Sport
26 January, 2026
Coach back to lift club’s chances
EDGE Hill United Football Club has appointed Billy Meany, formerly Billy Woodcock, as under-23 women’s head coach for the 2026 season.
The club said the appointment marked a full-circle moment, with Mr Meany returning to the club where his football journey began.
He started playing football at Edge Hill United Football Club and wore the yellow and black through to the U15s.
At the time, the club did not have a seniors team, so Mr Meany continued his playing pathway at Leichhardt. He went on to maintain a long association with the local football community and played as a striker for Leichhardt at the age of 40.
The club said Mr Meany’s playing career was followed by an extensive coaching career across Far North Queensland women’s football.
During the mid-1980s, he coached the Edge Hill women’s premier team, winning the minor premiership in his first year and the grand final in his second year.
He also coached the FNQ women’s representative team during the mid-1980s, contributing to the development of women’s football across the region.
In the late 1980s, Mr Meany coached the Leichhardt women’s premier team for several years, winning multiple grand finals.
The club said these roles reflected his long-standing commitment to women’s football and player development.
In announcing the appointment, Edge Hill United Football Club said Mr Meany returned with decades of experience and a strong understanding of the women’s football pathway.
The club said his focus as U23 women’s head coach would extend beyond results, with an emphasis on player development and building confident, skilled footballers who enjoy the game and take pride in representing the club.
His passion for women’s football and commitment to developing the next generation were key factors in his appointment.
The U23 women’s program is seen as an important pathway within the club, bridging junior development and senior football and supporting long-term participation in the women’s game.
Mr Meany will take up the role ahead of the 2026 season, working with players, coaches and club officials as preparations begin for the year ahead.
The club said the appointment reflected its ongoing commitment to strengthening women’s football and investing in experienced leadership to support player development across all levels.
