Rae Dower named Westfield Junior Matildas coach

Football Federation Australia (FFA) today (Wednesday) have announced that former Canberra United Head Coach Rae Dower has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Westfield Junior Matildas (Australian U-17 Women’s National Football Team).

With over 20 years of coaching experience, Dower will now be tasked with guiding the Westfield Junior Matildas on their next campaign to qualify for the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup 2018 which will be held in Uruguay.

FFA Head of National Teams, Luke Casserly, believes that Dower was the outstanding candidate for the position.

“We are delighted to have Rae on board,” said Casserly.

“Rae is one of the most experienced and qualified female coaches in Australia and is deserved of this opportunity.

“Women’s football in Asia is incredibly strong and the road ahead is very challenging but we have no doubt that Rae is well equipped and ready to guide our next generation of Matildas,” concluded Casserly.

Dower was honoured to receive her first National Teams coaching appointment.

“It is humbling and a privilege to receive this appointment,” said Dower.

“My experience developing elite female footballers over the past 15 years has provided me with the necessary skills for this next stage in my coaching career.

“"I'm looking forward to guiding this next generation to realise their potential and dreams of playing with pride for the Matilda's in the future," concluded Dower.

Dower will start her role this week with a series of training camps at the AIS in Canberra planned other the next few months.