Summer signing Shelina Zadorsky is embracing being a full-time Hammer as she reacquaints herself with a place she used to call home during her side’s ten-day tour in Western Australia.
Towards the start of the 31-year-old’s glittering career, then aged 22 and fresh from graduating from the University of Michigan, Zadorsky took her first steps outside of North America by signing for Australian W-League side Perth Glory in August 2014.
One goal in 14 appearances helped the Glory Girls top that year’s regular standings, before eventual defeat to Canberra United in the Grand Final, and though much has happened in the near decade since, she has fond memories of the area and is excited to be back.
“It’s always amazing to be back in Perth,” Zadorsky said. “I have been back with Canada a couple of times, including playing here during the World Cup last year, but it’s not somewhere I come often so it’s always nice to see it again.
“I was young and relatively inexperienced back when I played here, but we had a great team and we did really well. We made it to the Grand Final, and the whole thing was just really good for my development.
“It’s a really cool area with a nice mix of city and beach life, and the country as a whole is a really positive part of the women’s football scene. It’s been great to be out and about so far, and if we get chance I’d love to go and see some of my old spots, such as Cottesloe Beach or Scarborough Beach.”
Having arrived with the majority of Rehanne Skinner’s squad on Sunday evening, Zadorsky has enjoyed the Hammers’ on and off-field tour activations so far, which have involved meeting fans at their first training session, and attending a networking lunch.
The team’s first of two Perth International Football Cup clashes will see them play Paris Saint-Germain at HBF Park at 6.15pm AWST on Thursday 29 August, ahead of taking on one of Manchester City or Leicester City in either the final or third-place play-off on Sunday 1 September.
Zadorsky said: “It’s amazing to be part of the women’s team’s first ever tour abroad, and I think it’s going to be really beneficial both technically and in terms of bonding and creating cohesiveness.
“We’ve got two really competitive games coming up, which are going to be challenging but really good for learning, and just getting that gametime and building up those relationships on the pitch is so important going into the new WSL season.
“We’ve had some new players come in, including me on a permanent deal, and although I know most of the girls well, it’s important just to keep working on that with everyone and get stronger and stronger.”
After making ten appearances in Claret and Blue on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the second half of last term, Zadorsky signed a full-time deal in east London little over one week ago.
And following a busy summer, which involved competing at a third Olympic Games for Canada, ending in a penalty shootout defeat to Germany at the quarter-final stage, she has now turned her full attention to firing the Irons to success on the domestic front.
“Being a three-time Olympian makes me feel kind of old!” laughed Zadorsky, who won bronze and gold medals with Canada at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games respectively.
“Losing on penalties is always tough, but I was proud of the team and the staff, and it was an honour to be there and represent my country at such a prestigious event once again.
“After we’d finished playing I did spend a couple of days in the village, and I went to support some of the other Canadian athletes in the track and field. There are a few athletes from London, Ontario, my hometown, including the decathlete Damian Warner.
“Back on the Club scene, it’s just great to be back with West Ham now, and I can’t wait for the new season. There’s a lot to look forward to, we’re all enjoying this time in Australia, and everything’s really positive.”
Tickets for West Ham’s games against PSG and either Manchester City or Leicester City are available HERE. We will continue to provide regular updates from Perth during the tour here on www.whufc.com, and on the Club’s official app.
