Adelaide’s Westfield W-League side, affectionately known as the ‘Lady Reds’, will return to management by Hyundai A-League club Adelaide United following five seasons in the care of Football Federation South Australia (FFSA).
FFSA took over operations of the Lady Reds from 2011 to ensure an elite pathway existed for female footballers in South Australia to aspire to, and to compete in at the highest domestic level.
The alignment of all Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League sides has been imminent, and the timing is now right to move forward as one club.
FFSA Chief Executive Officer Michael Carter said that the reunion is a positive for the state of Women’s football.
“The Lady Reds have been an important function of the FFSA for many years.
“In what is now the final season in our care, the Lady Reds finished in 5th place in the competition, only narrowly missing out on a Finals opportunity.
“FFSA is extremely proud of the Lady Reds and we are pleased with their improved performances year by year. Adelaide United will now take full responsibility for the team and we all look forward to their continued representation in the Westfield W-League.”
Adelaide United Chairman, Greg Griffin, said that the Club is delighted to welcome the Lady Reds back.
“Adelaide United is extremely grateful for the efforts of FFSA in keeping the Lady Reds a functioning and highly competitive outfit in a period when we were simply not ready to run both Men’s and Women’s senior teams,” said Mr. Griffin.
“Five years later we are absolutely ready to welcome the Lady Reds back into the Adelaide United Family.
“Adelaide United owes a debt of gratitude to FFSA and, in particular, President Rauf Soulio, who worked tirelessly in keeping the Westfield W-League side in South Australia, which is a pathway for many young South Australians into the Matildas.
“The Club is delighted to bring these talented young athletes and role models back into the fold.
“The Reds have been involved in this decision from the outset and are enthusiastic about having the women as part of our football family together with our National Premier League and Youth league sides.”
Westfield W-League memberships are currently being finalised by the Club for new and existing members.
