Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Getty Images

Former Matildas star and Brisbane Roar Westfield W-League player Karla Reuter has been confirmed as assistant coach of Western Pride’s men’s programme for 2015.

Reuter, 30, will work alongside former Hyundai A-League player and new Pride Senior Men’s coach Karl Dodd as well as Youth Men’s coach Wayne Heath as part of the club’s PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland coaching set-up.

As a defender Reuter made 49 appearances for the Matildas and was part of the winning 2010 AFC Asian Women’s Cup squad as well as the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.

She was also a foundation member of Brisbane Roar’s Westfield W-League team, and won two Premierships and two Grand Finals in her four seasons with the club.

Reuter said she was looking forward to the challenge of imparting that experience into Pride’s men’s teams in 2015.

“I’m pretty raw in the whole coaching department, but I’ve known Karl for a few years and it was an opportunity that he brought up,” Reuter explained.

“I thought it would be good to get back involved in the game and this is a good stepping stone for me.”

Reuter said she believes the Pride playing group will embrace her role and respect what she will bring to the squad.

“I’m hoping the boys will adapt to it and respond quite well. Football is still the same game whether you are male or female,” she said.

“The only difference between the two is the speed and physicality of it but you go out there with the same principles.”

“I’m not sure how many other women’s coaches are dealing with men, but it should hopefully be a good experience and hopefully Pride will do well next year.”

Reuter played junior football in Toowoomba and furthered her development at Queensland Academy of Sport and said she hoped her time at Pride will lay the groundwork for future opportunities as a coach.

“At the moment it is take it as it comes. Obviously I have a long way to go but it’s about staying involved with the game and giving something back,” she said.

“If it’s something that takes my fancy then things like the W-League and whatever else it may lead to are all possibilities down the track.”

Dodd said Reuter’s appointment reflected his desire to work with coaches that can deliver his adaptable style of play in 2015 regardless of their gender.

“I’m looking for the best candidates that have an expansive football knowledge and playing experience and it doesn’t matter if they are male or female,” Dodd said.

“There are a lot of good female coaches out there that aren’t being given opportunities in men’s sport,” he concluded.