Football NSW

The M Sports Cup is for talented boys and girls (born 2002-2007). The event is hosted at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney, Australia. The 5th annual tournament will be attended by teams from Asia, New Zealand Football Federation FTC groups, Australian National Premier League and A-League Academy teams.

In 2018 M Sports has introduced 3 dual age-bands:

• Junior Elite (born 2006 & 2007)
• Youth Elite (born 2004 & 2005)
• Premiers (born 2002 & 2003)

Girls Tues 16th – Thurs 19th July 2018

Boys Mon 15th – Wed 18th July 2018

Kick-Off times 9am to 3pm

Each team will play five to six 40-minute matches over 3 days, unlimited substitutions, all games filmed for analysis/development purposes.

CLICK HERE to register your teams interest.

Visit the M Sports Cup website for tournament details.

Football NSW is proud to announce that Australian owned and operated company Pride on the Line has been named as the preferred supplier of Ice Bath systems.

Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, your muscles still burn, your joints still ache and spirit screams for victory. Pride on the Line believe that everybody should have the chance to recover effectively and safely, no matter what level of competition you’re in.  It’s this philosophy that underpins all of their practical, convenient and affordable Ice Bath systems.

The Pride on the Line Recovery Bath Compact and Recovery Bath Duo, were developed out of a need for a simple and efficient way to help athletes recover more quickly by allowing the body to heal with the aid of cold therapy.

Pride on the Line, Director Danielle Kuzman is excited about the partnership with Australia’s largest Member Federation.  “We’re so pleased to be working alongside Football NSW in conjunction with one of Australia’s leading footballing venues, Valentine Sports Park, to promote the ongoing benefits of cold water therapy to athletes at all levels, whilst also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all affiliates.

We understand the needs of clubs and athletes alike, having supplied some of the world’s most elite, and look forward to assisting NPL NSW Clubs with their ice bath requirements.”

Already, Pride on the Line has provided Valentine Sports Park with four customised Recovery Baths which have been utilised by the many traveling teams at Football NSW headquarters including our very own Westfield Matildas side while Hyundai A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers have also endorsed this product.

In line with this announcement, a special introductory offer has been put forward to any NPL NSW club prior to the 2018 season commencing.

The offer is as follows:

• 15% discount on the purchase of any Recovery Bath before the 10^th of March 2018
• Saving of $225 for a Compact unit
• Saving of $375 for a Duo unit

There will also be demonstration and education sessions held for all Associations and Clubs at Football NSW’s headquarters in Glenwood with information on this to be announced in forthcoming website announcements and the Football Corner in the new year.

Don’t make excuses, get results with Pride On The Line today.

Visit the official Pride On The Line website by clicking here

The M Sports Cup is for talented 13 year old boys and girls (born 2004). The event is hosted at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney, Australia. The fourth annual tournament will be attended by New Zealand Football Federation FTC groups and Australian National Premier League clubs.

The M Sports Cup 2017 is primarily a youth development opportunity for players to showcase their talent against overseas teams.

M Sports Cup dates:

Girls Tues 11th – Thurs 13th July 2017

Boys Mon 10th – Wed 12th July 2017

Kick-Off times 9am to 3pm

Five to six 40-minute matches over 3 days, unlimited substitutions

CLICK HERE to register your interest for this year’s M Sports Cup.

Teams are permitted to have four players from 2005 and/or 2003 to make the 15 to 18 player squads.

Football NSW will be hosting a monumental Futsal Disability Gala Day for the 10 to 15 age groups set to take place on Sunday 24^th of January at Valentine Sports Park.

This event is designed to provide a fun and safe opportunity to participate in the sport of futsal for all levels of ability.

The Gala Day will also showcase specialised training sessions conducted by Football NSW as well as small sided matches.

If you are interested in attending this event please complete this online form and for any other questions or queries you can contact Robert Fitzgerald at robertf@footballnsw.com.au prior to the event date.

