Western United women’s coach Mark Torcaso has made the decision to leave the club effective immediately.
Torcaso made the decision to resign from his position in order to focus fully on his role as coach of the Philippines women’s national team.
This decision came in consultation with the Philippine Football Federation and with Western United, with the club saying it gives its full support to Torcaso in pursuing this international opportunity.
While he departs as head coach, Torcaso will remain connected to Western United in an advisory role, continuing to facilitate the club’s development pathway for talented players in the west.
Torcaso said it had been an honour to represent Western United as a head coach, affirming his anticipation at seeing the team continue to grow.
“The club has meant everything to me, the players, the staff and everyone involved in it. To be part of this is something so special and unique,” he said.
“I cannot wait to continue watching this team evolve – this team has the capabilities to go all the way. My connection with the women’s team will remain, just in a different way. I am looking forward to this and helping in whatever way I can.”
In light of these changes, United has appointed Kat Smith as the club’s new head coach.
One of the leading minds in Australian women’s football, Smith becomes United’s first ever female head coach and will continue the growth of the program which Torcaso started.
Smith guided Western Sydney Wanderers to their second-best ever points tally in the A-League last season and boasts a breadth of experience in the Australian national team set-up.
Smith has worked in assistant coach and analyst positions across youth and senior national teams, including a key analyst role during the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Returning to the A-League, Smith said she is ready to write the next chapter in Western United’s short history.
“This is a great opportunity. Building on the foundations and aiming for the next level is an exciting challenge,” she said.
“Our key focus will involve meticulous planning and preparation, effective communication and continuous improvement.
“Collectively, we will strive for excellence and take a collaborative approach to achieving success. I acknowledge the challenge that the season brings and will endeavour to create a winning culture and an enjoyable environment for all involved.”
Football general manager Mal Impiombato added his delight at securing Smith to continue developing the future of United’s women’s program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kat to our football club. Kat is an extremely talented coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are buoyant about the impact she will have at Western United,” he said.
“We welcome Kat to the club and look forward to seeing her continue to build on the foundations that have been set in our women’s department.”
Alongside Smith, Chelsea Noonan will continue in her role as assistant coach and extend her already outstanding work with the team.
Noonan has previously worked as an assistant coach with the Republic of Ireland under-17 women’s national team.
Smith was set take her first session as United coach on Monday as the team begins preparation for the round seven clash against Adelaide United.
