Adelaide United is delighted to officially announce Mark Jones as the Head Coach for the Club’s Westfield W-League, local South Australians, Emily Condon and Alex Chidiac, as the team’s first two official players, and SA Power Networks as the side’s Major Partner.
Adelaide United’s Head of Youth Development, Mark Jones, has been appointed Head Coach of the Club’s Westfield W-League squad.
In January 2016, Jones was named Head Coach of Adelaide United’s Youth Team – a role he will continue into the upcoming National Youth League.
Jones has extensive experience with the women’s game and was Head Coach of Women’s Football at the Australian Women’s Soccer Intensive Training Centre in New South Wales between 1995 and 2000.
In 2002, Jones was also the Assistant Head Coach for the National Women’s Youth team that competed in the World Youth Cup in Canada.
Through the amalgamation of the NSW Intensive Training Centre with the NSW Institute of Sport, Jones became Head Coach for Women’s Football between 2000 and 2004 before becoming Head Coach for Men and Women’s football for the institute’s Northern division between 2005 and 2006.
Jones said he was excited to extend his development role with the Club and is looking forward to the challenges that will come with coaching in the Westfield W-League.
“This is a good opportunity to be back involved in the women’s game and I’m looking forward to improving the standard of our football,” he said.
“I have experience in coaching women’s football and I’m keen to be involved with our Women’s team and developing the squad.
“For the upcoming season, making the top four has to be our aim, but, ultimately, the goal is to develop our players and set the benchmark high.
“We’re looking closely at filling our four visa spots with top quality players, but we’re also looking locally and interstate for women that can really do great things for us and strengthen our team.
“If we are able to get the right players and gel together, we have a very good chance in being successful this season.”
Two of Jones’ first players for his Westfield W-League side are local South Australian’s, Emily Condon and Alex Chidiac, who were today announced.
Condon was part of Adelaide United’s Westfield W-League squad last season, while Chidiac was part of Melbourne City’s squad, but has played for United in the past.
Adelaide United is also excited to announce SA Power Networks will continue its commitment to the Club’s Westfield W-League team, remaining as the squad’s front of shirt partner for a further two years.
SA Power Networks first partnered with the Adelaide United Women’s team in 2013 and are dedicated to promoting and encouraging women’s sport.
“We are pleased to continue our support of Adelaide United Women’s team and the development of women’s football in the State,” said Chief Executive Officer of SA Power Networks, Rob Stobbe.
“As the popularity of women’s sport in both viewership and participation continues to rise, we look forward to seeing how the team develops and succeeds in the months and years ahead.”
Adelaide United Women kick-off their Westfield W-League campaign against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, 6 November at Coopers Stadium.
