APIA Leichhardt is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Neligan as Head Coach of the Club’s First Grade Women’s for the 2027 season.

Neligan returns to Australia following an outstanding six-year coaching career in Europe, bringing extensive experience from some of the highest levels of the women’s game in England and Denmark.

Most recently, Neligan spent four seasons as Assistant Coach of Everton Women in England’s Women’s Super League (WSL). During his time at Everton, Neligan was part of a high-performance environment competing consistently at the highest level of the English women’s game.

Prior to his time in England, Neligan worked in Denmark with Fortuna Hjørring, where he was part of the coaching staff that achieved League Cup success and Champions League qualification. He also spent time with FC Nordsjælland, initially working as an individual coach before taking on an important role in the development of the club’s women’s program and academy.

Neligan’s coaching career began in Australia, where he worked across junior and elite development environments, including Football NSW’s Project 22 and his own First Phase Football program.

His experience across Australia and Europe, combined with his expertise in player development and high-performance football, made him the standout candidate for the position.

“There were several high-quality candidates who applied for the role following the position becoming available. However, Stephen’s football knowledge, player development expertise and experience within high-performance environments made him the perfect candidate to lead the club into its next chapter.

“Following a trophyless 2026 season, we have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure the team is rejuvenated, motivated and ready to make its mark in 2027.

“We believe Stephen has the experience, knowledge and leadership to build on the strong foundations already in place and take the team forward.”

“I’ve watched from afar the growth of the Club from in the lower divisions to setting the standards,” Neligan added, “so I’m excited to now be a part of it.”

“The key thing is creating the best environment possible – how professional can we be within the constraints we have of a semi-professional environment, and see if we can we be the best environment in the country.”

Neligan will be joined within the senior coaching structure by long-time U/18s Head Coach Roberto Maiorana, who has been promoted as the u/23s Coach.

Maiorana has established himself as one of the country’s brightest young coaches, leading the APIA U/18s to consecutive Premierships while playing a significant role in the development of a number of the club’s leading young players and their transition towards senior football.

With the majority of our 2027 U/23s squad expected to be made up of players who have developed under Maiorana’s guidance, his integration into the senior coaching structure represents an important step in strengthening the club’s pathway from youth football into the senior ranks.

The alignment of the 1st Grade, U/23s and youth programs will ensure the club’s emerging players are provided with a clear and consistent pathway while allowing both senior squads to enter the 2027 season fully prepared.

APIA is delighted to welcome Stephen Neligan back to Australia and into the APIA family, and looks forward to the next chapter of the club’s 1st Grade program under his leadership.

Welcome to APIA, Stephen and congratulations Roberto.