Words: Nick Crockford
Image: Salvatore Sottile/Moreton Bay United FC

Moreton Bay United have confirmed former Albany Creek Excelsior Director of Women’s Coaching Lorna Dent as their PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Senior Women’s coach.

The announcement comes as Jets prepare for the first of four trials for players ahead of the inaugural PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Senior Women’s competition starting in 2015.

Dent is a former New Zealand international representative and previously played for Chelsea and Millwall in the English Women’s National Premier League.

She said she was excited by her role with Jets in the new competition.

“I feel this is the start of something exciting and look forward to sharing it with a great group of players,” Dent said.

“We are looking for players to come to Moreton Bay United to see what we are looking to achieve and what we have to offer.”

Jets Technical Director Salvatore Sottile said Dent’s experience in England’s top women’s competition was a key factor in her appointment.

“Lorna played professionally with Chelsea and Millwall,” he said, “we believe she has the passion and knowledge to run a team in a very professional way and develop players for the NPL.”

After playing at the highest level for 20 years, Dent spent 12 years coaching men’s and women’s teams and said she is relishing the new challenges ahead.

“Moreton Bay United has shown me it is serious about women’s football,” said Lorna, who gained her coaching licence in England and is a qualified fitness trainer.

“I believe it has the right approach and commitment to make this club a leading player in NPL women’s football.

However, Dent tempered expectations of instant success for the club, which was formed in 2012 and started playing competitive fixtures in 2013.

“We are new to this level and will be competing against long-established clubs. Realistically, it will take time for us to develop,” Dent explained.

“But there are a number of good-quality women’s players in the area who are ready to step up to this level and be a part of it.

“It’s hard to set targets when we are new to this level, but success will be seeing more players wanting to join Moreton Bay United and be involved in the success that will come in the future.”

Trials for girls and women players aged 16 and over start tonight at South Pine Sports Complex at Brendale and will continue for the next four weeks.

For more information, visit the official Moreton Bay United FC website at www.moretonbayunited.com