There’s a new coach on the Westfield W-League soccer scene, stepping into the top spot at Canberra United.
Vicki Linton will move into the head coach role ahead of Season 13, after coming straight from the US Soccer Federation’s Development Academy where she has spent the past three years.
With COVID-19 landing her back in Australia, Linton said she couldn’t wait to dip her toes back in the pool of coaching.
“Spending time away from working with players directly had given me itchy feet so I had a desire to get back into coaching and use all the skills I have learned over the past three years,” she said.
“Where United sits in Canberra’s sporting landscape is fairly unique to the Westfield W-League, which excites me. Canberra has always been a really well-run club and it has had success in the past so it is a really exciting opportunity.
“I am looking forward to coming into the club and having an impact at the senior level and continuing to grow Canberra United’s Academy program as well.”
The club is looking forward to having the skilled coach join the team, whose resume boasts head coach roles with the Junior Matildas and Melbourne Victory’s W-League team.
She has also worked with FIFA as a Women’s Football Instructor through its Women’s Football Development Courses.
Linton said the club’s star line-up of previous female coaches was a major drawcard for her.
“In the past, I spent time with Jitka [Klimkova] when I was working with the National teams at the AIS and I connected with Lizz [Migchelsen] and Rae [Dower] when they were coaching Canberra United, so I have always had a connection with the club,” she said.
“The last four head coaches being women says a lot about the club and the strong program it runs. It makes me proud to follow on from them but with that comes a sense of responsibility which I look forward to living up to.”
Details are yet to be confirmed on the commencement of the 2020 W-League season, which usually begins during November.
