Seven talented young Victorians will gain experience with Western United’s A-League Women side as train-on players, joining the squad in training twice per week throughout the season.
Head Coach Mark Torcaso said:
“I’m really pleased to have these seven girls with us, staying connected to the program throughout the season,” he said.
“They are all extremely gifted young players with bright futures and we want to make sure that they have every opportunity to show their quality at the highest possible level.
“Each of these girls will be vital in helping to drive the high standards throughout the squad. While they may not be playing matches immediately, I will be looking for them to work hard and put themselves in a position to seize any opportunities that may arise.”
Akeisha Sandhu
Akeisha Sandhu has been part of the Western United Women’s Development Squad, travelling to Tasmania with the team earlier this year while starring as South Melbourne’s captain in NPLW.
Ava Groba
Talented attacker Ava Groba has grown at Calder United since being a foundation player in 2016, scoring eight goals in all competitions in her first full year as a senior player this year.
Montanna Mathews
Montanna Mathews made her senior NPLW debut in 2022, going on to feature in every match for Calder United as the side clinched Premiership, Championship and NIKE F.C. Cup honours.
Elle Talevski
Central midfielder Elle Talevski also made her first senior NPLW appearance with Calder this year and remained a permanent fixture in Torcaso’s squad, as well as the Under 19’s side.
Lara El-Hayek
Twenty-year-old goalkeeper Lara El-Hayek will continue her development, learning from first-team stoppers Hillary Beall and Alyssa Dall’Oste under goalkeeper coach Blerton Belica.
Tiarna Stella
After making her senior debut and scoring her first goal in 2022, Tiarna Stella will remain with the group while she rehabilitates an ACL injury.
Bella Sewards
Bella Sewards surpassed 100 NPLW Victoria matches for FV Emerging since debuting as a 14-year-old in 2016 and will reunite with Western United Assistant Coach Helen Winterburn.
