Sydney FC are the first squad to begin announcing members of their squad for the 2015/16 W-League season.

Entering his first full season as head coach, Dan Barrett has selected squad high on experience, with 6 Matildas from the recent 2015 Women's World Cup campaign and with some of the best young talent in Australia.

“The squad is well balanced in all areas,” said Barrett.

“It’s got a fantastic blend of youth and experience with a real cutting edge up top. I am clear on the style of football that I want the team to play so recruiting the correct players to help bring this to life was crucial and I am pleased with our signings.

Matildas headline the Sky Blues

The Matildas contingent from last season's squad once again form the basis of the team with Teresa Polias retaining the captaincy, Kyah Simon, Nicola Bolger and Servet Uzunlar, while Leena Khamis, who was a late inclusion into the World Cup squad, returns from a season out with an ACL.

Sydney have bolstered their defence by luring back central defender Alanna Kennedy from Perth Glory. Kennedy departed Sydney to gain playing time ahead of the World Cup and after a strong W-League Season 7 and proving to be a key figure in the Matildas defence in Canada, the centre back is a key signing for a side that struggled to find defensive consistency late last season.

Meanwhile former Matilda Renee Rollason continues to prove a central figure with the defender combining playing and coaching duties as Barrett's Assistant Coach this season.

Young talent secured

As well as the senior players, Sydney have secured some of the best young Australian talent claiming the signatures of five Young Matildas set to take part in the 2015 AFC U19 Championships including captain Amy Harrison, vice captain Olivia Price, Natalie Tobin, Sunny Franco and Princess Ibini.

While Harrison, Price and Tobin return to Sydney, Franco's departs from Brisbane Roar to join long time rival Sydney. Ibini on the other hand will debut for the Sky Blues with the teenage striker considered one of the best attacking prospects in the country.

Kennedy is not the only former championship winning Sky Blue to return with goalkeeper Sham Khamis also making her way back. The starting goalkeeper in their 2013 championship, Khamis also went chasing game time at the Western Sydney Wanderers with little success.

An ACL injury to Casey Dumont in February of this year has resulted in the availability of the No.1 position for the former Young Matilda.

International spots still available

Season 2014 golden boot winner Jasmyne Spencer, who scored eight goals in 13 games, returns from the Western New York Flash to again led the attack. Although 18 of the 20 players have been finalised, Barrett still has two positions available and two international spots.

In the past Sydney have used them to great effect with the likes of World Cup players Megan Rapinoe, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete and Annalise Longo filling those allocations.

New Era

This is the first season Sydney FC enter the W-League without long time coach Alen Stajcic at the helm. While Barrett has been a part of the set up as an assistant and head coach for the later part of last season, the Sky Blues had an inconsistent end to the season to scrape into the finals.

In a match where they were outclassed by Perth Glory, Sydney limped out in a semi final defeat the Season 7 premiers.

“We want to be there on the final day of the season,” he continued.

“Last year we fell a game short and I still remember how disappointed the players and I felt after that match. So much energy has gone into ensuring that we can challenge to go one better. Planning is done and thankfully pre-season is on our doorstep and I’m looking forward to getting the group together and beginning the journey.”

Sydney FC begin pre-season training in late August.

Sydney FC’s 2015/16 Season squad:

Goalkeeper: Sham Khamis

Defenders: Teigen Allen, Renee Rollason, Elizabeth Ralston, Alanna Kennedy, Servet Uzunlar, Ellyse Perry

Midfielders: Nicola Bolger, Natalie Tobin, Teresa Polias (c), Olivia Price, Amy Harrison, Trudy Camilleri, Sunny Franco

Forwards: Princess Ibini, Jasmyne Spencer, Leena Khamis, Kyah Simon