Melbourne City FC has signed talented pair Nia Stamatopoulos and Chelsea Blissett ahead of the upcoming 2018/19 Westfield W-League season.
Stamatopoulos joins City following a strong senior campaign with Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) side NTC.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has already developed a wealth of senior experience and represented the Junior Matildas, where she was part of the leadership group and captained the side during their AFC U16 Women’s Championship 2019 Qualifiers earlier this year.
Stamatopoulos is a goal-scoring midfielder, who has the ability to play both centrally and out wide.
Despite having only played the game for three years, Stamatopoulos has developed rapidly as a footballer. Having now joined a three-time championship winning side, the youngster is looking to continue her development and work hard to achieve her goals.
“Obviously joining the Club is an amazing feeling, I feel really proud about getting this opportunity and now I need to keep working hard at training to keep on improving,” she said.
“Rado [Vidosic] has helped me a lot, he’s given me plenty of feedback and little tips to help me improve, which has made a huge difference.
“Playing alongside these girls has already helped me physically and also technically as a player.
“I can’t wait for the season to begin and to keep working hard at training, on gameday and the whole experience.”
Fellow new-signing Blissett joins City following a strong season with WNPL Grand Finalists South Melbourne.
Originally from Albury – Wodonga, the 18-year-old now lives in Melbourne’s South-Eastern suburbs where she balances her studies with her footballing career.
Blissett spent 18-months in Sydney where she played for both Blacktown Spartans and Marconi Stallions FC.
The left-back prides herself on her ability to attack from the back, without compromising her defensive duties.
“It’s a really surreal experience, it’s something that I have wanted ever since I was little,” Blissett said following her signing.
“Training has definitely been a step-up from WNPL, but I have found that it’s really pushed me to lift my game to the next level and it’s been incredible to be under the influence of so many amazing players.
“I’m aiming to bring in a bit of drive and go as a youngster, because that’s how I like to play.”
Melbourne City commence their 2018/19 W-League campaign against Canberra United at McKellar Park this Sunday.
