Calder United is the premier women’s football club in Victoria in recent history and through their partnership with Western United FC, many NPLW stars will get the chance to play in the upcoming Liberty A-League season.
In 2022 Calder United has enjoyed a dominant season on the pitch, claiming the Nike F.C. Cup, Premiers Plate, and NPLW Championship, while also being the current holders of the Community Shield.
Western United CEO Chris Pehlivanis said Calder United’s partnership with Western United has been “vital” in providing more opportunities for girls in the west to play football and to one day strive to represent Western United.
“Through the partnership, Western United has signed a number of players and staff from Calder United's NPLW team, and Calder will continue to provide a talent pathway into Western United's A-League Women team,” he said.
“Western United's vision has always been to amplify football in the West and give anyone in the West the chance to be involved in the game at whatever level they aspire to play at.
“The partnership will continue to grow in the future and provide these opportunities for young girls to shine in the west.”
In December 2020, the partnership of the two clubs was announced which would enable participants to have consistent programs within one clear, robust development pathway right through to the Liberty A-League.
The two clubs have been working together by sharing resources and expertise to grow participation in the sport and talent pathways for females of all ages to fulfill their sporting ambitions.
In August, Calder United playmaker Alana Cerne made history when she became the inaugural Western United Liberty A-League signing.
Cerne said the signing was the next step in achieving her dreams.
“To be the first player to sign for Western United in the A-League Women is just unbelievable,” she said.
“I’ve been aspiring to be this person that I am today for a long time, and to finally have it all come true is just awesome.
“I’d love to be a good role model for younger girls, to help them reach their goals is my number one priority.”
Only weeks later, superstar sisters Adrianna and Melissa Taranto signed for the expansion club, marking their return to the topflight who both debuted for Melbourne Victory in the then-named W-League as 16-year-olds in 2015.
Adrianna said getting the chance to play at the highest level with her sister was “amazing”.
“I don’t think we’ve ever not played on the same team,” she recalled.
“I believe it’s because we both make each other stronger on the field, knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses and pushing each other. Together we are very, very strong.
“We’ve been wanting to push to get into the A-League again, so for the opportunity to join a club like Western United who has done so much with its men’s team, and with the partner club at Calder, it’s something we’re super excited for,” Melissa added.
Midfielder Emma Robers and right-back Julia Sardo were the next to be revealed as part of the Western United squad after terrific seasons in the NPLW.
Robers, who became a Liberty A-League champion last season with Melbourne Victory said she was “proud to make history” with the inaugural Western United women’s ‘team.
“This is a once in a career opportunity,” Robers said.
“We will be proving to everyone across the country that the girls from western Victoria are a force to be reckoned with, and wow am I excited!”
2022 NPLW Final player of the match, Julia Sardo also boasts Liberty A-League experience, representing Perth Glory and Melbourne City in previous stints in the competition.
“Being a part of the first season for Western United is a massive opportunity for me, considering the success this club has had already. I’m really looking forward to being part of the culture and to continue to make history,” Sardo said.
In late August, Calder United captain Aleks Sinclair signed on for Western United’s inaugural season.
Sinclair has been instrumental to Calder United’s success in recent years, winning the NPLW Players’ Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019. She scored 26 goals from 29 games in 2019 including a best-on-ground performance in the 2019 Final against Bulleen.
The skillful attacker said it was “pretty special” to get the opportunity to play in the Liberty A-League with so many of her Calder United teammates.
“When I talk about my teammates I try hard not to choke up because they all mean so much to me,” she said.
“Being the oldest in the group, it’s like they’re your little sisters. To take this opportunity at my age, but to do it with such a young group and girls, it feels amazing.”
The Melton local said she was looking forward to the opportunity to represent her community on the biggest stage.
“To represent Western United is an honour in itself, but to then represent your community where you’ve grown up and lived your whole life – it’s an opportunity that I’m so grateful for,” she said.
It’s something I’ve been working hard for many years, so to have the opportunity to play for Western United and my community is amazing,”
In September, Western United bolstered up their defensive stocks with 2022 NPLW Goalkeeper of the Year Alyssa Dall’Oste and classy centre back Natasha Dakic committing to the club.
The pair were at the heart of an intimidating Calder United defence that only conceded seven goals in 21 regular season games and two finals in NPLW Victoria this season – the best defensive record the competition has ever seen. Calder's cup form was no less impressive, sweeping through the entire Nike F.C. Cup without conceding a single goal.
Natasha Dakic said it was an “incredible feeling” to sign with Western United.
It’s something that I’ve continued to work hard towards and to think that the opportunity has come is quite surreal,” she said.
I’m honoured and excited to be sharing a piece of history as well as this new chapter in my footballing journey,” Dakic said.
Alyssa Dall’Oste explained the culture that had already been created at Calder United was like no other she had experienced.
“It is an honour to be part of Western United’s inaugural squad, I am so proud to be able to represent such an important part of Western United’s history,” she said.
The upcoming Liberty A-League season is just around the corner with the season set to commence on November 18.