The Newcastle Jets can announce that Emily van Egmond has returned to training with the Club’s Westfield W-League outfit for the 2018/19 season.
On loan from the NWSL’s Orlando Pride, van Egmond will return to the Hunter after a standout season in the red and blue, leading the Jets to a Semi Final appearance in 2017/18.
Taking a well-earned break between seasons, van Egmond will join her teammates this week and said she’s looking forward to beginning her pre-season preparations.
ACADEMY: Junior Jets do the club proud
SIGNED: Boogaard and Hoffman on board until 2020
“I feel refreshed and ready to go,” van Egmond said.
“Last season was massive for our squad, with the success we had on the pitch and the way the Jets took care of us off the pitch.
“Our training base at No.2 Sportsground, the crowds to all of our home games to have the football community embrace the team the way they did was special.
“I love being pack in Newcastle and playing with the Jets, I’ve settled right back in after being away and can’t wait to get back out on the pitch for our first game in just over a month.”
Westfield W-League Head Coach, Craig Deans said van Egmond’s experience would again prove crucial.
“We’ve got a strong group of senior players to lead our squad again this season and Em is at the forefront of that,” Deans said.
“She’s a special player who has competed at the highest level for the best part of a decade, Em has a presence both on the pitch and in training that lifts our entire group.
“It’s been a big couple of years for Em between national team duties and playing in domestic competitions across the world, we’ve given her an extended break to ensure she’s fresh and ready for 2018/19.”
Van Egmond will continue her Westfield W-League career in Newcastle and is set to make her 50th appearance for the Jets in their Round 2 clash with Melbourne Victory.
Jets CEO, Lawrie McKinna welcomed the return of the Club’s marquee female player.
“Emily is synonymous with women’s football both here in Australia and around the world,” McKinna said.
“She’s important to the growth and development of our (Westfield) W-League side and an ambassador for women’s football in the Hunter.
“That’s why we made the decision to pay a transfer fee – the first time in the Club’s history – to have her at the Jets last season.
“The second year of this deal was an informal agreement between Emily and the Club, and we’re pleased to see her back in the red and blue.
“A player of her calibre could quite easily chase bigger money elsewhere, but she believes in what we’re trying to achieve as a Club and wants be a part of that.”
