With the news that Capital Football is working towards the commencement of senior competitions in 2020 on the weekend of July 18th, Beyond 90 is – with some excitement – resuming Season 2020 previews. This final edition features Gungahlin United FC.
Previously published previews for season 2020:
Belconnen United
Tuggeranong United
Monaro Panthers
Canberra Olympic
Wagga City Wanderers
Woden-Weston FC
Canberra United Academy
Canberra Croatia FC
Team news from coach Diego Iglesias
NPLW Coaching team for season 2020 :
Diego Iglesias (Senior coach)
David Spice (Assistant senior coach)
Nick Van Aalst (U17’s coach)
Scott Gregson (U15’s coach)
Rob Scott (U13’s coach)
Bernardo Zamora (Goalkeeping coach)
Carlo Meola and Scott Fogg (Trainers)
Joe Wright (skills coach)
Ash Clarke (junior assistant coach)
NPLW1 squad – players gained :
Tianah Miro – Canberra United Academy (2018)
Ayla Robertson – Belconnen United
Stefi Lejins – Canberra United Academy
Teah Hayes – Woden-Weston FC U17’s
NPLW1 squad – players lost :
Nil
Any changes to the women’s programme for the club this season ?
I’ve been very much focussing on maintaining continuity in the squad and continuing to build-up the squad’s depth. We’ve also done a lot of work on improving our program structure. We’ve introduced a dedicated goalkeeping coach for the women’s program as I feel that’s an area of concern across the women’s game. We’ve also introduced various assistant coaches for each team to assist in player and coach development and is in line with our policy of encouraging senior female players to explore coaching as an option and stay involved in the program post their premier playing days.
Aims for the 2020 NPLW1 season ?
1. For the senior teams (17’s, Reserves, and Firsts): make the finals and push for the title.
2. For the junior teams: continue to develop strong core skills and learn the GUFC philosophy of play.
Player profile: Kailey Tonini, co-captain
How many seasons have you played NPLW1 with your current club ?
This will be my third season with GUFC.
Likely onfield position ?
Goalkeeper.
What’s got you excited about the season ?
I have missed playing football for starters! But I’m very excited about how our new players have fit in well with the existing playing group and I’m looking forward to seeing the football we can play together this season. Diego and all our GUFC training staff have been building our program these last few years, so I’m also excited for this next phase in that development and pushing ourselves in season 2020.
On a personal level, I’m motivated to improve my ability this season with our new Goalkeeper Coach, Bernardo Zamora. I’m both excited and nervous to see how a few months of training with him has influenced my match performance but also identify areas of improvement for training during the season.
Who is a rising star in your team that fans should watch out for ?
We’ve had a few new girls join us this year that I’m very excited about ! I really like Ayla Robertson’s work ethic and Stefi Lejins’ playing style; Stefi especially is working really well with Stella De Marco and Rachael Corbett (returning players). But we are one squad and I’m a big fan of everyone on my team, so come watch us all !
Are there any match-ups you are particularly looking forward to ? (This could be a specific opposition player, and/or another club)
There’s a lot of shooting talent in this competition so there are definitely players that keep me on my toes in every team. Something I read recently was that goalkeepers should be prepared for the worst from their teammates and best from their opposition. I think it’s really important to approach every match with that perspective and the respect for each match and every player challenging me in my area.
However, I always look forward to playing against Canberra Croatia FC and Belconnen United FC because they consistently test me as a goalkeeper holistically. They always challenge my ability to manage and communicate with my players, not just my shot stopping ability.
Anything else you’d like to add ?
I know season 2020 and the year in general has been unlike any other we’ve experienced. I’m just grateful we get to play some games this season and I really appreciate the effort behind the scenes to get us on the field. I hope everyone can respect that and the requirements we have to meet to ensure the safety of players, staff and our community.
Follow all our ACT NPLW coverage.
