In one of the worst kept secrets in women’s football, Football Federation Australia have announced a Melbourne City W-League team will be introduced into the competition for the 2015/16 season.
The team will be based in the City’s Football Academy at La Trobe University.
Former Victory W-League and current City NPL Head Coach Joe Montemurro will lead the side, taking over after the conclusion of the NPL season, but will undertake the recruitment process immediately.
Current Bundoora United midfielder and City Game Development Officer Louisa Bisby will assume the role of Team Manager.
FFA CEO David Gallop said the move fits in with the Whole of Football Plan’s ambition of developing stronger links between men’s and women’s football in Australia.
“It is one of the first practical measures in improving elite women’s football in Australia and offers another group of talented female footballers the opportunity to develop their games and strive towards a career as a football player,” Gallop said.
“It is also a strong commitment from one of our Hyundai A-League clubs to the Whole of Football Plan’s One Club model with the aim of one day having clubs competing in the A-League and W-League to establish strong links between men’s and women’s football.”
Melbourne City CEO Scott Munn said the introduction of a second Melbourne club in the W-League was the result of persistence and will give Victorian footballers a greater avenue to reach their potential.
“It has always been our ambition to have a women’s team and our acceptance into the W-League for next season is the culmination of a lot of hard work” Munn said.
“Increasing women’s participation in football is vital for the game’s growth in the future and we are looking forward to our season commencing under Joe’s experienced leadership later this year.”