NPL NSW Women’s football pitches will be graced with the presence of defender Alex Huynh after spending some time in Europe, before returning back home.
The last time Huynh played in this competition, she wore the maroon of APIA Leichhardt. She’ll be in maroon once more, this time in the colours of the Macarthur Rams.
Huynh’s arrival coincides with the departure and retirement of club legend Renee Rollason, a worthy replacement for the club captain.
The strong defender’s football journey over recent has been one of success and excitement.
“The last few years have been a bit of a whirlwind,” said Huynh.
“After a successful season with the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women’s, I was able to utilise that momentum and get a contract in Italy with Napoli in the Serie A.”
What was to follow would be one of Huynh’s greatest football achievements.
“Whilst in Italy I received a call up to the Matilda’s squad and was fortunate enough to get my first cap against Germany,” said Huynh.
From there, Huynh spent half a season in Denmark with Australian coach Stephen Nelligan at Fortuna Hjorring before deciding to return home and sign with the Western Sydney Wanderers again.
Alex had the honour to play football in one of the most crazed city’s on the planet for the world game, Napoli.
“Italy is a country full of passionate people and that extends to the football field. The culture of football is everywhere and they just love football, Huynh commented.
“I would have locals who I didn’t know come up to me in grocery stores and try and talk to me about how the team was doing. My season in Italy was probably one of my most challenging but also most rewarding seasons as a footballer.
“A lot of the Italian girls couldn’t speak English, so communicating with them was hard at first, but we were able to overcome that through football. Neapolitans are some of the most generous people I’ve ever met and my time in Napoli.”
While in Napoli, the city was struck with tragedy. It’s legend and icon Diego Maradona passed away, something the city struggled to come to terms with.
“I was living a couple of streets away from San Paolo Stadium when Maradona passed away. The city was in mourning and the gates that surrounded the field were completely covered with Maradona memorabilia and jerseys and signs. It was such a sad time for the whole city,” Huynh remembers.
After almost two years, Huynh decided to return back home.
“I decided to terminate my contract in Denmark because I wasn’t getting as much game time as I would have liked and after 18 months of living overseas, I wanted to come back home and play football,” said Huynh.
After spending last season with the Wanderers, Huynh is now focused on reaching her goals with the Macarthur Rams.
“I think this season at rams is going to be an exciting one. We have a good mix of experienced players and young players that just have raw natural talent. I’m also excited about the depth and versatility of the squad,” Huynh said.
“On a team level, I think we have the potential to make the top 5 and play some finals footy. This team has some untapped potential that is coming together the more the girls train together and get used to everyone’s playing style.”
Stephen Peters, head coach at the Rams, played a major role in Huynh signing for the Lynwood Park based club.
“One of the things that attracted me to Rams this season was the team culture and a lot of the girls were extra stoked with Stephen and how he coached the team last season,” said Huynh.
“This is my first time working with Stephen and I think his doing a great job at meeting players where they are this preseason and bringing the girls together so we are all on the same page. From what I’ve seen so far, I think he is a great player manager and knows how to get the best out of different players.”
“He has a level of intensity about him which he achieves without losing his cool. I definitely think he has the passion and football IQ to be coaching in Europe and I don’t think he’d be out of place amongst them,” concluded Huynh.
-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief Writer and Commentator Nikola Pozder