NWSF confirms Premier/Super League competitions for 2024
NWSF is pleased to announce the teams that will make up the Premier League Mixed & Women’s, plus the Super League Mixed competitions for 2024.
Mixed Premier League | Mixed Super League | Premier League Women’s |
Eastwood St Andrews FC | Epping FC 1 | Beecroft FC |
Epping Eastwood FC | Epping FC 2 | Flying Bats FC |
Hills Hawks FC | Gladesville Ravens SC | Gladesville Ravens SC |
Macquarie Dragons FC | North Epping Rangers FC | Macquarie Dragons FC |
Normanhurst Eagles FC | Northern HFC | Normanhurst Eagles FC (new) |
North Ryde SC | Putney Rangers FC | North Epping Rangers FC |
Pennant Hills FC | Roselea FC | Putney Rangers FC |
St Patricks FC | Ryde Saints United FC | St Patricks FC (Premiers AA1W) |
West Pennant Hills CFC | Thornleigh Thunder FC | West Pennant Hills CFC |
West Ryde Rovers FC | West Ryde Rovers FC |
Coach Wanted – Normanhurst Eagles
Normanhurst Eagles are recruiting a Premier League coach for the 2024 season and beyond
Experience and Responsibilities
- Full responsibility for coaching our men’s Premier League squad
- Recruitment and selection of playing squad
- Planning and execution of training blocks and training plans during pre-season and normal season (January – August)
- Development of playing philosophy across the squad (1stgrade and reserve grade)
- Maintain a positive and harmonious team culture throughout the season
- Lead the integration between men’s and women’s programs
Essential Criteria
- Minimum FFA C Licence qualification
- Experience coaching a senior men’s squad at a similar level
- An effective communicator and a positive role model for the playing group
- Ability to build strong relationships with players, officials, and club committee members
- Team oriented, reliable and committed
Other Skills and Attributes
- Clear and effective written and oral communication skills
- The ability to work as part of a broader team throughout the club
Please contact mark.marriott@normoeagles.com.au for further information
Leading ladies awarded Life Memberships
NWSF capped off 2023 Year of celebrating women’s football with all the Association’s major awards going to many of our leading ladies.
2023 saw two NWSF Life Memberships awarded to two ladies that have been at the forefront of football within our community for over two decades.
Denise Robinson and Kathy Tracey have taken very different paths in getting to this point, but both were very deserving of their Life Membership accolades, especially when it came to promoting women’s football and the roles that women can play in the sport.
Denise, who is currently the Women’s Competition manager at NWSF, has administered women’s competitions for over 15 years and overseen a dramatic rise in the number of women and girls playing the game within the North West Sydney region. Firstly, as a mum supporting her daughter playing at West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC, then managing and coaching and then as the competition secretary for the North West Sydney Women’s Football, prior to the merger with Gladesville Hornsby FA (GHFA). Her dedication to the women’s game and making it available for all to play is unmatched within our region and she has no plans to slow down to help make football the sport of choice for young girls.
Kathy, has just recently stepped down from her role as President of Macquarie Dragons, where she has been a constant figure since her kids started playing at the club back in the early 2000’s. Kathy has filled just about every committee position at the Dragons in that time. As well as her club roles, Kathy was also a very active participant on the Disciplinary panels at the GHFA and filled the role as secretary for many years. She is still a member on the NWSF Disciplinary Panel. In more recent years, Kathy has driven the increase of female participation within Macquarie Dragons and aims to keep advocating football as the sport of choice for girls and women of all ages.
North Epping Rangers Nicki Walsh, Beecroft FC’s Isabella Nimmo and Normanhurst Eagles Natalie Mikhael were each put forward by their clubs for their outstanding contribution in promoting women’s football, each receiving an Association Medal, while Alison Lloyd was awarded the Roy Maggio Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding work with not just her club Epping FC, but also with NWSF. All four ladies, contributed greatly to promoting women’s football at their clubs, as well as promoting the Women’s World Cup which ultimately proved a huge success in New Zealand and Australia.
Other major award winners on the night, included Epping Eastwood taking out the Mixed Club Championship, while North Epping Rangers won the Women’s Club Championship. Epping O55/1 team won the Bill Plaskett Award for the best First Division team, while the Ryde Panthers 13/1 won the Keith Hillman Award for the Best Defensive U13 team.
The Fair Play Awards saw Old Ignatians win the Mixed, Beecroft FC in the Women’s, while the Premier League award was won by Eastwood St Andrews for a 5th straight time.