Click here to register

Event Details

Kick-Off: 10.00am

Full Time:  2.00pm

Date: Sunday 24th Janurary 2016

Venue: VSP Futsal courts

Cost: Free

Please note: Joggers and shin pads must be worn to participate however no football studded boots are permitted.

No prior futsal or footballing experience required 

Grey skies did not deter what was a fantastic start to the Westfield Matildas’ first training camp of 2016 as Alen Stajic’s side utilised the artificial surfaces at Valentine Sports Park on what was a gloomy Tuesday afternoon.

The Westfield Matildas are taking part in an intense three-day training camp held at Football NSW headquarters, which has seen a number of its stars from not only the Westfield W-League but from overseas teams, take part.

German based midfielder Emily van Egmond attended the Westfield Matildas’ first training camp as the skilful number ten is currently back in Australia during the winter break of the Women’s Bundesliga, giving her the chance to spend some valuable time in camp less than two months before the Westfield Matildas’ Olympic qualifiers.

Van Egmond is one of 22 players selected by Westfield Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic for the three day training camp to be held at Football NSW headquarters, Valentine Sports Park.

Stajcic has been satisfied with the squad’s progress and improvement since their first camp back in early October, but not everything has gone to plan with a number of players falling to injury.

The past fortnight in particular has seen a number of setbacks. Stajcic confirmed Sydney FC midfielder Amy Harrison will need a knee reconstruction and faces up to a year out from an injury she suffered late on in Sydney FC’s win over Melbourne Victory on 27 December.

Forward Caitlin Foord is another facing a stint on the sidelines after breaking her collarbone, while Melbourne City FC midfielder Aivi Luik suffered concussion last weekend and is also unavailable for the camp. Sam Kerr is another on the unavailable list as she continues her rehabilitation from an ankle injury.

But if there is anything good to come out of players out injured, it opens up opportunities for others with Brisbane Roar duo Emily Gielnik and Angela Beard named to come in for the training camp.

Gielnik has made seven appearances for the Westfield Matildas, the last of which came in 2013, while for the uncapped Beard, it is reward for some outstanding form in the Westfield W-League which saw her named the NAB Young Player of the Month for November.

Stajcic, who has been a keen observer during all matches of the Westfield W-League, believes the standard has improved as the weeks have gone on and that there are a host of players in the mix for the final squad of 20 for the Olympic qualifying tournament.

“I think we’re progressing really well. The longer the competition (Westfield W-League) goes, the more and more the girls that have been coming into camp have been standing up which is pleasing,” said Stajcic.

“But there is still a big competition for spots, and trying to narrow them down to just 17 field players is going to be extremely difficult.”

“We’ve still got a long way to settle who is going to go and who’s not going to go. This is our last camp during the actual W-League season, then we’ve got one leading into the semi-finals, and then February is really crunch time where we’re together for three straight weeks before we go to Japan.”

The Olympic qualifying tournament will take place in Osaka, Japan from 29 February – 9 March 2016.

The six team qualifying tournament will see each team play five games in ten days, with the top two countries at the end of the matches booking their place to Rio 2018.

Westfield Matildas squad for Sydney training camp 5-7 January 2016

Laura Alleway

Tara Andrews

Mackenzie Arnold (gk)

Angela Beard

Tameka Butt

Ellie Carpenter

Stephanie Catley

Caitlin Cooper

Larissa Crummer

Lisa De Vanna

Casey Dumont (gk)

Emily Gielnik

Katrina Gorry

Michelle Heyman

Alanna Kennedy

Chloe Logarzo

Caitlin Munoz

Clare Polkinghorne

Kyah Simon

Emily van Egmond

Lydia Williams (gk)

Georgia Yeoman-Dale

It was a carnival like atmosphere as 13 High Schools across Sydney took part in Football United’s ‘Fair Play Festival’ at Valentine Sports Park on Wednesday.

