Football NSW

Valentine Sports Park was gripped with one of the most important dates in Football NSW’s Association calendar, the 2015 State Cup Finals which were held in Baltic but sunny conditions on Sunday 12^th of July.

Swarms of fans from across NSW took in fifteen matches as thirty teams locked horns from the Grade 12s Boys and Girls competitions right through to the Over 35 Men and All Age Women in what was a memorable day for all participants of the wonderful game.

Four age groups were named after former administrators, players and football advocates who have assisted in the development of the game in NSW.

The 12 Boys were playing for the Frank Broughton Cup, the 12 Girls the Cheryl Salisbury Cup, the 21 Men’s the Robertson Cup while the All Age Men fought out for the Bill Cullinan Cup.

Connells Point Rovers kicked off proceedings with a heart wrenching 3-1 on penalty shootouts against Mt Pritchard to be awarded the Frank Broughton Cup. (Click here to view the official match report).

While in the Cheryl Salisbury Cup, Northbridge FC defeated Hornsby Heights 3-1 in what was a great spectacle. (Click here to view the official match report).

The Robertson Cup saw an all Sutherland Association final as Menai Hawks easily disposed of their opponents Lilli Pilli 5-1. (Click here to view the official match report).

While finally in the Bill Cullinan Cup, Lilli Pilli FC proved far too strong for St George Association’s Sans Souci with a convincing 4-0 victory. (Click here to view the official match report).

It was both the Sutherland Shire Football Association and Southern Districts Football Association that grabbed the plaudits on a great day for both Associations as they recorded three victories each in various age groups.

St George, Football South Coast and Nepean had two teams from each of their Associations grab silverware while Northern Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs and Canterbury each had a team that celebrated a Finals victory.

Canterbury Association’s Leichhardt Tigers JFC sported a couple of familiar faces as their Over 35’s took part in a goal scoring fiesta as they powered through their Cup match defeating Como West Jannali 7-2. Player manager Gianpaolo Buonavoglia, a former lethal NSL star marksman steered his team to victory with a goal while yet another former NSL player and ex-Australian youth international Raphael Bove, Lorenzo Merlino and Jem Richardson also got in on the act. But the day belonged to one man, Robert Pirreca who turned back the time notching up a notable hat-trick that sent the home fans into raptures.

In other matches, the 14 Boys category saw Southern Districts’ Mt Pritchard take all the glory with a 3-1 victory but had Jamie Filippone to thank bagging three goals which cancelled out Hills Puma’s only goal of the match scored by Adam Amico.

It was also monumental for club teams Connells Point Rovers from St George who had their 12 Boys and 18 Women win their Cup Final matches while Nepean Football Association’s Colo SFC collected the major titles in the 14 and 16 Girls age groups.

To view images of the event click here

State Cup Finals Results

12 Boys – Connells Point Rovers 0 v Mt Pritchard 0 (Connells Point Rovers won 3-1 on penalties)

12 Girls – Northbridge 3 v Hornsby Heights 1

13 Boys – Shellharbour JFC 5 v Connells Point Rovers 4

14 Boys – Mt Pritchard 3 (J Filippone x3) v Hills Pumas 1 (A Amico)

14 Girls – Colo SFC 3 v AC United 0

15 Boys – AC United 1 (A Chiba) v Balmain DFC 0

16 Boys – Port Kembla 1 (E Kamara) v St Augustines 0

16 Girls – Colo SFC 2 (M McKerrell, B Pelle) v Lindfield FC 1 (P Cars)

17 Boys – Southern Districts FC 3 (K Pediotis, Z Hawchar, A Talevski) v Parramatta City FC 1 (J Lagaoutaris)

18 Men – Gymea FC 5 (B Foster, J Young x 2, B Wilcox x 2) v Balmain DFC 1 (A Barca)

18 Women – Connells Point Rovers 1 (L Appleton) v Avalon SC 0

21 Mens – Menai Hawks 5 (A Agius, C Davaram, J Snellenburg, L Sparke, B Towwell) v Lilli Pilli 1 (L McCosker)

AAM – Lilli Pilli FC 4 (A Judd, S Thomas, D Reid, J Gardner) v Sans Souci FC 0

AAW – Dunbar Rovers 4 (J Novakova, B Seers x 2, M Thorarinsdottir) v Wakehurst FC 1 (A Phillips)

