The 2021 Capital Football NPLW1 season commences April 10th, and the eight teams in this instalment of the competition have three full rounds to look forward to.
Previous instalments:
Canberra United Academy
West Canberra FC
Here’s how Belconnen United is shaping in 2021. They finished the 2020 season in second place.
Team news from Head Coach Michael Zakoski
NPLW1 Coaching team for season 2021:
Head Coach – Michael Zakoski
Assistant Coach – Nicholas Zakoski
Assistant Coach and Head of Football NPLW – Mitch Parker
NPLW1 squad – players gained:
Talia Backhouse – sabbatical
Olivia Bomford – Olympia FC (Tasmania)
Cristina Esposito – West Canberra FC
Sarah Johnston – Illawarra Stingrays
Cassia McGlashan – sabbatical
Isabella Tammaro – sabbatical
NPLW1 squad – players lost:
Catherine Brown – AFL
Jessica Giovinazzo – work commitments
Jasmine Maguire – study commitments
Jessie Rasschaert – interstate
Any changes to the women’s programme for the 2021 NPLW1 season ?
A number of new coaches have joined the program this season with years of experience in the game and, importantly, having previously represented the club as players and added to its history.
Among other changes, there’s an emphasis on a new vision and philosophy that we intend to execute at a First Grade level and share across the grades; one that we refer to as the Blue Devils DNA. We intend to have an evident playing style across all teams which demonstrates how Belconnen 2021 and into the future will play football, with the desire to win trophies and develop the game’s future Matildas.
Aims for the 2021 NPLW1 season ?
Primary aims are to be consistent and competitive over the course of the entire season (21 games +) and be rewarded for this consistency with trophies. There is a big determination this season to give players an ‘opportunity’ who may not have seen one in previous years because of the level of competition against renowned players who are now playing within the W-League and in competitions across the country in NSW and Victoria.
As we grow and develop our players to reach the next level of their game, we intend to win as many matches and trophies as possible in the process – this club has a rich history and we intend to continue on that path for as long as possible.
Anything else to add about season 2021 ?
We have a number of young and exciting talents emerging and we are looking forward to seeing them grace our field with their efforts over the course of the season. We have already seen 14-year-old Reilly Yuen perform at this level this season with two goals against Canberra Croatia FC in the 2021 Charity Shield.
Player profiles: Vice-captain Jazmine Zabel
How many seasons have you played NPLW1 with your current club ?
My first season with Belconnen United was in 2019, so this will be my third season with the club.
Likely onfield position ?
3 or 4 (central defence) but on the rare occasion 6 (defensive holding midfield).
What’s got you excited about the season ?
Since last year was such an interrupted and chaotic season due to the pandemic and also having some personal time off, I think that the team is super excited to be back in this environment especially under new coaching staff.
But also having the opportunities to develop and create a new playing style as well as hopefully winning some trophies along the way.
Who is a rising star in your team that fans should watch out for ?
We have quite a few young players coming up into the first-grade environment so it’s challenging to name one. But so far Reilly Yuen has been standing out for me. Even though she is very young, she is a driven player and has great technical ability and athleticism. It’s quite common for players to shy away and be overwhelmed in our training environment, but so far she’s been challenging some of the senior players which is very exciting.
Are there any match-ups you are particularly looking forward to ? (This could be a specific opposition player, and/or another club)
Honestly, I look forward to playing every match as it’s an opportunity to develop and learn so much while being exposed to different playing styles. But definitely Canberra Croatia FC, Gungahlin United and Canberra United Academy as you know that it’s always going to challenge you technically and tactically.
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