Western United Liberty A-League Women assistant coach Chelsea Noonan will depart the Club after securing an incredibly exciting opportunity at a club in the United Kingdom.
The Irishwoman was an integral addition to Western United’s women’s set up in the 2023/24 season, immediately making an impression on the players and her fellow staff members.
Supporting both Mark Torcaso and Kat Smith across the campaign, Noonan helped the side play a thrilling brand of football, punctuated by a six-game winning streak and a return to the finals series.
As she embarks on a new chapter in her career, Noonan said she will carry Western United with her wherever she goes.
“From the moment I landed in Australia, Western United provided me with a home away from home for which I’ll always be grateful,” she said.
“I can’t speak more highly of every single staff member at the Club. I have to thank Amanda Stella and Mal Impiombato for entrusting me with the position, Anthony Frost for his unwavering support and guidance and Kat Smith, who has been a great mentor and a true friend.
“Finally, to the playing group for their dedication, hard work and passion. The best is yet to come for this team, and I can’t wait to support them from afar this upcoming season.
“It’s bittersweet to be leaving such a great Club, and even better people, but I’ll forever bleed green.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato thanked Noonan for her impact on the Club’s women’s program and wished her success in the future.
“Chelsea has been a highly valued member of our Western United family over the last 12 months and it is with mixed emotions that we say farewell,” he said.
“More so, we are extremely proud and pleased for Chelsea to earn this opportunity, one that is richly deserved and one that I am sure she will thrive in.
“On behalf of all players, staff and our broader Green and Black family, I thank Chelsea for her contribution and wish her every success with the next steps of her footballing journey.”
Ahead of the 2024/25 Liberty A-League season, Western United is continuing to build its playing squad and football department for another pursuit of success.
Everyone at Western United wishes Chelsea all the very best in the UK and will be watching on from afar as she continues her development as a coach.
