Canberra women break new ground

Following its undefeated W-League 2011-2012 season, which saw the ‘Green Team’ defeat Brisbane Roar 3-2 in the grand final in front of a sold-out crowd at McKellar Park, Canberra United will depart for Japan on 20 November to compete in the four-club tournament.

The tournament will consist of the champions of Australia, Canberra United, UEFA Champions League winner Olympique Lyonnais and two teams from Japan including the winner of the Plenus Nadeshiko League 2012 and the Plenus Nadeshiko League Cup 2012.

“As the Westfield W-League champions, Canberra United is delighted to be the first Australian club to accept an invitation from the Japan Football Association to participate in the inaugural International Women’s Club Championship,” said Capital Football CEO Heather Reid.

“Japan is setting the pace for international club football following their success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year in Germany. To be able to play against their top two clubs will be a terrific experience for us with the added bonus of a game against European champions Lyon.

“The support given by the FFA, particularly in rescheduling our round 6 fixture against Perth Glory is very much appreciated,” concluded Reid.

To ensure that Canberra United will be available to complete with its full squad Football Federation Australia has rescheduled the club's Round 6 fixture against Perth Glory to Wednesday 5 December 2012.

“It’s fantastic to see women’s football take another stride in the evolution of Australian sport,” said head of W-League Damien de Bohun.

“The inclusion of Canberra United in the International Women’s Club Championship is a fantastic opportunity for a group of outstanding young professional athletes and we look forward to following their progress on the world stage in this tournament.

“On behalf of the FFA I’d like to acknowledge the Japan Football Association for the invitation to enter this exciting new competition for women’s football and Perth Glory for accommodating the requested fixture rescheduling,” concluded De Bohun.

The W-League 2012-2013 season kicks off on Friday in Canberra at McKellar Park with a Grand Final rematch between Canberra United and Brisbane Roar.