Reds sign Shadeene Evans for upcoming A-League Women season

Congratulations to John Moriarty Football (JMF) inaugural scholarship holder, Shadeene Evans on signing with Adelaide United for the forthcoming A-League Women 2021/22 season.

In addition to being involved with JMF, Evans has also been a member of the Future Matildas and has represented the Young Matildas.

The 20-year-old Marra woman made her A-League Women debut with Sydney FC in January 2019 and scored her first goal the following season against Melbourne Victory.

Evans has spent the offseason in the NSW Women’s National Premier League with Northern Tigers where she has netted five goals in 12 appearances.

Speaking about joining the Club, Evans, said: “It means a lot to me to be playing for Adelaide United.

“I’ve been training hard and can’t wait to get on the pitch with my new teammates and have a fantastic season.

“I’m proud as well of the special connection between Adelaide and my mentor, John Moriarty.

“I’m excited to be moving forward with my football career at a time when women’s football is growing so much around the world especially in the lead up to the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.”

Adelaide United’s A-League Women Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Shay is one of the most promising players in the country.

“She has some experience in the A-League Women competition before, as well as with the Young Matildas, and will add quality to our final third.

“We’re delighted to have her join the squad and I believe she can have a breakout year for us because of her determined mindset.”

Born in Borroloola, a remote community in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory, Evans was the inaugural scholarship recipient of John Moriarty Football (JMF), Australia’s most successful and longest-running Indigenous football initiative. JMF was co-founded by Yanyuwa man John Moriarty, the first Indigenous footballer selected to play for Australia.

Moriarty said: “Shay began training with us when she was just 12 years old and playing football barefoot on the school oval in our program.

“Our coaches could immediately see she had natural talent and a love of the game.

“Scouted by former Matildas coach, Alen Stajcic, Shay won her JMF scholarship to Sydney at 14 to study at Westfields Sports High School and undertake intensive football training and mentorship.

“She has worked hard to graduate from Year 12 and play in the A-League Women, as well as serve as Vice Captain of the Young Matildas.

“She won a scholarship to study at the University of New South Wales and we’re thrilled she is now signing with Adelaide United.

“This is a perfect next step in Shay’s football career and we are immensely proud of her.”

Moriarty has a special connection with the Adelaide football community. Moriarty’s football career began with South Australian First Division teams Port Thistle, Port Adelaide, and Adelaide Juventus, as well as a summer season with Adelaide Croatia. He represented South Australia 17 times and is recognised in the Football Australia Hall of Fame.