The round robin tournament was introduced with the aim of celebrating the achievements of young people and promoting harmony in the sport thanks to the herculean efforts of Football United.

All players were divided into mixed teams from different schools as part of a team building exercise.

The Schools that took part in this Festival were:

• Australian Islamic College of Sydney

• Airds High School

• Cambridge Park High School

• East Hills High School

• Liverpool High School

• Miller Tech High School

• Fairfield High School

• Granville Boys High School

• Jamison High School

• Cranebrook High School

• Kingswood High School

• Evans High School

• Lurnea High School

This tournament coincides with the first edition of the Football United Cup which will take place on Sunday 6th of December (U9-U12 competitions) at Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Stadium.

This Cup will bring communities together in a competitive and fun football tournament with proceeds going towards supporting Football United programs that create chances for youth through football.

The Football United Cup is a celebration of the best football this region has to offer.

The Football United Cup will unite players, families and the community of Sydney together for a day of football, fun and harmony.

This tournament is the first legacy tournament from the extremely successful Dream Asia Unity Festival which was held during the AFC Asian Cup back in January 2015.

Football United’s objective is to not only aim to find age champions but highlight football’s capacity to promote inclusion, a healthy and active lifestyle and the chance for youth to be champions in life and football.

For more information on how you can register your club in this wonderful tournament click here

Thirty coaches recently took part in the FFA’s first revised goalkeeper course held at the home of Football NSW, Valentine Sports Park.

Overseen by FFA’s National Community Coach Developer Les Bee, the two day practical course held in late November, had a couple of household names that took part in what was an insightful  experience enjoyed by all.

The presentations were led by James Rankine while former 1974 World Cup Socceroo and newly appointed Football NSW Goalkeeper Coach Education Coordinator Jim Fraser were joined by ex-NSL star gloveman Bobby Catlin, former Central Coast Mariners shotstopper Matthew Nash as well as former State League keepers Trinity Allen and Dragan Pupovac.

Bee gave glowing wraps in what were two fantastic days shared with more courses on the horizon around NSW scheduled in 2016.

“I am looking forward to my continued relationship with Football NSW and Oscar Gonzalez in supporting the range of initiatives we have identified for coach development.

“Examples such as the CCC pilots and the expansion of the Coach’s survival kit amongst others.”

Football NSW will once again host the 2016 FFA National Futsal Championship from the 4th till the 8th of January 2016.

85 teams will converge at Football NSW’s Valentine Sports Park indoor centre as well as secondary Futsal venues across Sydney (Dural Sport and Leisure Centre, Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre and the finals at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre) in the week long tournament.

The Championships will feature State Teams from NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Canberra as well as two teams from the Solomon Islands who will all take part in what will be a hotly contested tournament.

A total of eleven age categories ranging from the 12 Boys and Girls right through to the AWD Open Mixed teams will all have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage in Sydney.

Celebrating the 37^th anniversary since the inception of the Championships in 1980, Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore highlighted the success the FFA National Futsal Championships endured in January this year.

“From all reports this year’s FFA National Futsal Championships were very well received by all our participants, coaches, spectators and referees which further promoted the sport of Futsal in Australia.

“The fact that our registered team numbers increased from 78 to 85 squads has emphasised  the strength this sport has and continues to kick goals year upon year.

“Hosting the event in Sydney once again allows us to showcase our facilities at Valentine Sports Park as the tournament hub and Australia’s “new home” of Futsal.

“To be able to facilitate a prestigious tournament such as the FFA National Futsal Championships where players, coaches, referees and spectators anticipate this as the biggest week for the sport is certainly a massive coup for the organisation.

“We are continually building stronger grassroots competitions and have consistent Futsal Premier and State Leagues.

“We are also leading the way with the F-League as the National Club Championship and our engagement with the Futsal AWD community has really evolved.

“Football NSW understands the responsibility of hosting a National Championships and we are committed to working with FFA to grow and develop the event and game of Futsal.”

