Reigning Champions Canberra United have announced the elevation of Raeanne Dower to the position of Head Coach.

Dower, who was assistant to Elisabeth Migchelsen for the past two seasons, has committed to the two time W-League champions for two seasons and becomes Canberra's 5th head coach.

“We are pleased to offer Rae the opportunity to step up into the Head Coach role following her tremendous success alongside Elisabeth over the past two seasons,” said Canberra United CEO Heather Reid.

“Rae has done an excellent job with the NTC United/ACTAS program and she is aware of the demands placed upon the players in the Westfield W-League environment. She enjoys the trust of the squad, her staff and the Canberra United management and we are excited to offer her this additional role.”

A former FFA Coach of the Year winner after her work with Queensland U13, U17 and U18 level state teams, Dower has become an integral part of the ACT pathway since moving to the capital in 2012.

As well as Canberra United assistant, Dower was also appointed head coach of the NTC United/ACT Academy of Sport Women’s program, both positions which she will retain.

“I am excited about the opportunity offered to me to become Head Coach at Canberra United,” Dower said.

“It is a fantastic club to be involved with and I look forward to helping the team move forward as we strive to achieve more success."

"The professionalism of the club will allow me to continue the good work that my predecessors have done. It is an honour to be in charge of Canberra United.”

A former Matilda, participating in the Oceania Cup in 1989, Dower transitioned to coaching and on top of her work with the Queensland representative sides, has been head coach and Technical Director for the successful Redlands United.

Dower is currently completing her ProDiploma coaching qualifications.

Canberra United will commence pre-season arrangements for Season Eight of the Westfield W-League in September 2015.