O35 – Leichhardt Tigers JFC 7 (R Bove, L Merlino, G Buonavoglia, J Richardson, R Pirecca x 3 ) v Como West Jannali 2 (T Calderwood, L Dowling)

-Football NSW Media Release

M Sports Cup 2015 Sydney Football Tournament Format

• MSC Girls 2015 – 5 Matches in Total = 4 x round robin, finals 1st v 1st, 2nd v 2nd, 3rd v 3rd and so on
• MSC Boys 2015 – 5 Matches in Total = 4 x round robin, 1 x semi-final and final for all teams

Player Eligibility

• Boys & Girls – Players born on or after January 1st 2002/2003
• 4 players born on or after January 1st 2002 per squad

The M Sports Cup (MSC) is in partnership with Football NSW, Australia’s largest Regional Federation. Valentine Sports Park is the venue for the MSC 2015, and is the only one of its kind in Australia. The brand new purpose built football complex will be home to the MSC from 2015.

Click here for live M Sports Cup results

All roads lead to Valentine Sports Park.

That was the message echoed out to the 500 plus entries from Association clubs across NSW at the start of the 2015 grassroots seasons as the official State Cup Final matches have all been finalised for what will be a blockbuster Sunday, July 14^th at Football NSW’s official headquarters.

Fifteen matches have been scheduled as thirty teams lock horns from the Grade 12s boys and girls competitions right up to the Over 35 men and All Age Women.

Four age groups have been named after former administrators, players and football advocates who have assisted in the development of our game in NSW.

The 12 Boys will be playing for the Frank Broughton Cup, the 12 Girls for the Cheryl Salisbury Cup, the 21 Men will be taking part in the Robertson Cup while the All Age Men will be playing for the Bill Cullinan Cup.

Both the Southern Districts Football Association and Sutherland Shire Football Association lead the way as they will have five clubs representing their areas while St George Football Association has four.

There will also be club representatives from the Canterbury (3), Football South Coast (2), Granville (1), Northern Suburbs (3), Nepean (2), Manly (3), Eastern Suburbs (1) and Gladesville (1) competing in this memorable tournament.

St George Football Association’s Connells Point Rovers FC deserves a special mention as they will have three teams participating with their 12 Boys, 13 Boys and 18 Girls ready to go on Finals day.

Football NSW Competitions Coordinator Kim Burge was eagerly anticipating what always is a popular date in the Association calendar year upon year.

“The State Cup displays all the hard work and efforts displayed by each entrant that took part in what traditionally has been one of the toughest tournaments to participate in NSW.

“Congratulations to each participant and their club and Association on reaching the final, it will no doubt be a fantastic day for everyone involved as Football continues to thrive as the most participated sport played in NSW.”

State Cup Finals Fixtures

12 Boys Frank Broughton Cup Connells Point Rovers FC v Mt Pritchard

13 Boys Connells Point Rovers FC v Shellharbour JFC

14 Boys Hills Pumas v Mt Pritchard

15 Boys Balmain & District FC v AC United

16 Boys Port Kembla JFC v St Augustines FC

17 Boys Southern Districts FC v Parramatta FC

18 Boys Balmain & District FC v Gymea United

21 Mens Robertson Cup Lilli Pilli v Menai Hawks

AAM Bill Cullinan Cup Lilli Pilli v Sans Souci FC

Over 35s Como West Jannali v Leichhardt Tigers Junior FC

12 Girls Cheryl Salisbury Cup Northbridge v Hornsby Heights FC

14 Girls AC United v Colo SFC

16 Girls Colo SFC v Lindfield

18 Girls Avalon SC v Connells Point Rovers FC

All Age Womens Dunbar Rovrers v Wakehurst FC

For more information on the State Cup Finals Click Here

Milan Blagojevic’s Football NSW Institute Under 15s have won themselves a trip to the United Kingdom later this year as they have been crowned 2015 Manchester United Premier Cup Pacific Finals Champions securing a 3-0 victory over Kiwi side Onehunga Sports at Valentine Sports Park.

