Brisbane Roar is pleased to announce it has signed teenage defender Holly McQueen to a full Westfield W-League contract in a sign of the Club’s commitment to developing young talent.
The 18-year-old comes into the squad as a long-term replacement for the outgoing Clare Polkinghorne, who is set to depart following this Sunday’s final round game against Newcastle Jets.
“She’s actually been my idol for so long now,” McQueen said of Roar legend Polkinghorne.
“It’s great to be training next to her and being able to look up to her, and having her teaching me her ways.
“She’s always pushing me to go my hardest, showing me how to do drills. Everything she does I take in.”
McQueen has already experienced several seasons worth of senior football in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Women’s competition.
She captained the QAS side in 2020 and now has the chance to cap her progression along the pathway by pushing for a first Westfield W-League appearance as the season nears its conclusion.
“Hopefully I can make my debut,” she said. “We’re going for the win [against the Jets] and the home Semi Final.
“It’s great to be in this team – everyone is so good and so welcoming. “
Head Coach Jake Goodship described McQueen as a “hard-tackling, ball-playing” centre-back with strong leadership qualities for a young player.
“It’s a fantastic reward to offer her a contract and bring her into the squad and be available for selection,” Goodship said.
“Holly has been in our environment now for two years as a train-on player. She has been shadowing Kim [Carroll] and Polks this whole season. Always doubling up and mirroring what they’re doing.
“Off the pitch, Clare has spoken to Holly regularly with advice, recommendations, how best to prepare and how best to recover as well.
“It shows age is just a number. Whether you’re 33 or 16, if you’re good enough you’ll get into the environment.”
