Young utility Lucy Richards bolsters Western United’s ALW squad

Western United has added yet another talented young player to its Liberty A-League Women ranks with Lucy Richards signing her first professional contract with the Club.

After shining in the Football Victoria NTC and Emerging Matildas programs for a number of years, Richards joined Calder United in 2023 and has continued to impress.

The 21-year-old can play on either flank as a full back or a winger and produced a match-winning display in Calder’s NIKE F.C. Cup Final win last month, scoring the opener in a 2-0 win over FC Bulleen Lions.

Having been a train-on player at Melbourne City in previous seasons, Richards said she feels ready to make the step up and become a fully-fledged Liberty A-League player.

“I’m super excited to sign my first professional contract with Western United and just extremely grateful to the Club for the opportunity,” she said.

“From training and playing with some of the girls at Calder, it’s clear this group has heaps of drive coming into the season, so I’m keen to get started with the squad and try to help build on the success from last year.”

Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso said he and his staff had future plans for Richards before bringing her to Calder United.

“I have been tracking Lucy’s journey from as early as 12 years of age, so I was eager to have her join our environment at Calder to give us a chance to work with her towards a potential A-League contract,” he said.

“From her performances, her application and her attitude, it became clear very quickly that she is ready for this level and we are delighted to be in a position to give Lucy her professional debut and continue to help her realise her potential.”

Despite being only 21, Richards has developed into a strong leader having captained FV Emerging over multiple seasons and also reached the 100-appearance milestone in NPLW Victoria this season.

Richards becomes the third new signing to join Western United from the Calder United pathway this off-season, following Keiwa Hieda and Natalie Picak in signing for the Green and Black.