Football NSW takes its position in the Australian Futsal landscape very seriously.

Specifically to Futsal, Football NSW has extensive experience in delivering championships and tournaments such as the F-League, Futsal Premier and State Leagues, FNSW Futsal State Championships as well as the FNSW Futsal Schools Championships.

Football NSW’s commitment to Futsal is further evidenced by the level of representation in the coaching and playing roster of the Futsalroos and the success of the various State teams.

For more information on the match schedules and more click here to visit the official FFA National Futsal Championships website page

Craig Foster, Ante Juric and Ante Milicic are the headline acts for the Football NSW 2015 State Coaching Conference to be held on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November at Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood.

The appointment of the three experienced mentors has been seen as a massive coup for the Conference in what Football NSW’s Technical Director Alex Tobin states is one event not to be missed by any interested coach.

“We are all looking forward to the State Coaching Conferences and the presentations from these expert and high functioning contributors to the game.

“It will be a great weekend of football and we know that all coaches present will receive invaluable information on the state of the game in Australia in 2015 and beyond”.

Attending one of the days (same content on both days) will attract 50 points towards re-accreditation and will be entirely theory based, providing a unique opportunity to debrief on all the Major Tournaments and take a look at FIFA’s Technical Report 2014 trends.

The FNSW State Coaching Conference is suitable for both ‘Community’ and ‘Advanced’ coaches of all levels of experience and accreditation.

The Conference will take place at the home of Football, Valentine Sports Park.

Limited places are still available for aspiring coaches and those wishing to attend are urged to act swiftly to avoid disappointment.

Registration for the 2015 State Coaching Conference costs $125 per person and includes lunch, access to coaching presentations and resources and a coaching gift bag as well as the opportunity to network with FFA, HAL, WWL, NYL, FNSW and local coaches.

Register now!

Click here to register for Saturday 28^th Nov

Click here to register for Sunday 29^th Nov

2015 FNSW State Coaching Conference

Saturday November 28th (9am-5pm)

Sunday November 29^th (9am-5pm)

Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood

Valentine Sports Park played host to Football NSW’s second annual Football Facilities Forum as over 170 members of the football family including 35 Local and State Government representatives took part in presentations, panel discussions and shared their experiences on a wide variety of facilities topics.

As the grassroots roots playing numbers continue to grow close to 300,000 players across NSW, the demand for quality facilities and particularly synthetic playing surfaces continues beyond the current supply.

Topics including the latest trends in synthetic fields and their maintenance, modular amenities blocks, LED Lighting and the importance of engagement with Government and local councils featured at the forum.

The numbers in attendance are testament to the importance of the event to the football community. Over 100 organisations, 17 football clubs and Associations from New South Wales as well as representatives from Football Federation Australia, Football Queensland, Football Federation Victoria and Football West all took part this year.

Local councils were well represented with Mayor Jerome Laxale from Ryde and Mayor of the City of Gosford Lawrie McKinna all joining the discussions at the Football Facilities Forum.

The forum highlighted the importance football – whether winter outdoor, summer competitions or indoor – plays in local communities and the social, health and economic impact on the State’s economy.

The integral partnership between grassroots Football Clubs and Associations with their Local Councils and the vital part State and Local Governments play in the continual investment in community sporting facilities was emphasised.

Football NSW’s CEO Eddie Moore was overwhelmed with the outcome the Football Facilities Forum provided to all in attendance.

“Football NSW has made a significant investment in leadership, knowledge sharing, advocacy and support of our membership in this key area of our game. Our Facilities Department has had a huge year, helping our members with more than 80 facilities improvement projects and we anticipate a huge 12 months ahead with potential changes at local councils and a federal election on the horizon.

“This year’s attendance reflects the importance and demand for quality football facilities and the key role Local and State Government plays in developing the infrastructure to meet the future needs of Football.