The two day finals series played at Football NSW’s headquarters saw ten teams from across Australia lock horns with the prize of representing this region up for grabs,.

The Institute side won themselves a finals spot after a successful group stage played on Saturday which saw them defeat Belnonnen United 6-1, Onehunga Sports 3-1, FFV NTC 1-0 and then recording a scoreless draw against the Emerging Jets.

Sunday then saw the successful Institute side defeat FFSA NTC 2-0 in the semi-finals before taking out the big finale by beating Onehunga Sports for the second time in this prestigious tournament 3 goals to nil.

Goals by Ramy Najjarine, Ahmed Sweedan and John Roberts all but sealed the Football Institute’s fate much to the delight of coach Blagojevic as well as assistant coaches Damir Prodanovic and Jason Falzon.

The Manchester United Premier Cup started in the United Kingdom as a regional tournament in 1993.

A combined passion for the beautiful game joined the forces of Manchester United FC and Nike to grow the competition into one of the largest and most highly regarded football events of its kind.

Over one million players have taken part in the Manchester United Premier Cup.

Football NSW Institute’s Under 15 squad will now be one of the teams who have earned the opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience to represent Australia and New Zealand on the World Stage.

The World Finals have been played all over the globe and this year the Grand Final will be played at Old Trafford.

Congratulations to the entire squad and staff of the Football NSW Institute side on a job very well done.

It was a moment that will live long in the memory of anyone and everyone that attended Football NSW’s Football4all Gala Day that took place at Valentine Sports Park last Sunday.

Young Wagga Football4all participant Henry Pavitt captured the hearts of many as well as our Football NSW photographer’s attention, Gavin Leung who took a number of heart-warming shots that really epitomised what football is really about – Henry Pavitt a true inspiration to us all!

Click here to view the exclusive story the Daily Mail’s Sarah Michael wrote on young Pavitt, a must read!

Blacktown City FC have the chance to go back to back as they won themselves a date with destiny against Sydney United 58 FC on Sunday 5^th of July for the 2015 Waratah Cup Final to be played at Valentine Sports Park.

Mark Crittenden’s men were made to work for that spot as they defeated a spirited Sydney Olympic outfit 2-1 at Belmore Sports Ground on Wednesday evening with the winner coming in extra time.

Former Central Coast Mariners attacker Travis Major kicked things off for the visitors as they took an early lead in the 9^th minute.

Major went galloping through the middle of the Sydney Olympic defence and, with a powerful shot that was too hot to handle for Paul Henderson, he opened the scoring.

Sydney Olympic hit back on the half hour mark from a familiar source in Harris Gaitatzis.

Another former Hyundai A-League player, Nikolas Tsattalios whipped in an inch perfect cross to Gaitatzis who clinically put the ball in the back of the net for the home side.

It was game on from there.

Neither team were able to finish off their chances as the match ended 1-1 in normal time with extra-time and penalties looming.

It was Connor Evans that proved the difference with the winner in the 95^th minute.

Major sent through a perfect cross to an unmarked Evans who turned the game on its head and ultimately finished off Olympic with the winning goal.

Coach Crittenden could hardly hide his delight after his side’s wonderful achievement.

“I thought our first 15 minutes was really good but the next 25 was really poor and they did get back in the game and did well,” he said.

“After halftime I thought that we got ourselves back into it and our first 25 minutes or so in the second half were really good and we could nearly have put them away.

“You always know when you come here they are going to play good football but of course we are happy.

“We set ourselves a target at the start of the year to go back-to-back and we now have an opportunity to do that.”

Blacktown City will face Mark Rudan’s Sydney United 58 FC after the Reds defeated the Rockdale City Suns 3-2 in what was a thrilling match of epic proportions at Sydney United Sports Centre.

