Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni extends contract

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today announced that Tom Sermanni has re-signed to coach the national women’s soccer team and run the Australian Institute of Sport women’s soccer program for a period that will include the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2012 London Olympic Games.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today announced that Tom Sermanni has re-signed to coach the national women-s soccer team and run the Australian Institute of Sport women-s soccer program for a period that will include the 2011 FIFA Women-s World Cup and 2012 London Olympic Games.

Since taking the reigns in December 2004, Sermanni has achieved unprecedented success with the Matildas who finished sixth in reaching the quarter finals at September-s FIFA Women-s World Cup in China after being eliminated by eventual runners-up Brazil. Following the tournament Australia moved to an all-time high of 12 in the FIFA Women's World Rankings.

Under Sermanni the team has also claimed a number of impressive scalps beating world champions Germany, top-ten nation Japan, regional heavyweights China, as well as drawing with perennial superpower USA.

Sermanni is the only Australian with experience of senior coaching in the United States Women-s Professional Soccer League (WUSA) where he led the San Jose CyberRays and the New York Power. During his time in the USA he was named as one of the top three coaches in the WUSA and following the recent World Cup Sermanni was sought by US Soccer for their vacant nation team head coach position.

“We are delighted that Tom will remain in Australian football where his vast knowledge and experience will be vital as we look to continue to build the women-s game in this country,” said FFA Chief Executive Officer Ben Buckley.

“Tom has been an integral part of the Matildas success where his passion and understanding of the women-s game in Australia is unparalleled.”

“Tom will also play an integrated role in development across all aspects of women-s football in Australia from grassroots to the elite level working closely with National Technical Director Rob Baan.”

AIS Director Professor Peter Fricker welcomed the decision of Sermanni to extend his contract with the Matildas and remain at the helm of the AIS Women's Football program.

“Tom has been instrumental in the success of the Matildas and the AIS Women's Football program since taking over three years ago,” Professor Fricker said.

“The Matildas has climbed the international rankings and gained great respect on the world football stage for its fine performances.”

“'It says a lot about the future of Australian women's football that Tom has elected to stay in Australia despite offers from overseas.”