Words: Matt Dorman

Peninsula Power’s plan to become a leader in female football development is taking shape after two players accepted opportunities to play and study in the United States.

Just weeks after a trio of Palm Beach SC Women products were offered four-year degrees in the US college system, Power players Laura Cartwright and Ally Davis have accepted offers in Iowa and California respectively.

Despite the club positioning itself as a launching pad for overseas expeditions, technical director Michael Cook is adamant the ultimate goal for player production remains the Matildas and Westfield W-League.

“First and foremost we want the local girls playing for Brisbane Roar. I’m a huge Brisbane Roar fan,” Cook said.

“Because we have the NPL license now we can offer that pathway to local girls into the W-League and national teams.

“Above and beyond that we’re also offering opportunities to go and play and train in Japan and the States. Those are unique opportunities.”

Central-defender Cartwright is headed to William Penn University while youth team goalkeeper Davis will join the aptly-named Soka University.

Cook, who helped arrange the opportunities, believes both have what it takes to succeed and hopes they will return with experiences to aid them beyond football.

“They’re as ready as they can be, the rest of course is up to them to perform and keep their levels up when they get over there,” he said.

“We all know the money in women’s football isn’t huge. It’s pretty vital they get themselves a really good education along the way and that’s the key to the US pathway.

“When they’re finished college at around 21 or 22 they are very likely to come back better players and can still have a crack at the W-League.”

Power are also set to benefit from stronger ties to Japanese football with Natsuka Watanabe to arrive in May after a two-week homestay period in Australia in 2013.