Western United announced that head coach Mark Torcaso has agreed a deal to become the next head coach of the Philippines women’s national team.
On the back of the Philippines’ debut in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Torcaso will hope to continue building the nation’s growing reputation in women’s football.
Torcaso said the chance to manage on the international stage was impossible to give up, admitting his anticipation to get started.
“It is truly an honour to take up this position with the Philippines. It is a dream come true to be taking on an international coaching opportunity,” he said.
“This opportunity is one that we couldn’t pass up and we are incredibly grateful for the support of everyone at Western United in making this work.
“The Philippines team has been a great football story over the last year and it is really exciting to be able to work with this group. I can’t wait to get started and bring more success to this nation.”
Torcaso will bring A-League Men legend and Western United Under 23’s assistant coach Andrew Durante along with him as an assistant coach, with both men remaining in their respective roles at Western United.
Durante acknowledged what a significant opportunity this was in his young coaching career.
“Everyone at the club has shown incredible support for us and we are both extremely excited to bring all of our commitment into both of our roles,” he said.
“This is a huge step in my coaching journey to be able to help coach a national team and I simply can’t wait to begin, to learn and develop and take on every new experience that comes.”
Western United general manager of football Mal Impiombato hailed this as a monumental moment for the club to have Torcaso and Durante on the world stage.
“We are immensely proud as a football club that Mark and Andrew have been given this opportunity on the back of their hard work and excellence in their positions,” he said.
Torcaso has been one of the leading managers in Victorian women’s football since taking over Calder United’s inaugural side in 2016.
After winning a remarkable 11 trophies at Calder, Torcaso stepped into the role at Western United and carried the team all the way to the A-League Women grand final, winning the coach of the year award.
Torcaso is also director of soccer at Epping school St Monicas, principal Brian Hanly congratulated him on his appointment.
“We are very pleased to see Mark achieve this international appointment,” he said.
“Mark heads an important program that aims to give students the opportunity to achieve at the highest level. We create local, national and international pathways for our students.”
Durante played over 350 A-League matches, winning one championship with Newcastle Jets in 2018, where he was player of the match.