“We also released our new website footballfacilities.com.au which is a fantastic online resource for all football stakeholders. It includes detailed information on a wide variety of facilities subjects and a number of facilities guides on topics including synthetic fields, grass field maintenance, lighting, and project management.”

Presentations from a number of leading synthetic field experts took place with Greenplay, HG Sports Turf,Polytan, Tiger Turf and Turf One all offering their knowledge on the latest in synthetic surfaces.

Smart Connection Consultancy also presented its ‘FIFA Evaluation and Testing Update’ on the day whileHornsby Shire Council and Pennant Hills FC discussed ways in which clubs could better engage with their local councils.

Defib for Life put together a thorough presentation on defibrillators at sports grounds while Park Shedswent through its study on modular amenities blocks.

Jasstech Solutions conveyed its messaging around LED lighting for football fields while Sports Clean ran through a live synthetic field grooming demonstration.

OFFICIAL FOOTBALL FACILITY WEBSITE  http://www.footballfacilities.com.au/

Valentine Sports Park will be hosting an eight week AIA Vitality MiniRoos Kick Off Program from the 20th October. 

The program is an introduction to football for both boys and girls aged 4–9 years old using short, game based exercises to introduce the fundamental skills of football across a range of fun and engaging game-based activities.

All abilities are welcome to join the program as activities are catered for all levels and abilities.

Cost: $90 per child, which works out to $11.25 per session.

Dates: Every Tuesday from 20th October 2015. Ends on 8th December 2015.

Session Information: The 4–6 age range runs for 45 minutes and begins at 4:00pm. The 7–9 age range is for 60 minutes and begins at 4:00pm.

What does my child receive?

Each registered child receives an AIA Vitality MiniRoos back pack which consists of a ball, drink bottle and Hyundai A-League & W-League player cards.

Weekly sessions will be conducted by qualified instructors with a 1:10 staff to child ratio. The sessions will be held out on the synthetic fields at Valentine Sports Park.

What are the benefits of joining?

• Fun, football game-based sessions that build fundamental motor skills in a safe environment;
• Activities aim to improve confidence and self-esteem;
• Low participant-to-coach ratio resulting in greater individual engagement;
• increased touches of the ball and more goal scoring opportunities;
• Make new friends and develop fundamental social skills;
• Develop values of team work, cooperation, fair play, and respect for others;
• Keep healthy by getting active;
• Boys and girls also have the opportunity to play AIA Vitality MiniRoos during half-time of selected Hyundai A-League / Westfield W-League / Westfield FFA Cup games throughout the summer football season, as well as international fixtures featuring our very own Socceroos and Westfield Matildas!

How do I register my child?

Click on Valentine Sports Park and which age group program you wish to register your program or click on the link below.

Register for 4-6 Age Group

Register for 7-9 Age Group

Who can I contact for further information?

Jas Virdee
MiniRoos Development Officer
Football NSW
02 8114 4453
jasv@footballnsw.com.au

Valentine Sports Park will play host to a one-day facilities forum for all members of the football family featuring presentations, panel discussions and plenty of debate and information sharing on a wide variety of facilities topics on Friday, 6^th November

Debuting in 2014, the Football NSW facilities forum was well received by the football family with Head of Facilities Development and Government Relations Ricardo Piccioni eagerly anticipating this year’s instalment.

“Following the success of last year’s Forum, Football NSW looks forward to welcoming a wide range of football stakeholders to Valentine Sports Park, to hear all the latest news from the world of facilities.

“This year we’ll have the leading synthetic turf suppliers in one room presenting case studies and discussing technological advances, and we’ll get an update on FIFA’s changes to the testing and evaluation of fields.

“A brand new concept for Modular Amenities Blocks will be unveiled, and we’ll also hear the latest on LED Lighting and the plan to get defibrillators onto our sports fields.

“It promises to be a fantastic afternoon and a great opportunity for our club and association members and representatives from Local and State Government to network and take a look at the recently refurbished Home of Football.”

