Adelaide United is delighted to announce that South Australian midfielder Maeve Nicholas has signed a one-year scholarship contract for the 2026/27 A-League Women season.
The 17-year-old has also been selected in the 21-player CommBank Junior Matildas squad for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026™️.
A product of WT Birkalla and Football South Australia’s development pathway, Nicholas made her A-League Women debut against Newcastle Jets in March before making a second senior appearance against Wellington Phoenix the following week.
Maeve Nicholas said:
“I feel really excited and proud to continue my journey with Adelaide United. I can’t wait for this season with the team, and I’m super grateful for this opportunity to develop in my hometown.”
Nicholas has enjoyed a standout year with the Junior Matildas, helping Australia win the 2025 ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship and scoring three goals in AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying.
She then featured at the continental finals in China, captaining Australia against Japan and starting the quarter-final win over Vietnam that secured Australia’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification.
Nicholas was also named the Female Rising Star at Football South Australia’s 2025 Celebration of Football Awards.
Adelaide United Football Director Mitch van Gellekom said:
“Maeve is an outstanding young talent and we’ve been really pleased with her development.
“She has already experienced senior football with us and performed at a high level for Australia, and being selected for a World Cup at just 17 is a fantastic achievement.
“She is another example of the quality coming through South Australian football, and we’re excited to continue supporting her development.”
Nicholas will join the CommBank Junior Matildas ahead of their departure for Morocco in October.
