The trend of Australian players heading abroad has continued with the last couple of weeks seeing more Aussies signing for international teams.
The trend of Australian players heading abroad has continued with the last couple of weeks seeing more Aussies signing for international teams.
New NWSL club Orlando Pride announced their signing of Melbourne City and Matildas centre back Laura Alleway.
Former Matildas coach and Pride head coach Tom Sermanni was pleased to add Alleway to the roster alongside her City teammate Steph Catley.
“Laura is a player that I have rated highly for many years and very happy to be bringing to the NWSL,” said Sermanni.
“She is a dominant defender who is now firmly established in the Australian national team. We will be looking to Laura to add more depth and experience to our backline, and are very excited for her to arrive in Orlando.”
It is Alleway's second overseas contract following a 2012 stint with the Lincoln Ladies in the England, but it is her first contract in America.
“I want to thank the Orlando Pride for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural team,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Tom again and getting to challenge myself in one of the most prestigious leagues in the world."
Alleway joins a host of Australians in the American league including Sam Kerr (Sky Blue FC), Caitlin Foord (Sky Blue FC), Ellie Brush (Houston Dash), Lydia Williams (Houston Dash), Alanna Kennedy (WNY Flash), Hayley Raso (Washington Spirit) and Catley.
Alleway's Melbourne City teammate Aivi Luik is also heading abroad with the midfielder signing with FA Women's Super League side Notts County.
A two time W-League champion, Luik is no stranger to playing abroad after two seasons with Danish champions Brondby and Icelandic side Fylkir.
“I think you can see from Aivi’s record that she has a wealth of experience to bring to the backline, something which will only help our younger defenders," said Notts manager Rick Passmoor.
"We already have some great experience and leaders amongst our defenders and I think Aivi will fit straight in.”
When coming up against the Doncaster Belles, Luik will face a familiar opponent in the FA WSL with Adelaide United full back Alex Gummer set to play for the Belles alongside Melbourne Victory striker Natasha Dowie.
"It’s really exciting," said Gummer of her signing.
“I want to play at the highest level I can so when my chance comes I want to prove I can play at this level.”
Gummer has already been in training with Doncaster and has found the transition a smooth one.
“Everyone has been really welcoming and I get on well with everyone at the club already; It’s great fun to be a part of it."
"They are a quality group of girls here so it’s really exciting to join for the upcoming season.
Manager Glen Harris spoke highly of Gummer's acquisition.
“Alex has been training with us for most of pre-season and we’ve been looking for options down the left side.
“She has shown great attitude and commitment and has just been a pleasure to work with.
“I think she deserves her opportunity to be part of this squad and now we can see how we can develop her as a player over the coming season.”
While Europe and North America have largely been the destination of choice for Australians, Asia is increasingly becoming an option.
Following Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt and Clare Polkinghorne's stints in Japan, Ashleigh Sykes has signed a deal with Harima Albion for the rest of their season.
Sykes is not the only player heading to Asia with a trio of Australians signing for teams in the South Korean WK League.
Melbourne City W-League champion Amy Jackson has signed with Incheon HyundaiSteel RedAngels.
While her City train on teammate Racheal Quigley joined Hwacheon KSPO. Quigley has been quick to make an impact with the striker coming off the bench in the second half to score the winning goal against Suwon.
It was a bittersweet result with Quigley's former Melbourne Victory teammate Gema Simon lining up on the other side.
The trio follow in the footsteps of Matildas defender Servet Uzunlar who played one season with Chungbuk Sportstoto in 2013.
Look out for Cheryl Downe's catch up with the South Korean trio in the coming weeks.
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