2023 also saw the introduction of new awards for our leading goalscorers in our three main competitions with Antionette Candy from Putney Rangers in the Women’s Premier League; William Gomez-Balestro from North Ryde in Super League and Kye McLean from West Ryde Rovers in Mixed Premier League.
The NWSF Board will maintain its status quo, with no new nominations received for the two positions, while the FMC will have a new Chairperson with Jeff Saul from Roselea FC heading what will be a predominantly new group. Existing FMC members Rohan Primrose and Mark Marriott, will be joined by Alison Lloyd (Epping FC), Peter Steel (All Saints Hunters Hill) and Warner Leung (Gladesville Ravens). The late withdrawal of foundation FMC member Steve Crawford, now means we have one position to be filled and we encourage anyone who wants to have a positive influence on how our competitions are run to come forward and nominate.
19 local coaches complete C-Licence
North West Sydney Football would like to congratulate our 19 local coaches on completing the 2023 C Licence.
The C Licence represents a significant investment into the development of coaching practice, with the 2024 course taking place in a unique, staggered format, where candidates completed Part 1 during the winter football season, before completing the course on Part 2 more recently in November.
We are proud of our association’s commitment to growing coaches through the Football NSW/Football Australia coaching pathways, with all participants on this course beneficiaries of NWSF scholarships. This provides financial support to local coaches to complete the course under the guidance of Tim Palmer, NWSF’s Head of Coach and Player Development and NWS Spirit FC Technical Director. This enables the course to be deeply integrated with the NWSF DNA, the association’s framework for football considered a benchmark for player development across NSW.
We are particularly proud also of our commitment to developing female coaches, and particular congratulations goes to Alicia Leggatt (Ryde Panthers), Alison Lloyd (Epping FC), Amy Jahja (Macquarie Dragons), Natalie Mikhael (Normanhurst Eagles), Nicki Walsh (North Epping Rangers) and Tamara Sales (Flying Bats), representing the largest cohort of female coaches on any NWSF course.
We are looking forward to providing more opportunities for coaches in North West Sydney to pursue a C Licence, with courses commencing early in 2024. Please frequent the website and follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more details.
The full C Licence cohort for 2023 is as follows:
- Adrian Rizzuto (Ryde Saints/NWS Spirit FC)
- Alicia Leggatt (Ryde Panthers/NWS Spirit FC)
- Alison Lloyd (Epping FC)
- Amy Jahja (Macquarie Dragons)
- Anthony Galluzzo (Normahurst Eagles/NWS Spirit FC)
- Christopher Marchi (Macquarie Dragons/NWS Spirit FC)
- Corbin Strauss (Epping FC)
- Hayden Allen (North Ryde/NWS Spirit FC)
- Jack Anderson (North Ryde)
- Jacob Sullivan (Hills Hawks/NWS Spirit FC)
- Mitch Tracey (Macquarie Dragons)
- Natalie Mikhael (Normanhurst Eagles)
- Nathan Healy (Normanhurst Eagles)
- Nathaniel Vala (Beecroft)
- Nicki Walsh (North Epping Rangers)
- RJ Jargalsaikhan (Macquarie Dragons)
- Rohan Primrose (Roselea)
- Tamara Sales (Flying Bats)
- Warren Joslin (North Epping Rangers)
Pennant Hills FC Premier League Trials
Pennant Hills FC Mixed Premier League trials
When: Sunday’s, 10th and 17th December
Time: 3.00pm (10th) and 5.00pm (17th)
Where: Pennant Hills Soccer Centre (synthetic Field)
Brittania Street, Pennant Hills
Inquiries: Ph: 0419602433
Come play WPL with the Flying Bats
The Flying Bats is the biggest LGBTQIA+ women’s football club in the world!
We’re looking for senior players interested in joining our Women’s Premier League team for the 2023/24 North West Sydney Football season.
You’ll have the chance to compete in multiple local and interstate competitions, receive discounts to dozens of events and retailers, take part in feel-good initiatives, and be part of a super social, inclusive community.
Contact Vice President Samantha Lewis at vicepresident@theflyingbats.com or on WhatsApp at +61420469626 for more info!
Street Football World Cup needs boots
The Street Football World Cup is a one-day tournament that is about celebrating the different language groups and cultures through participation in the world game.
It is an opportunity to encourage newly arrived migrants and refugees as well as local families from diverse backgrounds who do not currently play sports to participate as a player, coach, manager or supporter.
The tournament is being held on Sunday November 19 and as part of this celebration we the football playing community’s help.