The entertaining semi-final included everything a football match could have with five goals, eight yellow cards and two red cards seeing both sides end the match with ten men each.

Chris Triantis opened the scoring for the home side in the 18^th minute after he tapped in from close range a Theo Kofinas cross.

The lead wouldn’t last long however as the match turned on its head four minutes later.

United 58 were first reduced to 10 men as Kofinas turned from hero to villain after receiving a second yellow card.

Marko Jesic stepped up to score the resulting free kick which deflected off the United 58 wall, wrong footing keeper Justin Pasfield.

Jesic then put Paul Reid’s side 2-1 up with a well taken goal on 40 minutes.

Mitsuhiro Iwamoto started the play in the middle of the park finding Takuya Murayama on the right whose clever flick found Toufic Alameddine in space on the right hand side. The winger cut the ball back to an oncoming Jesic who fired his shot into the bottom left hand corner.

The game would take a wicked twist in the 64^th minute however when Rockdale were reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper David Bradesevic was shown a straight red card.

Reid was forced to replace attacker Toufic Alameddine with reserve keeper Aleksander Visnic.

Unfortunately for the keeper his first job was to pick the ball up from the back of the net as Triantis dribbled through the Rockdale defence before slotting the ball into the bottom left hand corner to make it 2-2 in the 69^th minute.

The tide had truly turned as United 58 took a 3-2 win in the 78^th minute with captain Stjepan Paric meeting a long throw in to head the ball over a diving Visnic.

Following the match Sydney United 58 coach Stjepan Paric said he was proud of his side’s come-from-behind win.

“It was a tough match and we are all very happy to get into the final,” he said.

“We played (Blacktown) a few weeks back and they got us so we will be looking for revenge.”

Match Details

Waratah Cup Final

Sunday July 5^th

Blacktown City FC v Sydney United 58 FC

Valentine Sports Park – 3pm kick-off
*Ticket details will be announced shortly

The Fijian National Women’s team recently visited Valentine Sports Park, home to Football NSW, as part of their preparations for the upcoming Pacific Games in July.

It was the second time in as many weeks, a Fijian national side used Football NSW’s newly development facilities at Glenwood as Frank Farina’s Under 20s squad also used the venue as preparations for the current FIFA U20s World Cup taking shape in New Zealand.

Fijian women’s coach Charlene Lockington praised the venue and highlighted that the accommodation, meals and playing fields were perfect for the team to create an intensive training camp.

Games against Sutherland, NWS Koalas, Belconnen (ACT) and Macarthur Rams ensured what was taught on the training field could be tested in match situations.

It is the first overseas tour for the Women’s team who are now considered serious contenders to take out the Pacific Games tournament in July.

It’s shaping to be an exciting weekend of football at Valentine Sports Park as Ghana U20s face Colombia U20s in an international friendly before they head off to compete in the FIFA U20s World Cup in New Zealand.

Purchase tickets online via Moshtix.

Kickoff: 3pm, Sunday 24th May

Gates Open: 2pm

Venue: Valentine Sports Park, 235-257 Meurants Lane, Glenwood.

Tickets: Adults $20, Juniors (children 12 & under) $10.

About the teams…

Ghana U20’s emerged as one of the most attractive sides at the qualifying competition with their fast-paced football. They play possession football with quick and accurate passing and are swift on the counter, which they mainly do from either of the flanks. In Clifford Aboagye and Yaw Yeboah the Black Satellites have two creative players who are undoubtedly the fulcrum of the team. Aboagye, who plays for Granada in Spain, was a member of the 2011 team which placed third in Turkey and his experience and creativity are vital to the side. Yeboah, who is with Manchester City in England, is another member of the squad whose versatility suits the team’s tactical flexibility. It was not a surprise when he won the Player of the Tournament award in Senegal.

