Claudia Cholakian buzzing at the Tigers
It has been an excellent start to the 2023 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s campaign for the Northern Tigers with Armenian international Claudia Cholakian starring for the side from North Turramurra.
Cholakian leads the club’s scoring charts after 10 rounds with five goals to her name, scoring a brace last Sunday and delivering three points against the Blacktown Spartans.
Returning to North Turramurra after some time, Cholakian is already enjoying life at her familiar surroundings.
“Everyone at Northern Tigers has been so welcoming since I’ve joined the club,” said Cholakian.
“I had played here previously when I was younger, so it is great to see that the club culture has been maintained.
“The staff, coaches and players have all been really great to work with, so I have enjoyed my time here so far.”
The Northern Tigers went on a pre-season tour to Japan something the attacker thought was surreal.
“It was honestly a shock when I first heard that they were planning a pre-season trip to Japan,” Cholakian said.
“I’ve been playing NPL for a very long time and I have never heard of a team going on a pre-season trip, so it not only shows how far women’s football has come, but also the progressiveness of the club to offer this opportunity to the players.
“The trip was an amazing experience, not only from a football perspective, having played against J-League teams, but it was also a great opportunity to bond as a team.”
Cholakian believes the team can go one step further than last year’s Grand Final loss.
“It will come down to our attitude and commitment,” said Cholakian.
“If we work hard for each other week in week out and believe that we can achieve it, then we sure will.
“There is definitely no shortage of desire within the team to go all the way this season.”
There are a few Australian internationals across the NPL NSW Women’s competition but only one Armenian International, something Cholakian is extremely proud of.
“Playing for the Armenian National Team has been such an honour, we have played some tough games against very strong opposition,” she said.
“Obviously, the aim is to be competitive against the likes of Belgium but that isn’t going to happen overnight, we are definitely improving game by game and that is the focus for now.
“The Nations League is coming up at the end of the year and I’m confident we can put in strong performances and get positive results.”
On the Liberty A-League side of things, Cholakian has not had the opportunity yet but believes she has the ability to do so.
“I believe I should have been playing A-League a while ago – I have the quality to be there, and this is something that numerous A-League coaches and players have told me, but, unfortunately, there is a preference to sign either young players that have come through the system, or players that are proven in the A League competition – and I, along with quite a few other quality NPL NSW Women’s players, don’t fall into either of these categories,” an honest Cholakian said.
“If someone realises my ability and is willing to give me an opportunity then of course I will take it, but I have a really great job working in sustainability and that will always be my main focus.”
Cholakian is grateful for all the support she receives from her family that have helped her achieve some of her dreams, including brother Brendan who plays for National Premier League’s NSW Men’s side Rockdale Ilinden.
“I have to acknowledge the role that my family has played in how far I have come with football,” said Cholakian.
“My dad spares a lot of his time to train with me, my brother has always been an inspiration to me, and my mum (and dad) give up their weekends to support both me and my brother at our games.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
By – Nikola Pozder
