ESSENDON
Essendon Royals is delighted to announce Jaiden van der Heijden has re-signed as Senior Women’s Head Coach for the 2027 season.
One of the youngest coaches in the league in 2026, Jaiden made an instant impact in his first senior coaching role.
A second-placed finish with a league-high 77 goals scored was the product of a memorable NPLW Victoria campaign, while even greater reward came in the Nike FC Cup. Jaiden masterminded a historic run for the Royals, culminating in the club’s first-ever piece of senior silverware. A magical night at The Home of the Matildas ended in an emphatic 4-1 win over Heidelberg United, as Jaiden as his players etched their names into Royals history.
Alongside the team achievements, one of Jaiden’s great successes has been the development of players right throughout the club. Jaiden handed out 4 senior debuts this season and also helped guide three of the team’s stars towards earning A-League contracts – Kelli McGroarty signing for Melbourne City, Maggie Jenkins joining Perth Glory and Akeisha Sandhu linking up with Newcastle Jets. Jenkins has also been called into the New Zealand women’s national team, while Emmie Butler – one of those senior debutants – has represented New Zealand at youth level.
There will be no resting on any laurels, though, as the Royals look to once again cement themselves at the top of Victorian women’s football. Jaiden will call the team into pre-season training over the summer before attacking the 2027 campaign with renewed vigour and determination, representing the Royals community with pride.
With Jaiden locked in and ready to go again, keep an eye out on the Essendon Royals website and social pages for further squad announcements leading into next year.