Colombia U20’s game plan is based on bossing possession and smart movement. This combination prevents the defence from being overworked and allows the side to conserve energy by not having to chase games, while also making it possible to get plenty of players into attacking positions. This was evident in Uruguay, where they peaked at the business end of the competition, had one of the best defensive records (conceding just five times in nine matches) and boasted six different scorers on the way to racking up 12 goals.The squad oozes quality. Goalkeeper Alvaro Montero and central defender Juan Quintero are both rocks at the back. Key figures further up the pitch include attacking midfielders Brayan Rovira and Jarlan Barrera and forwards Rafael Borre and Jeison Lucumi. The latter was the team’s top scorer in qualifying with four goals.

Purchase tickets online via Moshtix.

The Fijian National U-20s team will be using Valentine Sports Park as its official training headquarters in preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand later this month.

Coach Ravinesh Kumar has assembled his troops at Football NSW’s headquarters with a special milestone broken as his side became the first Fijian national team to be represented at a FIFA World Cup tournament.

“We have been waiting to play in a FIFA event for a long time and now we have managed to do so for the very first time in 76 years.

“This is not only a victory for the Fiji Football Federation, but for the whole country,” Kumar stated on the official FIFA World Cup U-20 website.

The Oceania U-20 Champions produced an almost flawless World Cup qualifying campaign in the six-nation event, dropping just two points against Vanuatu but recorded victories over American Samoa, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Fiji have undertaken a gruelling training campaign and have spent the last few months training in Suva at the national training centre before arriving in Sydney.

As part of their World Cup preparations, Kumar’s team have penned in two official Friendly matches against a tough Mexican outfit on the 15^th of May and South American giants Colombia on the 18^th of May at Valentine Sports Park in what will surely give the team a great hit-out.

CONCACAF U-20 champions Mexico, coached by Sergio Almaguer, will be bringing out the big guns for their clash against the Fijians with the likes of Hirving Lozano of Pachuca, Alex Diaz of Club América and defender Rodrigo Gonzalez of Lobos de la BUAP all set to make appearances.

Los Cafeteros will also be bringing a formidable squad ‘down under’ as coach Carlos Restrepo will have a number of quality stars at his disposal with Juan Quintero of FC Porto, Jarlan Barrera of Junior FC and Jeison Lucumi of América de Cali all set to be included in the clash against Fiji.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup will commence on the 30^th of May and will conclude on the 20^th of June as the tournament is set to boast a number of high profile world football stars ready to use this major event as a springboard to stardom in their club footballing careers.

Tickets to Fiji’s friendly matches at Valentine Sports Park can be purchased via Moshtix: 

Purchase tickets to Mexico U20s vs Fiji U20s, 15th May, 3pm

Purchase tickets to Colombia U20s vs Fiji U20s, 18th May, 3pm

The Ellyse Perry Challenge, a joint initiative with Football NSW and Cricket NSW, took centre stage at Valentine Sports Park on Tuesday 12^th May as school girls from around the district gathered for an eventful day.

Aimed at girls from year’s five to eight, the event leverages football and cricket and encourages girls to lead healthier and active lifestyles.

It was also significant that the event played a pivotal role in Football NSW’s ‘Female Football Week’ which concluded on Tuesday after a week-long festival of football that included appearances from the Westfield Matildas amongst school visits promoting the round ball game.

With trained staff from each sport, the girls played both Cricket and Football, learning skills and games which all girls thoroughly enjoyed.

The Ellyse Perry Challenge provided participants an opportunity to try two great sports, learn new skills, as well as meeting Ellyse.

The well-known all-rounder enjoyed what was a fantastic day for both sports as she continued to fly the flag as a key ambassador as she praised the new facility at Glenwood.

“It’s been really fun I certainly enjoyed meeting all the girls and I hope they had a lot of fun too.

“They’re phenomenal facilities here at Football NSW which has really added to the event.

“It’s been nicely setup on the one field and to have some great weather also has aided to what’s been a very enjoyable day.

Perry is the youngest person, male or female, to represent Australia in cricket and the first Australian woman to have appeared in both cricket and association football World Cups.

