Coaches plan football title defence

Following the release of the 2016 National Women's League draw earlier this week, Northern Football Federation (NFF) has announced the coaching staff who will be leading its title defence.

NFF Coach Development Officer Korouch Monsef will lead the coaching team which will focus on developing internal pathways and opportunities for federation-based coaches and players.

Monsef joined Northern in April this year after four years as part of the team at Mainland.

He has already re-shaped NFF's Coach Education programme and is looking to use the National Women's League as an opportunity to develop coaches who are looking to reach their full potential.

"Our goal is to expose coaches, administrators and players to the highest level of competition available and help them develop professionally," he said. "We are also making sure that Northern Football is competitive at this level and plays its part in supporting players to reach a range of goals, both domestically and on the international stage."

All players playing for an NFF-affiliated club this season will be eligible.

The entire staff has been out scouting players during the season and will select a wider training squad which will assemble in late September.

Norwest United's Director of Coaching Chris Acott will be assisting Monsef for the 2016 season and is looking forward to building a cohesive and successful team.

"I am very pleased to be involved with the Northern National Women's League team again," he said.

"This year we have a terrific group of coaches on board, who share the same drive and desire to enhance the players as I do."

Acott's appointment is testament to the terrific work both himself and his club (Norwest United) have been doing for the girls' and women's game.

"Chris has a great reputation amongst the female football community and he has been leading the way with developing players to be the best they can," Monsef said.

Joining Acott is goalkeeping and assistant coach Sarah Bell, team manager Kim Hallford and analyst Ben Bate, who all hold key roles within the Northern Federation and in particular the women's game.

NFF CEO John Limna said the group will be vital in mounting a successful title defence.

"The experience that Korouch has pulled together from within the federation for the 2016 campaign shows the depth and quality of coaching in the female game," he said.

"I have no doubt that the team will be putting together a strong title defence while ensuring we are providing the right environment and pathways for future Ferns."