The Gap is proud to announce Emily Roach as the latest signing to the NPLW Senior Women’s squad.
A talented central midfielder who can play in a defensive role as well as taking up an attacking midfield role, Roach adds another feather in the hat of this talented Gators squad for season 2021. Starting her career at Beegees Football Club as a five-year-old, Roach began her NPLW journey in 2015, playing for Sunshine Coast Fire U13 and U15 teams.
In 2018, Roach was selected to represent QLD at the U15 National Youth Championships and again for the QLD School Girls Squad. At 16, Roach gained selected into the Sunshine Coast Wanderers NPLW Women’s team where she represented and honed her craft against players much older than herself. Playing 22 games and getting on the scoreboard on five occasions shows the young midfielder’s ability to get forward and create chances.
Following on from a successful 2019 campaign, Roach caught the eye of Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) technical staff where she gained a position in the U18 program for the 2020 season to once again be tested in a senior women’s competition. This season saw Roach represent the QAS on 17 occasions, scoring three goals.
"I'm very keen to be joining the Gap for the 2021 season,” Roach says.
“I'm looking forward to playing with a new team and making new friendships. I am also looking forward to developing my skills and football career under new head coach Mick Gallo. I'm very excited to be putting on a Gap jersey for the 2021 season and can't wait to see how we go up against the other teams.
“Emily is another key addition to the club, as we continue to build on from the previous three signings,” the Gap FC Technical Director and Senior Women’s Coach, Mick Gallo, says.
“The common theme amongst these signings is that the players are hungry to compete and committed to developing their game to the highest level possible. The technical ability and style of Emily as a strong and classy midfielder reminds me of another extremely talented player that I had the privilege to work with in Ella Mastrantonio (Matildas debut vs Japan in 2008, Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Perth Glory W-League teams, and currently playing in the Women’s Super League for Bristol City FC).
“Although our signings are young, they are not young in experience, with all four – Roach, Bree Wallace, Faith Stephenson, and Georgia Wallace — having played senior football at the highest level in the state. It is the time to start taking their game to the next level. These players are part of the QAS Bridging Program under the watchful eye of national team coaches, and we will do everything possible to help all of our players reach their potential.”
The Gap FC welcomes Emily to the family and wishes her all the best for the 2021 season.
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If you want to be a part of The Gap FC, please head to NPLW senior trials for 2021 and register your interest.
Emily Roach Player Profile from Riverco Media on Vimeo.