The 24-year-old, who played football for the likes of Sydney FC in the W-League and NWS Koalas in the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition was delighted with the drive each participant shared on the day.

“It’s always really wonderful to see young girls having a go, particularly playing football and cricket which are two sports that are really important to me but more importantly it is really nice to give them an opportunity and to see lots of smiling and lots of energy has been really delightful.””

Valentine Sports Park was gripped with Matildas fever as Alen Stajic’s World Cup chargers spent the week training, playing matches as well as interacting with fans at Football NSW’s cracking new facilities at Glenwood.

Ranked tenth in the world, the Matildas were busily preparing for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup set to be played in Canada with the tournament commencing on the 6^th of June and the Final set for the 5^th of July – the team’s first match will be on the 8^th of June against the USA with all of their matches beamed live on SBS One.

The Matildas have been pooled in Group D, the so called “Group of Death” and will face the USA ranked 2, Sweden ranked 5 and Nigeria ranked 33.

Valentine Sports Park was an ideal setting for the side as the entire FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament will be played on artificial surface, something the new precinct recently upgraded to with two full size surfaces freshly laid.

During the week-long stay, the Matildas utilised various facilities in the new venue which included the dining and accommodation much to the satisfaction of the entire squad.

Fans and current female players across NSW also had the ideal opportunity to watch their stars such as Kyah Simon, Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley and Emily van-Egmond to name a few on show, as an open training session was staged at the venue on Thursday.

Much to the delight of the hundreds that attended, the Matildas then signed autographs as well as posed for happy snaps as the vocal crowd watched their star female footballers in action.

A special Gala Day event was also organised on the final day that featured small sided games for a number of keen female football stars who took in expert tips from their heroes, the Matildas.

The final evening featured a special Matildas Dinner as Football NSW acknowledged the achievements the National team has endured thus far as over 100 guests enjoyed a special night wishing the team well.

It was a fitting end to what was a special week for both the Matildas as well as Football NSW as the Member Federation were privileged to have had the team prepare for the biggest female football spectacle this year.

“We were honoured to have had such a talented group of female football players utilising our facility as part of their World Cup preparations,” said Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore.

“It was a fitting touch to what has been a great week for female football as part of Football NSW’s initiative ‘Female football week’.

“It was fantastic to have seen so many aspiring female football players across all ages gather in watching their stars on show.

“We wish the Matildas well on their successes in Canada.”

Out of the 25 squad members, it was pleasing to see a number of familiar faces hailing from NSW.

Seven in total that included Alanna Kennedy, Leena Khamis, Nicola Bolger, Servet Uzunlar, Teresa Polias, Foord and Simon as well as Head coach Alen Stajic all who were also part of the NSW Institute of Sport.

The Matildas will be playing a farewell match on Thursday 21^st of May against Vietnam at 6:30pm at Jubilee Oval in Kogarah before flying out to Canada.

Photo credit: Geoff Jones/Fairfax Media

In exciting news, Valentine Sports Park will be hosting an Open Training Session as well as a Player Signing day on Thursday 7^th May.

In what is sure to attract a plethora of football fans, the Open Training Session will kick off at 5pm where the Matildas will be in attendance training for the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Canada while soon after the training session a player signing session has been organised from 6:30pm for all fans.

This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend in what is an evening not to be missed.

Come cheer the Matildas as they take part in one of their last training sessions on Australian soil before flying off to Canada where they will most certainly make this country proud as they always do.

Valentine Sports Park played host to its first ever Wedding Expo that attracted over 400 visitors at the recently redeveloped multi-purpose precinct at Glenwood on Sunday 12^th April, 2015.

A strong representation of the local Wedding industry with a number of exhibitors were present capping off a fantastic weekend at Valentine Sports Park.

The bridal expo featured wedding professionals including florists, honeymoon, gowns, wedding invitations, bridal dresses, wedding photography, celebrants, stylists, wedding favours, health & fitness, men’s suits, wedding venues, destination wedding, jewellery, shoes, makeup, music, photo-booths, videography as well as wedding cars.

