16 February 2018

Canberra United co-captain Ashley Sykes calls time on football career

| Lachlan Roberts
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Ashley Sykes in action during the round 6 Westfield W-League match between Brisbane Roar and Canberra United at McKellar Park, Canberra. Photo: Stephanie Meek Photography.

Canberra United co-captain Ashley Sykes has decided its time to hang up the boots after playing for Canberra for the last 10 years.

Sykes had a glittering career that spanned all the ten seasons of the Westfield W-League at Canberra United, with three Premierships and two Championships in that time.

After joining Canberra United for Season 1 of the Westfield W-League, Sykes went on to make 108 appearances and score 41 goals in Green, establishing herself as one of the competition’s premier forwards.

The electric forward picked up the Julie Dolan Medal for Player of the Season in Season Eight as she led United to the semi-finals.

Sykes debuted for the Matildas as a 16-year-old and played 19 games for Australia before she stepped away in 2015 as she struggled with the pressures of international duty.

Sykes was the Golden Boot winner in Season Nine, thanks to an eight-goal haul in a sensational January that saw her finish on 12 goals.

Sykes will continue her role within Capital Football as manager of game development and said she is grateful for her time in Green.

“I’ve had a great time playing for Canberra United, and made a lot of friends while here,” Sykes said.

“No matter who was in charge I always felt like I had a home and room to grow and develop as a person and a player.”

“I look forward to cheering them on from the stands next season at McKellar Park.”

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