Coniston Football Club has announced their intention to enter a team into the Women’s Premier League for the 2025 season.
The club has appointed Assistant Youth Coach, Nick Tortorella as the Head Coach for the Women’s Premier League. Mr Tortorella’s current role with the Macarther Rams consists of assisting coaches with the youth program, talent identification, and developing skills and knowledge of female football players. His 30 years of experience as a player, and a coach assisted Coniston FC in their decision to appoint him as head coach.
The newly appointed coach outlined his vision to build a dedicated and hardworking team.
“I want to see women’s football in the Illawarra grow,” Mr. Tortorella said.
He emphasises the importance of effort, determination, and consistency within a team and aims to instil a strong ethos in his players.
Mr. Tortorella expressed his commitment to developing opportunities for younger athletes.
“We are going to create pathways for junior women.”
While Mr Tortorella acknowledges that establishing these pathways will take time, he has affirmed his dedication to the long-term growth of women’s football at Coniston Football Club and in the region, pledging to invest the necessary time and effort to see the sport thrive.
Alongside Mr. Tortorella will be Shim Sumner and Daniel Elliott. Shim Sumner’s 15 years’ experience in playing and coaching football landed him the role of youth grade coach. Daniel Elliott will undertake the role of women’s squad manager.
The Illawarra women’s Premier League is building momentum after its successful inaugural season last year, with coaches and players optimistic about the future of the league.
Morgan Anderson, captain of the Woonona women’s Premier League team, praised the structure of the competition for enhancing the quality of football and strengthening team dynamics.
According to Anderson the three team structure, Premier League, Reserve Grade, and Youth Grade, has improved squad mentality across the league.
“It allows for that development of younger players, and it’s increased the commitment that it takes from players…now everyone needs to earn their spot,” Anderson said.
Despite the current league consisting of only six teams, resulting in each team playing each other three times a year, Anderson is hopeful for expansion. Woonona’s captain believes that if Coniston joins the league next year, it could encourage other clubs to follow suit.
“The Women’s Premier League has catered for the growth of women’s football, and I believe the league will go from strength to strength.”