WSL Matildas Courtney Nevin on the door she hopes to open for next generation of A-League Women’s stars

Having started her career in the A-League, WSL star Courtney Nevin hopes to show local players just how far they can go if the dream big.

Dream big – anything is possible – that is what Courtney Nevin hopes to show the Aussie crowd when her English WSL side Leicester arrive in Perth in August for the International Football Cup.

The pre-season tournament is a huge first for Australia – with four leading women’s clubs from across Europe gathering in Perth for the week-long competition.

WSL sides Leicester, West Ham and Manchester City will be joined by French powerhouse club PSG.

Australia has long been a popular destination for European men’s teams pre-season matches due to the favourable weather.

Nevin said the fact women’s teams were now travelling for pre-season tournaments was a sign of just how big the game was getting.

“Australians want to see overseas clubs, there’s so many fans and supporters in Australia that love the European leagues and love all of the girls coming here,” Nevin said.

“I think it is definitely something we will see more of in the future.”

Courtney Nevin (r) in action for Leicester City. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Nevin, who launched her professional career playing in the A-Leagues for Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory, said this tournament was proof that dreams do come true.

“Hopefully we are inspiring the next generation,” Nevin said.

“The next A-League girls coming through can see that it is a possibility to get overseas from the A-Leagues and push for a career.”

Nevin won’t be the only Australian lining up in Perth.

Fellow Matildas defender Clare Hunt plays for PSG.

Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy are regular Manchester City starters.

Katrina Gorry plays for West Ham – and until recently, so did goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

“They are such big teams,” Nevin said.

“It will be fun to get the girls home and it’s always fun to be able to come up against my Aussie teammates – it makes for good competition.”

Nevin is heading in to her third season with Leicester in the WSL.

She increased her appearance count from 12 to 16 matches this season.

A number she hopes to grow even more this coming season.

“I just want to put my best foot forward and help the team in any way,” Nevin said.

“And try to get as high as possible as we can in the league.”

Courtney Nevin (L) started her career in the A-League. Picture: Mark Evans/AAP Image

Before Nevin rejoins her Leicester teammates for pre-season she has to get through the Olympics.

The 22-year-old defender has been named as an alternate in the Matildas Olympic squad.

She is currently in Spain for their pre-Olympics camp. While she won’t be part of the match day squad – pending any injuries – Nevin will still train alongside the 18-woman team in Paris.

While she would have loved to have been in the game-day squad Nevin is determined to get everything she can out of the experience.

“I think being part of that squad and seeing how everybody deals with such a high pressure situation at such a major tournament will be a good experience,” Nevin said.

“Hopefully I can be part of the next one and show the experience that I’ve learned from this one.”

Manchester City and Leicester City will open the tournament on August 28 at HBF Park.

West Ham and PSG will go head to head on August 29 at HBF Park.

It will culminate in a double header at Optus Stadium on September 1 – with the losers from the first games doing battle and then the winners taking the main stage at 5pm.

For tickets visit Ticketek.

Originally published as WSL Matildas Courtney Nevin on the door she hopes to open for next generation of A-League Women’s stars