The Hyundai Football West Academy is celebrating its latest success stories with two of its goalkeepers joining professional clubs.
Sofia Borg, 18, has signed her first professional contract with Women’s Super League 2 Newcastle United, who are coached by her fellow West Australian Tanya Oxtoby.
And Daisy McGreadie-Cole, 16, has joined Perth Glory on a Youth Development Agreement, along with fellow Academy player Theo Mouithys. A third Academy product, Sakura Leong, recently signed with Glory on a scholarship contract.
Football West Football Development Officer Andrew Ord heads the Academy Girls Program. He congratulated the girls and said people should not be shocked that their talent has been recognised.
“It’s no surprise to me that players who have been part of the Football West Academy are good enough to sign professional contracts,” he said.
“We are fortunate that the home of Football West is a world-class facility, namely the Sam Kerr Football Centre. The players have high-level coaching, state-of-the-art strength & conditioning and access to video analysis. At the recent Emerging Championships the U16 Girls were the champions and the U16 Boys were runners up. It is perfectly logical that clubs are taking notice, and players who graduate are in demand.”
Ord added: “Players who enter our program should already have the motivation and dreams to maximise their potential. Of course, as they see girls that were training on the pitch next to them progress it makes them realise it doesn’t just need to be a dream, it can become a reality.
“One of the things we do here is give players an opportunity to test themselves out of their comfort zones which definitely helps prepare for the next level. I always say to the players maximise all facets of our program and if you do this consistently over the several years you spend with us, you will give yourself every chance to be a success.”
Ord says Girls Program goalkeeper coach Cyril Sharrock deserves a lot of credit for the success of the Academy keepers. For Sharrock, it is a reward for the Academy’s long-term approach and the players’ hard work.
He said: “The recognition of two of the Academy goalkeepers by Newcastle United and Perth Glory is a fantastic reflection of the quality and direction of the program, which provides an elite development environment that goes well beyond regular team training. Goalkeepers receive specific goalkeeper coaching, video analysis, strength and conditioning, regular individual feedback while training at a high-quality training facilities.
“This comprehensive approach allows players to develop all aspects of their game technically, tactically and physically while being challenged within an environment designed to prepare them for the demands of higher-level football.
“To have two goalkeepers from the program recognised by established professional pathways such as Newcastle and Glory is a strong endorsement of the environment, coaching and player-development philosophy within the Academy. It demonstrates that the program is not simply developing goalkeepers for the present, but providing them with the tools, support and exposure required to pursue opportunities at the next level.
“As coaches, it is certainly rewarding to see players recognised at this level, particularly after witnessing their progress through hard work, commitment and a willingness to learn.
“Goalkeeping is demanding, so seeing these young players develop their confidence, decision-making, technical ability and understanding of the game while in the program makes these moments especially meaningful.
“Most importantly, it is incredibly rewarding to see these players believe in themselves, embrace challenges and earn recognition for their hard work. To see them continue to develop, pursue new challenges and work towards the opportunities that lie ahead in their football journeys is what makes coaching so rewarding.”
Borg’s move to Newcastle comes after two former Football West Academy players recently joined clubs in England.
Grace Johnston is at Charlton Athletic in WSL 1 and impressed on her first start against champions Manchester City on Saturday. And Matildas international Leticia McKenna is now with WSL 2 Nottingham Forest following five highly successful seasons with Melbourne City.
Borg said: “This means a lot, not just for me, but for my family as well. Newcastle is such a big name in football, and I think for the short amount of time I’ve been here, it’s been incredible.
“My goals now are just about developing as a goalkeeper and playing as much football as I can and continue to be the best goalkeeper that I can be.”
Manager Oxtoby, said: “Sofia has worked really hard since joining the club. She had a setback with injury, but since coming back she has shown her potential in sessions.
“She will continue to pick up valuable game time with the Under-21s to continue her development and we are looking forward to helping her on that journey.”
