WA Pride drives Matilda Kerr for more Glory

West Australian Matildas star Samantha Kerr commits to a new one-year contract Perth Glory Women.

Kerr signs on after representing Australia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June, where the Matildas famously upset Brazil to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Kerr is looking forward to representing her home city for the upcoming Westfield W-League season and is highly driven to go one step further.

“I really enjoyed last season as it was a great season, but mostly I just love being able to play at home and play for the city where I grew up.” says Kerr. “It’s just different playing for your home state and I like that.”

Kerr said she was excited to link up with club legend Bobby Despotovski following conversations with fellow teammates and with the club’s all-time top goalscorer himself.

“I’m yet to meet Bobby (Despotovski) but I have spoke to him on the phone,” said Kerr. “I have heard really good things about him and everyone at Perth Glory seems really excited about this upcoming season, so that makes me excited.”

Kerr’s decision to re-sign for the club comes on the back of an incredible Women’s World Cup for the Matildas, and the 22-year-old is determined to maintain that level of achievement.

“The next goal personally for me is just to have a good season with Glory, to stay fit and healthy,” Kerr said. “Hopefully in the long run, we can win the premiership as a team and have the Matildas qualify for the Olympics.”

Head coach Bobby Despotovski was full of praise for Kerr and the important role she plays in inspiring the next generation of young female footballers.

“Sam is a local girl, and we all know the Kerr family and their prominence in sporting circles,” said Despotovski. “Every aspiring, young, female West Australian footballer is looking up to Sam as a hero.”

“She brings speed, skill and leadership to the Perth Glory squad.”

“She’s a current Matilda, she’s played in the World Cup and she’s enjoying life. She is the ultimate role model.”

Kerr’s pace, technical ability and experience is a considerable boost to the Glory’s forward-line for the upcoming 2015-16 Westfield W-League season. Arriving straight from New Jersey-based National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit Sky Blue FC, Kerr brings a considerable pedigree to Perth Glory Women.

Very well respected by teammates and opposition alike, Kerr received the 2009 Westfield W-League Players’ Player award at the age of 16 and in the same season she picked up the Women’s Goal of the Year award. She also won the Westfield W-League championship with Sydney FC Women in 2012-13, and the 2013 NWSL Shield (similar to our premiership) with Western New York Flash.

On the national stage, Kerr has been capped 42 times for the Matildas, scoring 7 goals in the green and gold. Her second goal came in a 1-1 draw against North Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final, where the Matildas went on to win on penalties and claim Australia’s first silverware in the Asian Confederation. She has also won the AFF U16 Women’s Championship in 2009, and the FFA Female U20 Footballer of the Year in 2010 and 2014.

Kerr is expected to arrive in Perth from Sky Blue FC in late September.

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