience.
“They will be supported by an extended leadership team that includes Cindy Lay, Enza Barilla, Jess Pitts. I am sure experienced players like Gulcan Koca and Tyla-Jay Vlanjic will also add value as all these players have fantastic leadership qualities.”