Former Westfield W-League Golden Boot winner and Julie Dolan medallist Ashleigh Sykes will join Canberra United’s coaching staff as Assistant Coach to Heather Garriock for the upcoming season.
Sykes netted 37 goals across 108 appearances in Green, including 12 in a remarkable Season Nine to guide Canberra United to the Premiership, and said she is excited to begin a new chapter in her football career.
“I am already looking forward to the season beginning again,” Sykes said.
“I will obviously be involved in a different capacity this year, but it’s an exciting step in my football career and I can’t wait to work alongside Heather in the professional environment we have within Canberra United.”
“This club has been a big part of my life so contributing again as a coach and helping the next generation of players is very important to me.”
Having retired after 10 seasons of playing for United in the Westfield W-League, Sykes is now giving back to the football community off the field through her role as Game Development Manager at Capital Football and undertaking coaching courses ahead of this season.
Garriock spoke highly of Sykes and her appointment and said that Sykes would be a great addition to the sideline staff during the upcoming season.
“I had an excellent working relationship with Ash during last season and I can’t wait for that to evolve into a winning coaching team,” Garriock said.
“Ash has an excellent football brain and will bring so much to the sideline.”
“She embodies all of the values of Canberra United so well and has left a big imprint on the club through her playing days, so it is a strong indicator of her passion for the club that she is changing roles and staying involved.”
The 2018/19 Westfield W-League season is set to begin in late October.
Stand United with the Ash, Heather and the Canberra United team by purchasing a Canberra United Membership for Westfield W-League Season 11 now.
Canberra United 2018/19 Westfield W-League Squad
Goalkeepers: Shamiran KHAMIS, Melissa MAIZELS
Defenders: Taren KING, Natasha PRIOR
Midfielders: Refiloe JANE, Karly ROESTBAKKEN
Forwards: Nicki FLANNERY, Rhoda MULAUDZI, Nikola ORGILL
