Q. What areas of improvement and challenges are there for Women’s Football in Victoria in 2015?
I think bridging the gaps and opportunities for development. The biggest is the jump from NTC to W-league. This will only get stronger when we can identify this as a major part of development. Grassroots coaches and programs so girls who come into the game, stay in the game because they learn to love football. Especially for Goalkeepers.
Q. What are the stocks of younger female players like now in Victoria? Do we have good home grown talent?
I believe that the girls born in 1999 & 2000 are a very talented group. The problem is to cater for all the talent. We run the risk of losing players to the game if they don’t see an opportunity both in the elite programs and clubs. I urge the clubs to promote young players.
Q. What is required in Victoria to strengthen female football in the years ahead?
High quality matches and high quality competition. With the high quality competition comes high quality development. The WNPL is a massive opportunity to regulate clubs and push them to focus on development and quality coaching. With this, the jump from WPL (or WNPL) won’t be that big. Also create holistic programs for girls who don’t go on and become professional footballers where they may get into coaching or administration of the game.
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Pepe, the person
Q. What will we expect from Joe Montemurro in 2015? Your goals?
I coach because I want to learn and want to be the best I can be. If along the way I can affect someone to become a better person, I have done my job. I want to also be part of a team [at MCFC] that develops the best youth structure in this part of the world. Lofty goals but I believe they are achievable.
Q. What do you see as a good measure of your success in 2015?
I am very lucky to be working in football as a profession. If every day I can go to work and do my best and come home with a sense of achievement then I have succeeded. This works hand in hand with my family life balance also.
Q. Ross Aloisi has been promoted to FFA Matildas assistant, what are the parallels between you both?
Firstly, he is better looking than me so I can never compete! Ross is an excellent coach and deserves all his accolades. He will be a massive benefit to the Matildas in the upcoming World Cup. Women’s football is blessed to have a gentleman of his pedigree.
Q. What’s your mantra or favourite saying (in the context of sport and/or life)?
I’m not sure, best to ask the players I have coached. They will come up with something that is most likely along the lines of my philosophy!
Q. Do you have any special talents or a surprising thing (apart from cooking) someone might not know about you?
Football and family take up the bulk of my time. If I had the opportunity to restore an old car I would. A FIAT 500 of course.
Q. Who is your favourite coach in the W League and why?
There are many good coaches in the W League. It would be difficult to point one out.
Q. Who is your favorite player in the W League and why?
Again, different players have different attributes. It’s difficult to say but I have enjoyed working with Steph Catley and Lisa De Vanna.
Q. Finally, how will Australia go at the Women’s World Cup in 2015?
I have said all along that if they can get out of the group stage they will go to semi finals. From there, who knows. But I’m sure they will have a great tournament. Staj [coach Alen Stajcic] is doing a great job preparing them. I know they will do well.