Emma Stanbury to lead Bella Monaro into new era as NPLW coach

Stanbury will lead the joint-venture club in 2021, with outgoing coach Paul Townsley to oversee the women's program as its director of football.

The Monaro Panthers claimed the wooden spoon in this year's NPLW competition, finishing with seven losses and a draw.

But Monaro and the Brindabella Blues are keen to put the tough season behind and strengthen the program towards the 2023 World Cup.

Having worked with the likes of Heather Garriock, Hesterine de Reus, Dan Barrett, and Julie Dolan, incoming coach Stanbury is looking forward the challenge of creating an elite environment.

"I'm prepared to take Bella Monaro to the next level from the 20-years plus of experience I've had being mentored by the highest coaches in the professional environment," Stanbury said.

"I know what ingredients are needed to create that environment. I've watched girls go from being a nobody to becoming a really good player.

"What I see is the ultimate. We have an opportunity to create a professional environment for the program. I want Bella Monaro to become a well-known and successful club, to give the girls what they deserve."

It's Stanbury first appointment as a head coach and she'll undertake a course with Professional Footballers Australia for a C Licence in the coming months.

The 29-year-old played eight matches for Canberra United last W-League season, but has not been offered a contact by new coach Vicki Linton for 2021.

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Stanbury, a former Newcastle Jet, was disappointed to be cut but says she's excited to make her mark on football as a coach.

"I could have pursued other options in the W-League but I fell in love with Canberra. It's a beautiful area and I've got work here," Stanbury said.

"At 29, I'm meant to be at my peak in football but at the same time I'm also ready to take the next step and give back to the sport.

"There's opportunity and potential with women's football in the ACT and I'd love to be part of something that's going to be massive in the future."

Bella Monaro are investing in their women's program leading into the 2023 World Cup, with the joint-venture club preparing for the interest it'll generate for the women's game.

The Monaro region will also be home to a $36 million multi-sports facility in the coming years, complete with two synthetic and two grass football fields.

Combined with the World Cup, Panthers secretary John Santolin excited by the program's future prospects.

"Our three-year plan is to build the foundations of a strong club in the southern Canberra and Palerang regions to be prepared for the World Cup," Santolin said.

"It will generate a strong interest in football and we have to be ready to build on the World Cup for future success in the women's program. It's an incentive to build a strong club with access to girls and women who want to play the game."

Meanwhile, former Canberra Olympic coach Frank Cachia has been appointed to lead the Panthers' NPL men's team for 2021.