The A-League Women will be a full home and away season by the 2023/24 campaign, with the Central Coast Mariners becoming the 12th team to join the A-League Women.
They will play games at the Central Coast Stadium and have announced their inaugural signing – Annalise Rasmussen, who has spent time in their youth system.
A-Leagues Commissioner Greg O’Rourke said:
“There has never been a more exciting time for women’s football in Australia with the expanded and extended Liberty A-League Women, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand taking place nine months from now.
“We have accelerated our investment to ensure a legacy for women and girls playing and supporting football in Australia, and are delighted to see Central Coast become our 12th team in the Liberty A-League Women.”
Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said:
“This means a lot to not only the Central Coast Mariners, not only young footballers on the Coast, but all female athletes to show that there are professional careers and pathways. Every young footballer on the Central Coast can now see a pathway from grassroots all the way through to the national teams without having to leave the Coast.
“It’s tremendously amazing to have another team of community ambassadors to inspire the next generation. It is so special and a big part of what this club means.”
“Playing at Central Coast Stadium was integral to everything that we as a club are passionate about. That is what we do for the boys, we produce Socceroos, and now our task is to produce CommBank Matildas. We can only do that if we give them the same opportunities, our facilities and expertise are there, so to be playing at Central Coast Stadium, which we deem as the best stadium in Australia for female professional football, was an absolute must.”
Football Australia’s CEO, James Johnson said:
“Football Australia is excited to see a team from the Central Coast return to participate at the national level in the Liberty A-League Women competition.”
“As we look ahead to the CommBank Matildas playing against Thailand in November and the FIFA Women’s World Cup™️ in 2023, this is a once in a generation opportunity to supercharge women’s football in Australia. A Mariners team for a well-supported Central Coast region will demonstrate to young women and girls what dreams are possible and provide a platform into our national teams.”
The A-League Women season kicks off on 19th November 2022.
