Olympic FC's NPL Senior Women’s head coach Phil Canham is close to finalising his squad as excitement builds for the inaugural NPL Queensland women’s season.

Canham guided the Central Brisbane U14 girls to an undefeated season in 2013, combining the role with his position as Diamond League coach at Annerley FC – with which Olympic FC partnered to conduct trials – before being appointed to take charge of Olympic’s entry into the newly-created top-tier.

“Having coached at Central Brisbane FC for all three of our very successful seasons, this is an opportunity to work at the pointy end of a development pathway,” Canham said.

“Most of all I’m excited to see the continued development of many of these young, talented footballers into senior players, but also looking at what talent Olympic has in the junior ranks indicates we can be successful for a substantial period of time.”

Canham, while aiming for his side to continue the silverware standard of their male counterparts, intends on development being a key motivation, in line with the National Premier Leagues ethos.

“Establishing ourselves as a force in women’s football and development of talent is one I relish,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with Warren Burt and Vadim Bendin, our junior NPL coaches, to ensure that we not only win games and premierships, but that we are consistently developing players to move on to bigger and better opportunities, whether that be in the Westfield W-League, US college system, overseas professional pathways or national training centres.

“Our juniors have already had five players selected for the QAS for 2014, and I’m of the belief there are many players in seniors and juniors who can still make it there and beyond.”

With less than a handful more signings to make, Canham can begin moulding the side throughout pre-season – which will include friendlies with Broadbeach United and UQFC, both top-division clubs in their respective zones.

“The majority of the squad has played at least three seasons of senior football, and those that haven’t have all played junior NPL or equivalent,” Phil said.

“The aim is to play a composed, swift attacking game balanced with disciplined and aggressive defense, which will be helped by the youth and exuberance in the squad, and controlled by the experienced senior players.

“Despite the relative youth of the squad, our most experienced players are still the fulcrum of our defense and provide endless inspiration and guidance to the younger players around them. ”

In addition to the opportunity afforded to the newly-assembled squad, the competition is an exciting chance for Canham to potentially test his own skills in a national environment.

“The prospect of NPL playoffs similar to the men’s competition is particularly exciting, and I know the players as well as myself would all love the challenge of playing the nation’s best.

“I undoubtedly owe what I know to (now Brisbane Roar youth team coach) Jeff Hopkins, who very kindly allowed me the opportunity to develop as a coach through observation and discussion in his time as Roar W-League coach, as well as organising experiences for me to learn from coaches such as Ange Postecoglou, Dave Mitchell at Perth Glory, and Tom Sermanni with the Matildas.

“In addition, David Abela has been a motivational coach for me, encouraging me to pursue further qualifications and always being open with advice and time to discuss aspects of coaching.”

Words: Matt Dorman (Olympic FC)
Graphic: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)