Football Australia congratulates CommBank Young Matildas’ Head Coach Leah Blayney on her appointment as Assistant Coach of the Japan Women’s Senior National Team.

The former Matilda (Cap #126) was appointed Australia U-20 Women’s National Team Head Coach in 2019, having previously been Assistant Coach to both the Australia U-17 and U-20 Women’s National Teams, and would go onto lead Football Australia’s Future Matildas Program.

In 2022, Blayney expanded her influence to include the role of Assistant Coach for the Australia U-23 Women’s National Team, and most recently, she supported Tom Sermanni (in his capacity as Interim Head Coach) as an Interim Assistant Coach with the CommBank Matildas.

Football Australia Head of National Teams, Gary Moretti, praised Blayney’s contributions, saying: “Leah has played an important role in the development of many current CommBank Matildas, dedicating nearly a decade to coaching our national women’s youth teams.

“Her appointment reflects the global recognition of Australian coaches who are making their mark both domestically and internationally.

“We wish Leah every success in this new chapter and look forward to welcoming her back to Australian football in the future,” concluded Moretti.

In 2024, Blayney guided Australia to a third-place finish at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024™, achieving four wins and one defeat during the tournament to secure the bronze medal and gain qualification for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ held in Colombia.

Football Australia will now commence recruitment for the vacant U-20 Women’s Head Coach position with an appointment to be made in due course.