Commencing at 1pm, subjects to take shape on the day will include:

·         Synthetic Fields

·         Live Demonstration of Synthetic Field maintenance

·         Modular Amenities Blocks

·         LED Lighting

·         Engagement with Local Councils

·         Defibrillators

Presentations will take place at the Valentine Sports Park dining room at 1pm after lunch in the Valentine Café kicking off at midday.

This is an open invitation to all so don’t miss the chance on your involvement with this special forum.

Please R.S.V.P. Ricardo Piccioni as soon as possible either by Phone on 02 8814 4412 or via Email on ricardop@footballnsw.com.au

Football NSW Facilities Forum Details

Date: Friday, 6th November, 2015

Time: 1pm kick-off (Lunch at midday)

Venue: Valentine Sports Park Dining Room (above Valentine Café)

Watch highlights from last year’s Football Facilities Forum HERE

It was a fun filled football affair as Westfield W-League players flocked the Female Football Festival Gala Day at Valentine Sports Park held last Saturday.

Teams from across Sydney Metro, Western NSW and also a team from Mid North Coast, participated in non-competitive matches across the day as players soaked in the fun and excitement of the world game.

Football NSW Game Development Manager Hayley Todd was delighted with the turn-up and promotion the festival achieved.

“The event was a huge success in highlighting the development of female players across the state and that not only was it the girls time to shine, it showed that the future was extremely bright for women’s football in the years to come.”

Football NSW Female Festival Football Gala Day Coordinator Andrew Fathers, reiterated how well received the day was.

“With the success of the weekend event, additional female only gala days would be looked at for 2016.”

The second highlight of the day, was when players from both Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers arrived at the venue to meet players, sign autographs and have photos taken.

Players from the PS4 NPL1 NSW Women’s competitions – Renee Rollason, Princess Ibini (Sydney FC) along with Michelle Carney (Golden Boot 2015), Jada Mathyssen-Whyman (2015 Goalkeeper of the Year) (Western Sydney Wanderers) were joined by Westfield Matildas World Cup and Sydney FC players Kyah Simon, Alana Kennedy, Nicola Bolger and Leena Khamis.

Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers were put through their paces in a light training session after the matches were completed.

Both coaches Dan Barrett (Sydney FC) and Norman Boardman (WSW) were impressed with the players which they saw during the morning and the event as a whole in promoting the women’s game.

Westfield Matildas Coach Alan Stajic was also impressed with event and was excited to see the development of the women’s game.

The Football NSW Futsal State Championships will be held this long weekend as 1500 players across 180 teams are set to descend onto Valentine Sports Park, Penrith Regional Valley Sports Stadium and Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium.

The Futsal State Championships are a major part of the Football NSW Futsal State Team talent identification process.

Players identified at the State Championships will have the opportunity to trial for the Football NSW Futsal State Teams to play at the 2016 FFA National Futsal Championships to be held in Sydney in early January next year. Traditionally, the Futsal State Championships encapsulates some of the best Futsal talent there is on offer in NSW with 2015 bearing more action than ever.

In addition to the Futsal State Championships, Football NSW will again be holding the Futsal State Cup for the 2015/16 futsal season.

To view the official 2015 Futsal State Championships draw click here

The Futsal State Cup is only open to teams registered with Football NSW affiliated local futsal centres and will take place on Sunday 31^st January 2016 at the Hawkesbury Indoor Stadium. Further information will be released towards the end of 2015.

In this weekend’s Women’s State League Grand Final, the Western NSW Mariners FC take on Bankstown City FC, with the Championship on the line this Sunday at Valentine Sports Park.

It is surely fitting that the Women’s State League Grand Final will be competed by first placed Western NSW Mariners FC and second placed Bankstown City FC.

Both sides have set the standard throughout 2015, and demonstrated the most consistently impressive and entertaining football.

