Football Federation Australia (FFA) is saddened to have learned of the death of former Canberra United Head Coach Liesbeth Migchelsen, who passed away overnight following a short battle with cancer. She was 49.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Migchelsen lead Canberra United to the Westfield W-League 2013/14 Premiership and Westfield W-League 2014 Championship.
Migchelsen transitioned into coaching after a long and distinguished playing career. She earned 95 international caps with the Netherlands Women’s National Team between 1990 and 2008, including as captain towards the end of her playing days.
Before coming to Australia in 2013, Migchelsen nurtured the next generation of Leeuwinnen players as a national youth team coach, including many who were a part of the Netherlands’ silver medal winning team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.
Aside from coaching Canberra United, Migchelsen took up assistant coaching roles with the South African Women’s National Team at the Rio 2016 Olympics and was Chief Analyst/Scout for the Thailand Women’s National Team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.
FFA Head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke expressed the condolences of the Australian football community, including those involved with the Westfield W-League over the past decade, regarding Migchelsen’s passing.
“Liesbeth made a strong contribution to women’s football in her two seasons with Canberra United and impacted the lives of many Australian players,” O’Rourke said.
“Our deepest condolences go out those closest to Liesbeth during this difficult time and while it is sad to have lost a great contributor to the game and the Westfield W-League, her achievements in the competition will not be forgotten.”
Capital Football CEO Phil Brown expressed his condolences to Migchelsen's family and friends.
“The thoughts of everyone in our local football community are with Lizz's nearest and dearest during this sad time," Brown said. "Lizz left an enduring mark on Canberra United and is fondly remembered by the club and the people who worked closely with her. She will be greatly missed.”
