Calder United has announced its coaching line up for next year’s Victorian Premier League women’s season.
Kristian Lipirski comes on board as coach, while Michael Bennett will be the assistant coach.
Lipirski has 14 years of coaching experience, with eight of those years being dedicated to senior women’s soccer.
He has delivered success across multiple clubs, including league champions and promotion at La Trobe University and back-to-back league Champions and promotion at Avondale.
In Calder’s announcement, Lipirski said Calder United is one of the most important clubs in Victoria, it’s has certainly shaped the landscape for female football for more than the past 10 plus years.
“Calder United has a proven track record of success and player development and shares my ambitions for female football excellence on and off the pitch,” he said.
“My goal is to return Calder United back to the top of Victorian football where it belongs.”
Bennett brings also brings a wealth of experience, including more than 25 years of professional coaching and 15 years playing in England as a professional player.
His coaching experience includes 10 years with Bolton Wanderers in English Premier League, 10 years with Manchester United and four years with Manchester City.
‘I have been very impressed with the clubs plans and vision for the future, from grassroots to the seniors,” he said.
“Hopefully, my knowledge and experience will be helpful in getting the club back to winning games and continuing to developing players for the future”.
After many years of success, it was a tough year for Calder in 2024.
Calder won just three matches this year in the National Premier League women’s competition and coach Kogulan Sabaratnam departed during the season.
As the club finished bottom, it was relegated to the VPL for the 2025 season.
Tara Murray
