Western United has announced significant personnel changes within its Liberty A-League Women football department, effective immediately. Head Coach Mark Torcaso has decided to resign from his position to dedicate his efforts to his role with the Philippines Women’s National Team. This important decision was made after discussions between the Philippine Football Federation and Western United, who have expressed their unwavering support for Torcaso in pursuing this prestigious international opportunity. While he will no longer serve as head coach, Torcaso will maintain a connection to Western United by assuming an advisory role, where he will continue to foster the development pathway for promising players from the Western region.
Torcaso’s departure follows a landmark season with Western United, where he led the team to its inaugural Grand Final and was honored with the Liberty A-League Coach of the Year award for the 2022/23 season. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the Club and his eagerness to witness its continued growth, stating, “The Club has meant everything to me— the players, the staff, and everyone involved in it. It is something so special and unique.”
General Manager of Football, Mal Impiombato, acknowledged Torcaso’s substantial contributions to the Club, noting that his influence will remain for many years to come. “Mark’s commitment to establishing an exemplary women’s program at Western United has been unwavering, and his legacy will be defined not only by his successes but also by the culture he established.”
In a parallel development, Assistant Coach Helen Winterburn will also depart the Club to accept a full-time coaching position with Central Coast Sports College. Like Torcaso, Winterburn leaves with the Club’s full support as she advances in her coaching career and continues to contribute as an assistant coach for the Young Matildas. Winterburn was a pivotal member of the inaugural coaching staff, bringing essential tactical expertise and covering the sidelines during the team’s historic 6-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets last season. She expressed her pride in being part of Western United’s early achievements and thanked the Club for its support.
Impiombato also conveyed gratitude to Winterburn for her role in elevating the standards of the women’s program from its inception, emphasizing her expertise’s importance during the formative stages of the program.
In light of these changes, Western United is pleased to announce the appointment of Kat Smith as the new Head Coach of the Liberty A-League team, marking her as the first female head coach in the Club’s history. Smith, renowned as one of the leading minds in Australian women’s football, previously guided the Western Sydney Wanderers to their second-highest points tally in the Liberty A-League. Her extensive experience includes various roles within the Australian national teams, significantly during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Smith expressed her enthusiasm for this new role, emphasizing the importance of building on the established foundations and striving for excellence. “This is a great opportunity. Building on the foundations and aiming for the next level is an exciting challenge,” she stated.
Impiombato expressed delight in securing Smith’s leadership, highlighting her vast knowledge and experience within the women’s football domain, and expressed confidence in her ability to positively influence the Club’s future.
Alongside Smith, Chelsea Noonan will continue as assistant coach, further enhancing the coaching stability within the team. Smith is set to lead her first training session on Monday as the team prepares for their upcoming match against Adelaide United.
**Updated Western United Liberty A-League Women Football Department**
– Amanda Stella – Women’s Football Manager
– Kat Smith – Head Coach
– Chelsea Noonan – Assistant Coach
– Blerton Belica – Goalkeeper Coach
– George Mcheileh – Head of Performance
– Nick Ragg – Physiotherapist
– Club Doctor – Dr. David Bolzonello
– Johnny Nguyen – Team Manager
Western United is enthusiastic about these developments and looks forward to a promising future under new leadership.
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