Plans on staging a forthcoming Wedding Expo could take shape in the not too distant future but Glenwood was certainly hit with wedding fever as interested wedding goers took in some fantastic information on the day.

Signalling a new era for football, the Home of Football at Valentine Sports Park has been officially opened.

The $22 million dollar redevelopment multi-purpose facility and headquarters of Football NSW, which has played host to some of the biggest names in Australian football for the past 20 years, was officially unveiled during Football NSW’s Skill Acquisition Program Gala Day on Saturday.

The upgrade, which took an 18-month renovation process, includes two new synthetic surfaces, stadium quality grass pitch, spectator seating, amenities for players, officials and spectators, an administration block and learning centre, renovated accommodation block, futsal court, gymnasium and café which provides facilities for country NSW, interstate and international teams to play and train.

The venue is also designed to service the sport and recreation needs of the local community, with netball, volleyball, handball and basketball already making use of the facilities, in addition to the swimming pool which houses learn to swim classes.

Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore acknowledged the original founder of this historic facility, the late Charles Valentine and his forward thinking on giving the game such an invaluable investment.

“This multi-million dollar Home of Football was all made possible thanks to the vision and generosity of Charles Valentine.

“It was really down to the hard work and determination of Charles that we find ourselves here today and able to celebrate the opening of this magnificent venue.

“I would also like to thank both the Federal and State Government for their financial contribution towards this exciting project.”

FFA CEO David Gallop welcomed the state-of-the-art facility and reiterated the important role Football NSW and Valentine Sports Park played in the growth and development of the beautiful game.

“There’s an old cliché that says build it and they will come, but in our beautiful game the opposite actually applies.

“We already had the numbers, we needed the facilities and the game deserved something like Valentine Sports Park.

“A lot of hard work has gone in, a lot of people have pulled together as one to make sure that this facility came to fruition.

“Valentine Sports Park is going to be a birthplace for champions, but it’s also going to be a place where men and women, boys and girls can play the game for fun in a fantastic facility.”

Moore reiterated how fitting it was to see the launch coincide with SAP Gala Day.

“It is fantastic that our official opening coincided with the SAP Gala Day, showcasing the young talent on display in NSW and highlighting a strong future for football in the state.

“The SAP program provides the foundation training for players aged U9 to U11 years that underpins the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s and Women’s competitions and is consistent with the FFA National Curriculum.”

“These state of the art facilities support the development of the game at all levels from grassroots through to the elite.

“Valentine Sports Park will become a hub for the football family, connecting the community through a modern facility.

“It is estimated over 200,000 people will pass through the venue every year and I envisage this to further grow in years to come.”

The M Sports Cup will be making its way to the ‘Home of Football’ Valentine Sports Park (VSP) on the 5^th of July with juniors from across the globe taking part in this prestigious tournament.

Running through till the 10^th of July, the M Sports Cup is in its second year and is quickly growing with 28 teams taking part in this year’s tournament.

A total of 16 Boys and 12 Girls teams will compete in the M Sports Cup for players born between 2001-2003.

The brand new FIFA regulation surfaces at Valentine Sports Park will play host to the tournament andprovide Australasian and Asian youth football players with a competitive football tournament in which they can develop technically, tactically, socially and psychologically.

Travelling footballers will have the opportunity to endure a full professional experience by staying and refuelling at the newly refurbished Valentine Sports Park apartments and facilities.

Further experience for travelling players and teams including off field activities creating a football culture that will educate, entertain and further develop the players for future successes have also been organized.

In 2014 the tournament was attended by New Zealand Football Federations and top Australian National Premier League clubs and was a great success.

The 2014 Cup saw former Socceroo and Football NSW Technical Director Alex Tobin hold a Q & A where he spoke about man marking Argentine legends Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta. Also, Sydney FC midfielder Nicky Carle made an appearance and spoke about his transfer from Bristol City to Crystal Palace bring that different element to this Cup.

For more information on the M Sports Cup visit the official website on http://msportscup.com/