Capital Football are pleased to announce that Antoni Jagarinec has been appointed as Head Coach of the Girls under-18 team that will compete in the 2022 National Talent Challenge at the Australian Institute of Sport in October.

Jagarinec, who earlier this year was appointed as Assistant Coach to the Canberra United Liberty A-League side, will lead the team in the annual challenge which makes its return after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am extremely happy to be appointed as NTC coach and I am looking forward to guiding these players in the most important week of the year for their football journeys from an identification point of view,” Jagarinec said.

“Most of our Current Matildas have played in this tournament previously and that shows the importance of this tournament and putting our best talent from our region in front of Liberty A-League coaches and national team staff that will be attending.

Jagarinec will be assisted at the tournament by Canberra United Liberty A-League star Ellie Brush, the former United defender re-signing for the club only last week, coming back to her hometown where she led the greens to two League titles.

The appointments of both Jagarinec and Brush underly the importance of the NTC to the Capital Football region, connecting Canberra United to the local competition and continuing the mentorship of developing players in the area.

“Ellie is a top class player and has been playing at the highest level for over a decade,” Jagarinec said.

“She will bring a wealth of knowledge to her role within the set-up, not only as a coach, but also as a mentor and a role model for our players.

“Having someone of Ellie’s stature alongside me at the competition will only enhance our prospects and help our players gain the most out of the matches as she is a great example of a someone who has come through our local setup, played in these tournaments and more.”

Jagarinec is well versed in the local NPL competition having led Belconnen United to a plethora of trophies in a silverware-laden decade with the club and, alongside Brush, brings a mountain of experience in the female game to the role.

Selection for the Capital Football NTC team will take place at a series of trials to help continue the lengthy talent identification process that has taken place during the National Premier League season.

COMPETITION DETAILS

NTC 2022

Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October 2022

(Australian Institute of Sport)