Do you have players that’s boots don’t fit anymore or are getting an upgrade – we want them……..:-)
If you have boots and shin pads in good condition and want to help local kids play football, please consider donating them to the kids playing in this year’s Street Football World Cup tournament at Meadowbank Park.
Please contact Melrose Park FC on president@melroseparkfc.com.au
Street Football World Cup Tournament
https://www.melroseparkfc.com.au
There are still spots available to participate in the tournament
Play as your favourite Country or club!
When: Sunday, 19 November 2023
Where: Meadowbank Park, Sports Field
Competition:
Small sided games, six-aside
New to football, social and competitive
Female, male and mixed
U6 to AA, over 35s
WPL Head Coach Opening
West Ryde Rovers FC is one of the biggest clubs in NWSF with 90+ teams and over 1200 players across the club. The club is well resourced and based at Meadowbank Park in Sydney’s north-west.
WRRFC is seeking the services of a Coach for its Women’s Premier League team for the 2024 season.
Matchday is Sunday with kick-offs generally at 3.00pm (occasional 1pm or later kick-offs). The commitment runs from February 2024 through to August (approx).
The ideal candidate would have strong experience as an adult football coach, and possess a C Licence coaching qualification, although this is not essential. The club is also looking for a person with the right attitude, enthusiasm and good communication skills, with the ability to effectively lead a high performing squad.
If you think you’re right for this position we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Director of Coaching – Dan Lambert at coaching@wrrfc.com.au, or Women’s Coaching Director, Nat Stafford-Smith at womenscoaching@wrrfc.com.au
WRR Premier League trials
West Ryde Rovers FC would like to invite players to register their interest in playing their Premier League teams in 2024.
Details of the trials dates, times and venues will be provided upon registering your interest.
EEW Premier League Trials 2024
Epping Eastwood FC is excited to welcome expressions of interest for their upcoming Premier League trials for the 2024 season. All committed players are welcome.
To register your interest, please contact Mark McLaren on 0401 168 165
Trial Dates: Sundays – December 3rd, 10th, and 17th
No joy at Champion of Champions
There was no joy for our two representatives at the 2023 FNSW Champion of Champions finals held at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday.
Played in hot and very windy conditions, both the Epping O30 Women’s team and the West Pennant Hills CFC Premier League team were both soundly beaten in their respective finals.
Epping O30 were first up in the early afternoon sun, which at the time of kick-off was 33 degrees. Despite the conditions both teams were keen to attack and it was Forestville Killarney that scored first when their striker was able to break clear and slotted home 10 minutes in.
Epping though were giving as good as they got and created several opportunities to equalise before they eventually did with Amy Scott showing good pace to beat her defender and dink a nice hot over the advancing keeper. Epping continued to press and had numerous chances to go ahead, but found the Forestville goalkeeper in good positions to stop anymore additional goals from going in.
Forestville then took the lead once again a few minutes before half time in a similar fashion when a ball played in behind the defence saw their fast striker again get clear and she made no mistake. This unfortunately became and all too familiar scene in the second half.
The Manly-based team completely dominated the second half and after adding a third goal soon after the break again from their speedy striker up front the floodgates opened, as they complied 6 second half goals against a weary Epping defence.
The only consolation in the second half came from a superbly struck free kick by Fatma Agar midway through the half that gave their keeper no chance.
Meanwhile West Pennant Hills also saw their hopes of taking out the prestigious All Age Men’s title snuffed out by an excellent Pittwater RSL team from the Manly Warringah FA. After a cagey first 15 minutes as both teams tried to get used to the windy conditions, it was Pittwater that most of their first real chance, when a perfectly flighted corner kick caught everyone out except a Pittwater player who headed home from close range.
Pittwater’s confidence grew and they assumed control of the game and pushed WPH back and by the half hour mark they had added a further two goals to sit comfortably 3-0 ahead.
WPH were not about to give up that easily and in the space of several minutes Dash Ritnam had a one-on-one shot saved by the keeper, but he made no mistake with his second chance with a neat finish from just inside the penalty box and they went into the half time break 3-1 down.
Pittwater dashed any hopes of the Lions coming back into the game 15 minutes into the second half when they scored a fourth goal direct from a free kick and then added fifth goal soon after.
Lions captain Andrew Zalunardo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot with about 15 minutes to play, but any hopes of a miraculous comeback were dashed minutes later when Ryan Frank was given a straight red card. The score finishing 5-2 to Pittwater’s favour.
NWSF teams advance to Champion of Champions Finals
The Epping FC O30 Women’s and West Pennant Hills CFC Premier League teams have both advanced to the Champion of Champions finals are convincing wins in their semi finals at Christie Park on Sunday.
