Hyundai NTC keeper Lilly Bailey heads to Glory
Perth Glory have signed their fourth Football West Hyundai NTC player for the upcoming A-League Women’s season.
Goalkeeper Lilly Bailey joins Grace Johnston, Georgia Cassidy and Tanika Lala in Alex Epakis’ squad.
Bailey, who has been in the National Training Centre for Girls Program for five years, told the Perth Glory website: “I’m so excited to be able to come into the squad this season.
“I’ve been lucky to have been training in the background for a couple of years and have seen first-hand the amount of work that [head coach] Ale, the staff and the team do.
“I’m keen to show what I can do, while also being there to support the team and help them achieve their goals.”
Bailey helped NTC win the Hyundai Women’s State Cup earlier this month, and head coach Ben Anderton praised her contribution to the team.
“I’m so happy for Lilly, and this opportunity couldn’t go to a more deserving goalkeeper and person who has worked extremely hard both on and off the pitch for this outcome,” he said.
“The program staff and especially Dylan Cope and Cyril Sharrock, the goalkeeper coaches we have been lucky to have both past and present, have helped Lilly reach this goal by making sure she has all the attributes a modern goalkeeper needs technically, physically, and importantly mentally.
“This is shown by Lilly week in week, not only her shot stopping ability and communication to her teammates but by also being an extra player on the field helping the team to initiate every attack with the ball at her feet. This is why she is one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in the country.
The program and myself wish nothing but the best for Lilly and we will continue to support and follow her career closely as she develops in to the player and person we know she will be.”
Epakis, who has given young WA talent an opportunity this year, told https://perthglory.com.au/:
“Lilly is one of the most talented up-and-coming goalkeepers in the country, and is another proud local player who is keen to play for her hometown club.
“She has been involved in various training blocks with our team over a number of years and I am very proud to be able to give her this opportunity to be part of the team and club moving into the new season.
“Lilly is a mature young person with a fearless mindset which is very important for her position.
“Moreover, she is a player that will be able to grow and develop with great support and coaching.
“She has a bright future ahead and I am excited to see her progress and compete over the coming months.”