Canberra United have confirmed 17-year-old Junior Matilda Lillian Skelly has returned to the club on a one-season scholarship deal.
The young attacker made her Ninja A-League debut with Canberra last season in a 2-2 draw with Perth Glory on the road; the second-half substitute cameo was the only appearance of Skelly’s first season in the league.
The teenage talent has returned to the club to work under new head coach Antoni Jagarinec alongside fellow re-signings Ruby Nathan, Hayley Taylor-Young, Sofia Christopherson, Michelle Heyman, Holly Murray, Mary Stanic-Floody and Tegan Bertolissio.
Jagarinec says he’s excited to aid in Skelly’s development as a wide forward with an exciting skillset.
“We are pleased that Lillian has agreed to join us for the new Ninja A-League season, and I am looking forward to working with her,” Jagarinec said.
“Lillian proved in her short time with the club last season that she is a diligent player, who is extremely keen to learn and become the best professional player that she can possibly be.
“She has an extensive skillset for a young player and brings the intensity and ball mastery to the wide areas that is essential for the modern-day player. I am excited to see how she develops as a footballer this season.”
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The eight re-signed players at Canberra have been joined by recruits Sally James, Elizabeth Anton, Aideen Keane, Jynaya Dos Santos, Darcey Malone, Bethany Gordon, Maja Markovski and Emma Robers in Jagarinec’s first-ever United squad.
Skelly expressed her delight at returning to the club for the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my spell with Canberra United last season and am delighted to be back for another season with the club,” Skelly said.
“I learned so much in such a short space of time last season, simply being around the squad and getting the chance to train with some amazing footballers. Getting the chance to make my A-League debut was a dream come true and I am excited by the prospect of enhancing my skills further this season.”
Canberra begin their Ninja A-League season at home against Brisbane Roar on Saturday, November 2.
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