The two teams will compete in the finals at Valentine Sports Park next Sunday (October 22) for the right to be crowned the best of the best in NSW in their respective age categories.
Epping kicked things off at fairly warm Christie Park against Kissing Point FC (Northern Suburbs FA) with the opening 20 minutes a fairly cagey affair with Epping having slightly the better of play and a few half chances to open the scoring. Once Epping did open the scoring after 25 minutes, the flood gates opened and by half time the score had ballooned out to a 4-0 and the game was as good over.
Kissing Point to their credit did come out with some renewed vigour in the second half and pulled a goal back soon after the break, but that was as good as it got for the visitors as Epping clicked into gear and added a further 3 goals to leave the score at 7-1 at full-time.
Epping will now play Forest Killarney FC (Manly Warringah FA) in the final, kicking off at 1.45pm (VSP3).
West Pennant Hills made it a good day for the local teams with a thoroughly convincing 4-1 win over Colo SFC (Nepean FA). An early goal from Tim Irwin settled the nerves of the Lions players as both teams went toe to toe in what was a physical but fast-paced, attacking game of football.
Despite looking solid at the back, the Lions were undone by a 25-yard thunderbolt from the Colo striker after 30 minutes and it was game on.
However the Lions were quick to restore the balance in their favour and within 30 seconds of kicking off, they were back in the lead with Liam Kelly getting on the end of some great play down the right. Dash Ratnam then added a third right on half time with more terrific play down the right flank that saw him score with an easy tap in at the back post and the Lions were in complete control.
West Penno dominated much of the second half, with Irwin completing the scoring with his 2nd goal, a thumping header from a perfect flighted corner kick late in the game.
Next up for the Lions is Pittwater RSL FC (Manly Warringah FA), who ironically knocked the Lions out of the same competition 12 months prior. They will clash at 4.15pm on VSP2.
International Day of People with Disability
For the third year in a row Hills Football, Northern Suburbs Football Association and North West Sydney Football Ltd will be running a number of events in celebration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).
This year the events will be hosted by Northern Suburbs FA at their North Turramurra complex on December 3, 2023
The first event of the day will include a MiniRoos coaching certificate which will incorporate an inclusive element, targeted at interested players and/or coaches with a disability, or those that are coaching players with a disability. Details are below:
– 3rd December from 8:30am – 10:30am
– North Turramurra Recreation Area
– Register here: http://education-ffa.sportingpulse.com/Entry/?EID=27380
We will also be running a Gala Day for participants with a disability and is open to all that are interested, see details below:
– 3rd December from 10:00am – 12:00pm
– North Turramurra Recreation Area
– Register here: https://forms.gle/cm7Kqd67vaD2CHLx6
Two teams advance to CoC semi finals
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC Premier League team and the Epping FC O30 women’s team have advance to the semi finals of the 2023 Champion of Champions tournament after securing wins on Sunday.
West Pennant Hills secured their spot in the final four and a meeting with Colo SFC next Sunday, after a hard fought 1-0 win over Hills Football’s Norwest FC. Meanwhile, Epping has set up a semi final clash with Northern Suburbs team Kissing Point FC, after accounting for Lilli Pilli 4-1 at Pennant Hills Park.
Cameron Pesavento secured the all important win for West Pennant Hills midway through the first half, running onto a through ball and finishing neatly inside the left post.
The win sees them set up a clash with Nepean Association side Colo SFC, who were involved in a highscoring affair – 6-5 winners against Bankstown Sports Strikers.
Epping secured their win with a late blitz after scores were level early in the second half. Epping took a 1 goal lead at the break thanks to a superb shot that sailed into the top corner only for Lilli Pilli to get the game back on level terms early in the second half. Epping stepped up the gears though in the last 20 minutes and added a further 3 goals to run away with an emphatic win. Fatma Agar scored twice, while Amy Scott and Abby Clark got the other goals.
The semi finals will be played this Sunday at Christie Park with the O30W (Epping) kicking off at 12.30pm and AAM (WPH) kicking off at 2.30pm.
Elsewhere, four teams unfortunately were unable to progress past the weekend, with the Ryde Panthers U13 mixed team going down to a very good Belrose-Terry Hills team 4-0, the Gladesville Sharks U16/1 girls team suffered a 3-1 defeat against Bankstown Sports, the Ryde Panthers U17 mixed team went out on penalties after a 0-0 also against Bankstown Sports, while the Epping FC O45 Men found Mosman FC too hot to handle going down 7-1.