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:
Belconnen United
Canberra United Academy
Gungahlin United
West Canberra FC
Here’s how Canberra Olympic is shaping in 2021. They finished the 2020 season in fourth place.
Team news from Head Coach Nicole Begg
NPLW1 Coaching team for season 2021:
Head Coach – Nicole Begg
Reserve Grade head coach – Katrina (Chevy) Alexander
Reserve Grade assistant coach – Michael Begg
NPLW1 squad – players gained:
Anna Bennett – Canberra Croatia
Iesha De Andrade – West Canberra Wanderers
Jemima Millar-Carton – West Canberra Wanderers
Anna Vandenbroucke – West Canberra Wanderers
Lucy D’Arcy – West Canberra Wanderers
Zoe Szeremet – Monaro Panthers
Raechel Hardwicke – Monaro Panthers
Aurelia Haynes – Canberra United Academy
Courtney Halse – hiatus
NPLW1 squad – players lost:
Lily Dawson – University
Eleanor Jones – University
Angelica Pahina
Abigail Stanton – interstate
Emma Guo – West Canberra Wanderers
Nicole Begg – coaching
Any changes to the women’s programme for the 2021 NPLW1 season ?
A few changes across the program this year. Our coaching line-up from U13s the whole way through is excellent and I’m excited to see what’s in store for all the teams. A few new faces across the first grade and reserve grade teams too, all of which have blended in seamlessly to our culture and have been really positive additions to the squad.
Aims for the 2021 NPLW1 season ?
We’re aiming to build on last year, the squad has come a long way over a couple of years and we want to continue to progress as a group this year. Consistency in our performances week in, week out is going to be essential for us and our growth as a group this year.
Anything else to add about season 2021 ?
Really excited by the season ahead, there’s a lot of good teams out there in what is shaping up to be a really competitive season. It’s going to be totally different to last year’s ‘sprint’ and I’m grateful we can play in three full rounds.
Player profiles: Ali Cook
How many seasons have you played NPLW1 with your current club ?
5 years total – I played in the men’s comp for Olympic for 3 years.
Likely onfield position ?
Centre back.
What’s got you excited about the season ?
The coaching team that we have. We have a wealth of knowledge in Nicole as our new head coach both in the tactics and execution of the game but also player management. In the short time that she has been head coach we have already seen a massive improvement in basic skills of the girls and the motivation to play at the highest level we possibly can both as a team and as individuals.
Who is a rising star in your team that fans should watch out for ?
Lucy D’Arcy … this is the first year Lucy has been at the club and the impact she will bring is already evident. She has so much potential in the midfield with her strong presence and tackling abilities. She brings great energy and intensity to training and always has a good attitude. It is definitely calming as a centre back to have her holding in the midfield and making sure that we are not broken down through the middle of the park.
Are there any match-ups you are particularly looking forward to ? (This could be a specific opposition player, and/or another club)
I think as a club we naturally have a rivalry with Canberra Croatia but even more so this year as we want to test ourselves against the best and see if we can match up. Last year we had a very talented group of girls but we struggled to turn up to the big matches, so that is a huge goal of ours this year, to be able to really compete with the best teams consistently.
Anything else to add about season 2021?
As a senior player I am so excited to see the talent coming through the ranks. We have a huge amount of potential coming through our reserves squad this year, which will not only strengthen our club as a whole this year but also in the many years to come. We have built a great culture as a club and it is just something very special to be a part of the Olympic women’s senior squad and the club as a whole.
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