Kat Smith will play a key role in the historic, first-ever A-League All Stars Women squad as an assistant coach for next month’s huge exhibition match against Arsenal FC.
The Western United Liberty A-League Women boss will join Central Coast Mariners coach Emily Husband in supporting Joe Montemurro who has been hired to take the reigns for the contest.
The appointment recognises Smith’s outstanding job with Western United since joining the Club in December, seeing her guide the side into a second straight finals appearance before signing a new contract with the Club for next season.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato commended Smith’s achievements and highlighted this as a special opportunity for her and the Club.
“It is rewarding to see that Kat’s impact at our Club is being recognised externally and we are delighted for her to earn this opportunity to work with the All Stars,” he said.
“Kat’s expertise has shone through this season and I know that she will relish the opportunity to work with our league’s best against some of the world’s best in the Arsenal side.
“We are proud that in two seasons in the ALW competition, we have been able to advance our coaches as the Liberty A-League Coach of the Year and now the A-League All Stars Women assistant coach.
“We congratulate Kat on this monumental achievement and look forward to her continued growth as a coach. Hopefully there are further opportunities of this nature in the future.”
Smith becomes the second Western United representative to be confirmed for the A-League All Stars double header with Daniel Penha confirmed as one of the first two names in the men’s squad on Tuesday.
The double header is set for Friday 24 May at Marvel Stadium, with the men taking on Newcastle United at 5:15pm before the women’s clash against Arsenal at 8:05pm.
Tickets are on sale now so you can be there to get behind Smith, Penha and the A-Leagues on a special night.