Michael Beauchamp appointed Marconi Stallions Women’s First Grade Coach
Football League One Women’s side Marconi Stallions have appointed former club legend Michael Beauchamp as the club’s new head coach of the senior Women’s First Grade side for the 2024 season.
The former Asian Champions League winner with the Western Sydney Wanderers came through all the ranks at the Stallions to debut for the first team in the National Soccer League (NSL) at the age of 20 and then retired at the club where it all started in the National Premier League (NPL) in 2018.
Beauchamp also starred in the A-League having played and captained the Western Sydney Wanderers as well as winning 22 caps the Socceroos which included one FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2006.
The commanding former central defender has now been entrusted with leading the Marconi Stallions women’s team back to its glory days by gaining promotion in 2024.
Returning to a place where he enjoyed much success, the emotions were high for 42-year-old who was looking forward to the new challenge.
“I walked across the main field in the stadium for the photo opportunity and the memories came rushing back,” Beauchamp said.
“I have fond memories of being at the club at all levels of my football career – From Southern Districts to Marconi, to making my first-grade debut and playing my last game in the NPL.
“I now have the opportunity to create more memories as a coach, and I am looking forward to it.”
Beauchamp is no stranger to the history of the Marconi Stallions and what their name means to football not just in NSW but the country.
“I have many great memories at this club, especially in the height of the NSL and the buzz around the stadium as a kid,” he said.
“It’s where I learned many things as a footballer from different coaches as well as watching and being a part of some quality players of that era.
“I remember everyone always wanted to beat Marconi because of the squads we had. It’s a club that always strove for the best and this showed with the success they achieved during those years.
“I hope to create that same feeling when other teams come to play us here, they will know they are in for a battle.”
Beauchamp is now hoping to bring back the glory days at the Stallions in the women’s program, something that was evident a few seasons ago.
Since their relegation to the second tier after the 2014 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season, the girls from Bossley Park have struggled to gain promotion since.
Beauchamp will have the task, along with his fellow coaches, staff, and players to return the club to the NPL NSW Women’s competition.
“Our goal is promotion into the top tier in NSW.
“We at a minimum are an NPL club and we need to give ourselves the best opportunity to achieve this in 2024.
“There needs to be an ‘all in’ mentality for this to take place which will help drive our push for promotion.”
With one round of the current League One Women’s season remaining, Marconi have already commenced preparations for the 2024 campaign.
“Preparations for our upcoming season have already commenced in different areas and once this season is over, we can start ticking other boxes with regards to player re-signings and recruitments.”
By – Nikola Pozder
