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New Western Sydney Wanderers W-League head coach Norm Boardman rates the appointment as a high point in his coaching career.
The Dapto Dandaloo Fury boss was announced as the Wanderers coach for the upcoming 2014-15 season last week after spending last season as the club's assistant.
His promotion to the top job is the Wanderers' second Illawarra-linked appointment in the past fortnight.
Former Wolves boss Trevor Morgan was promoted to assistant coach of the men's side earlier this month after spending two years as the club's youth coach.
Morgan will retain control of the Wanderers youth squad with his new role while Boardman gets his chance with the premier women's side.
Boardman said it was a magnificent opportunity.
"I rate it very high [as a career achievement]. How many people get to work at the top level of the game in the country, whether it be male or female?" he said.
The Wanderers are yet to fully assemble their squad for the new campaign after losing a number of players in the off-season.
Illawarra Stingrays attackers Michelle Carney and Jordan Baker both played for the club last season, when they finished seventh on the ladder.
Boardman has been in contact with Baker regarding the new campaign and will look to bolster his squad with local talent from the Women's NSW National Premier league.
"It provides a lot of opportunity for local girls," Boardman said.
"The loss of a few of our players provides an excellent opportunity for us to develop the girls who are in the west of Sydney.
"I am looking forward to bigger things and developing the female game in western Sydney and bringing out the potential of the players that we have got."
Boardman hopes to further the Wanderers' brand in the women's game.
Western Sydney's men's side experienced a fairytale start to life in the A-League, making the grand final in both of their first two seasons.
"It is a great opportunity to establish the culture they have built on with the men," Boardman said.
The Fury, an Illawarra Premier League powerhouse, are locked in a battle at the top of the League with Bulli and meet their fierce rivals this Saturday at Balls Paddock.