Throughout the season, the two have faced on four occasions; Bankstown have emerged victorious three times, only losing their round one fixture.

The most crucial of said victories came in the Major Semi Final, where Bankstown were dominant in a 2-0 victory which qualified them for this weekend.

The Western NSW Mariners, on the other hand, were forced to work extremely hard to earn their place in the Grand Final. After defeat to Bankstown, they faced St. George FC in the Preliminary Final; where they came from behind to win the game in the very last play of stoppage time.

They know that they will have to significantly improve this Sunday, as Bankstown are in red hot form. After their convincing Semi Final performance, City have had two weeks of preparation.

Coach Todd Gagan acknowledges that this is their second consecutive Grand Final appearance, an exciting achievement for the club. However, they are determined not to replicate last season’s 2-1 loss to Nepean FC.

“We have worked hard on our game at the back end of the season in preparation for the Finals and will need to be on our game against the Mariners, who have been the most consistent team throughout the competition.”

Key for Bankstown will be their attacking trio of Samantha Muscat, Tania Baban and Melissah Parlato. Muscat is the league’s top goal scorer, finding the net an incredible twenty seven times this season. Baban and Parlato are incredibly quick and skillful on either wing, and have proved a nightmare to handle for some defences.

In the Major Semi Final, Bankstown’s Lyndsay Kohlet was the standout player, utilised on the wing. Her combination of strength and speed was difficult to deal with, and resulted in a deserved goal towards the end of the game.

In midfield, the industrious Liana Babic and Jessica Abrahim are supported by playmaker Maniso Micheal. This group have established themselves as one of the league’s best passing units.

Impressive centre-back Allegras Vickas has led from behind this season, and is not shy of a strong tackle or powerful burst forward. To her side, Marie Sim-Sing has provided valuable experience and contributed to what has been a difficult backline to break down.

The Western NSW Mariners FC ran out deserved Premiership winners this season, with a game in hand. They took an early lead atop the table, and refused to let go for nearly the entire year.

However, their more recent form is a cause for concern, and one might say that they’ve slowed down at the worst possible time.

They were handily beaten by Bankstown City FC during the Major Semi Final, where their attacking efforts were scarce and their defence almost relentlessly overridden.

In their Preliminary Final, they showed signs of returning to their best, but still struggled to get over the line against St. George. The Saints dominated for the first half hour, but Western NSW demonstrated great resilience to find an equaliser before the break and then a winner on the cusp of extra time.

Head coach Mick Gobdier was proud of the girls’ efforts last weekend, “Our defensive unit was outstanding, especially without our skipper Meg McFarland, and they set the platform for us going forward.”

Gobdier was also pleased with improvements shown going forward, “We spoke about our attack and how we needed to fix that from the previous week, and I thought we made some positive steps in that regard.”

“Our goals were of an extremely high standard and when our young gun Tayla Lloyd scored the winner deep into injury time, it was such a relief as we really dug deep and threw everything into it.”

Tayla Lloyd has indeed stepped up this season as a player of immense talent, and her lively presence between attack and midfield has proven very effective throughout the season.

Top-scorer Jess Salamoni has been clinical in front of goal, despite often playing on the wing, scoring eighteen goals. Megan Embleton has been typically effective up front, adding fourteen goals to the tally.

Goalkeeper Jessica Daymond has been a standout player for the Premiers, with a commanding presence inside the goalbox and great alertness off her line.

Gobdier says that making the Grand Final is “an outstanding achievement… and we know if we play our best football we will be in this up to our eyeballs.”

However, he acknowledges that Bankstown City FC will be an incredible challenge, as they have proven throughout the year.

This weekend’s Women’s State League Grand Final could not be set up any better, with the league’s two best performers engaging in what will undoubtedly be a game to remember.

Match Details

Western NSW Mariners FC vs. Bankstown City FC – Sunday 20 September, 4:30PM at Valentine Sports Park No. 2

-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter