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Teigen Allen roaring with APIA

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Heralded as one of the biggest signings of the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition, Matildas star Teigen Allen has lit up the league as she sets her sights on a huge year with the APIA Leichhardt club.

The 26-year-old defender who has played for the likes of Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers, Melbourne City and more recently the Melbourne Victory in the W-League knew that APIA was the right fit in continuing her football journey.

“When the W-League was coming to an end, I was looking for my next move with football.

“After reaching out to a few clubs, I weighed up my options.

“I wanted to make the right decision and to be involved in a professional football environment – I wanted to continue to grow as a footballer and be surrounded by like-minded players as well.

“After speaking to Matteo and a few of the girls, I knew then and there, APIA was the club for me.”

Currently boasting a 100% record having won three of its opening matches as well as scoring an impressive 13 goals in the process, the APIA side has been on fire and have been labelled the team to beat by the many NPL NSW Women’s fans and followers alike.

Having the likes of star players such as Princess Ibini-Isei, Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Deborah De La Harpe at their disposal as well as Allen’s presence has only further enhanced the squad’s capabilities of a big season ahead.

“We are all enjoying our football and growing as a team as each week passes.

“Getting to know each other as a player and a person in my opinion is one of the most important things to have in a successful team.

“In saying that, having a good backroom staff is vitally important. Matteo Maiorana and Alex Cicco have both built such a strong feel of togetherness which is led by determination and professionalism that I personally have so much respect for.”

The NPL NSW Women’s competition continues to grow from strength to strength as seasons roll by.

Known as the Premier NPL female competition in Australia, the former NSWIS and AIS graduate has been impressed with the quality stars it has attracted throughout the years and continues to do so with this rebooted season.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, the amount of talented footballers that are currently playing in our NPL is exceptional.

“It definitely levels out in each team and makes every game a challenge which is what we as footballers want week in week out.

“I am revved up and excited to play some formidable football.

“The quality on the pitch within each NPL team is staggering and is great to be a part of.”

All eyes will be fixed on this Sunday’s massive must watch encounter as Allen and co face their toughest obstacle yet as they take on last season’s Champions Sydney University set to be live and exclusive only on NPL.TV with kick off set for 3pm.

“It’s going to be a great match with two really good squads set to go head to head and one myself and the girls cannot wait to play in.”

Having been capped 40 times for the Westfield Matildas, Allen is hoping that more call-ups will come her way in the not too distant future.

“I hope so, I am only just getting started so of course I am hoping for many more appearances with the Green and Gold.”

Friday 26th June 2020 will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the Australian Football game – it was the day the nation along with neighbours New Zealand won the right to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a moment Allen and the entire Australian Football community would cherish forever.

“I was at home in Sydney with my sister Keisha who is playing for Blacktown Spartans waiting for the final announcement.

“I was over the moon when the decision was announced.

“It’s given us as a country a massive opportunity to focus and properly expose the women’s game to a whole another level.

“The growth and talent the Matildas and female football in Australia has shown over the past couple of years is only a glimpse of how good we can be.

“There is so much room for further growth and development and getting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 gives us more reason to really invest into the Women’s game from grassroots to the top and to show the world how amazing Australia can be.”

Siemsen flying high at Manly

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It didn’t take long for gun striker Remy Siemsen to find her feet once more in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition with the 20-year-old notching up four goals in the club’s first two matches for the newly rebooted season.

A brace in Manly’s opening 4-2 win against the Football NSW Institute and another two-goal haul against the Emerging Jets last weekend has really set the engines roaring for Siemsen.

“I’m really happy with the start of the NPL NSW Women’s season and to bag four goals in two games has been a great feeling.

“I am hoping to score plenty more goals this year and more importantly win as many matches as possible.

“My teammates have provided great service and we seem to be gelling really well which we hope will continue throughout the rebooted season.”

Siemsen has once again felt right at home at Cromer Park after returning back to her old stomping ground following another decent W-League campaign with Sydney FC.

“COVID unfortunately put the brakes on a few opportunities in Europe, so it was a no brainer to play back at my junior/senior club Manly United – the club has been so welcoming and it’s great to be back with a great group of teammates and staff.

“After a fun and rewarding W-League season, I’ve been working extremely hard and Manly has been so understanding regarding my drive and aspirations to go overseas in the near future and developing my game even further.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and happy to be back playing football and games again. I’ve been training full-time and I’m excited to be able to play games again with my teammates. You can see the excitement from coaches to players, creating a fun and happy environment.

“My goals and ambitions for this season is to contribute wholeheartedly to my team and hopefully win the league. I believe we have the squad to definitely achieve that goal.

“Personally, I just want to develop my game further and further each week and look forward to future opportunities here and abroad.”

North Turramurra Recreation Area will play host to a eagerly anticipated local derby as Manly United tackle the Northern Tigers this Sunday afternoon with kick-off set for 3:30pm.

The game, which will be shown live and exclusive only on NPL.TV, is set to be one tough encounter between two fierce opponents as both teams look towards taking out another three points for the season.

“Northern Tigers have always been a tough competitor and have some great players like Ellie Brush and Servet Uzunlar.

“We are really looking forward to a big match this Sunday and playing our natural game at North Turramurra where hopefully we’ll come away with the 3 points.”

Away from the game, the former NPL NSW Women’s Player of the Year winner has kept herself busy working casually at the local bowling club and has also assisted in various football clinics run by Sydney FC.

“I currently work casually at the local bowling club and help coach at a few Sydney FC clinics locally.

“I also study but I’m hoping to resume online University this coming semester.

“Training has become a full-time affair with plenty of travel to train with boys as well as with Manly United and technical sessions which has kept me very busy.”

Coach Gameiro enjoying the experience

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Former Australian Youth international Corey Gameiro has set his sights on continuing his progress as a future coach, currently assisting Jamie Gomez at Football NSW Institute’s Under 17’s Girls side in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition.

The former A-League attacker, who spent some time in the A-League with Sydney FC, Melbourne City, Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners has been a busy figure at Football NSW’s headquarters where the 27-year-old has been given the opportunity to commence his coaching journey.

“I’ve had a fantastic start so far with the coaching staff and group of girls at the Institute.

“Working with young professionals, who, if developed and mentored the right way, could go on to play for the Matildas is something that means a lot to me.

“I’ve represented my country on many occasions and there is no better feeling to help some of these young players achieve that goal and the same dream I had is really special to me.

“We have also implemented striker sessions that I take weekly throughout the whole Football NSW program.

“I’ve been working with the attacking players to provide more one-on-one time as well as working through specific shooting techniques, composure in front of goal, timing of runs and a host of other tools.

“Seeing the players responding to the teachings and improving in these areas so quickly has been very rewarding.”

The former Lake Heights FC junior was delighted when Football returned to NSW pitches once more following the COVID-19 lockdown with the NPL NSW Women’s competition in full swing.

“It’s been great being back running drills with Jamie and watching the team develop at each training session and match.

“The return to training for us was challenging at times given the rules and restrictions in place.

“What’s made it easier was that the players attitudes and commitment to adhering to the restrictions have been really positive.

“Coaching throughout the COVID restrictions wasn’t too bad in terms of setting up sessions. From my perspective, it gave us a chance to work on all of the players individual technical skills. For example; because of the social distancing requirements, every player was given a ball which meant they were able to achieve more touches on the ball. As a child, that’s when you’re able to develop your technical skills because it’s just you and the ball and nothing else.

“However it must be said, we were all looking forward to the reboot of the Women’s season, weekends with no football just didn’t feel right to me and I know that was replicated by the girls as well –  we all couldn’t wait to get back to work.”

The women’s game in the country continues to develop and prosper now more so than ever thanks to the recent landmark decision of Australia and New Zealand hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Gameiro stated that this was a great opportunity to further promote the female game to the rest of the nation and the world with the sport benefiting in a number of ways.

“Australia hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is massive.

“Women’s football is growing rapidly here in Australia and I think hosting the tournament is only going to encourage more girls to start playing the game.

“I also think its hugely important for the younger players in the Future Matildas program and any young girl aspiring to play at a high level to see the senior players wearing the green and gold for our country on home soil.

“It will be really inspiring and a great motivator for the players to want to train harder to make it to the top.”

Gameiro, who also played in our very own NPL NSW competitions with the Wollongong Wolves and St George City, hasn’t ruled out a return to the game, as injuries have plagued the gun attacker’s progress to the top.

“I do miss playing football and I have no doubt I will be back playing again.

“I’ve been working hard over this last year to get my body feeling great and back to where I should be.

“My last season with the Mariners was extremely tough physically, mentally and emotionally. After seeking guidance from people I trust, the best thing for me was to take a step back and work on myself mentally and physically so that I could work towards feeling strong in both areas.

“It’s been so nice not to contend with any pressure to rush back or be forced back early and roll the dice on staying fit.

“I’m in such a great place now and I can’t wait for the next opportunity that comes up because I know from all the work that I’ve done and am still doing – I’ll be ready for it whenever it presents itself.”

One aspect that has changed Gameiro’s life for the better has been Fatherhood.

His partner and well-known passionate Australian Football Television Presenter/Journalist Lucy Zelic became proud parents to little girl Mila, a bundle of joy that has given the dynamic duo so much happiness.

“Fatherhood is just amazing.

“It’s so nice to have something other than football to wake up to every morning.

“This is the first time in 12 years that I’ve had a year out of professional football and to be able to spend days with just my daughter and watch her grow so quickly has been a blessing.

“Fatherhood has really changed me as a person. It has softened me and slowly taught me to have patience, which I definitely didn’t have before Mila came along.

“Having Lucy as a partner is so much fun. We are both football fanatics and every morning, the first thing we talk about is who beat who overnight, or which transfer rumour is out there at the time. We’re also both massive Liverpool supporters which helps!

“A few months back we drove to Canberra and for the entire 3-hour trip, we did nothing but talk about Australian football.

“Between the two of us, we never run out of things to talk about, especially when it comes to the game.

“Lucy is one of the most passionate football lovers we have in our country.

“I see and hear her on the phone every day, emailing, hosting zoom meetings and working non-stop and it’s all because of her love for the game. I’m very proud of her and how hard she works for football in this country.”

Flannery eager to impress in rebooted NPL NSW Women’s season

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Sydney University SFC star striker Nicki Flannery hit the ground running in a huge way as the 21-year-old opened the rebooted National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season on the right foot scoring a brace in her side’s 3-1 victory over the Macarthur Rams last Sunday.

It was a feeling of huge relief for the former Canberra United and Newcastle Jets W-League player as NPL football returned once again following a four and a half month layoff due to COVID-19.

“Playing our first competitive match was honestly the most relieving yet surreal feeling.

“We have been working exceptionally hard the past few months, individually in isolation and collectively since returning to training, so it was an excellent feeling being back and starting off on the right foot with a win.

“I think this time off has allowed us all to reset and appreciate how much of a positive influence football has on our lives and to never take a minute for granted.

“Despite this long, uncertain layoff being challenging at times, for me, it made me very eager to ensure I came back fitter, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running as soon as we were able to return.

“Our squad has strengthened again this year, in terms of depth. There are multiple players competing for the same position across the field, and I truly believe this will help us in making sure we keep growing and performing as a team week in week out.

“We have all returned to training in good condition and are confident in our preparation for the season.

“Given the season is much shorter this year, we really have no time for slip ups and are all so determined to make sure we find our mojo from the get-go.”

Asked about her two-goal haul, the humble Canberra born attacker put it down to her teammates.

“Scoring any goal is always a rewarding feeling for a striker, but they are most rewarding when the goal is the outcome of solid team build-up play.

“The two I scored were simple tap ins given to me by the hard work and great performance of my teammates, so I am thankful I was able to finish the move off for the team.

“For myself, I am really grateful I was able to put in a solid performance in round one and look forward to pushing my performance further in the coming rounds.”

All eyes will be fixed at Valentine Sports Park this Sunday as Flannery and co will take on another one of the competition heavyweights in Sydney Olympic, a clash that will feature a number of our current NPL NSW Women’s stars and will be shown live and exclusive on NPL.TV at 5pm.

“This weekend’s game will be tough, there is no doubt about that. Olympic have a number of great players so we are all looking forward to the game and building on our performance from last week.

“Having the NPL matches live streamed is a great way to display the strong calibre of players that play across the league but it is also a tool for the players themselves to go back and watch and reflect on their performance for personal development.

“There is also the added benefit that my family can watch my games from home in Canberra too, especially during this time where spectators aren’t encouraged.”

With a shortened season and bearing the pressure of being last year’s Champions, Flannery stated to Football NSW that Sydney University SFC will not be resting on their laurels and that striving for more success is on each of the player’s minds.

“This year has been a year of uncertainty inside and outside of football, however, as a club and as a team our expectations have not changed.

“We have the added pressure of our success from last year which has given us the drive and determination to ensure we rise to another level this year.

“We are all very focused and eager to raise the bar both individually and collectively to continue to build on our growth from last year.

“As an individual, I look forward to continuing to work tirelessly with my team and Alex (Epakis), to strive to achieve our season goals and will ensure I play my part in order to do so.”

With female football in Australia constantly on the rise, the announcement of Australia and of course New Zealand hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is only set to bring more eyeballs on the women’s game.

For Flannery, the right to host the biggest female football spectacle in our backyard was music to her ears.

“Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 will be an amazing time for women’s football from grassroots level to Matildas.

“Again, this outcome is only the start of recognising women’s football in Australia, the next step is to do everything we can to get people to experience it for themselves.”

“Air” Whyman hyped and ready to go

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Determination, dedication, and passion for the game, those are the traits Sydney Olympic’s NPL NSW Women’s shotstopper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman has lived by preparing for more football in 2020 following her recovery from injury that sidelined the star from W-League action with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The talented 20-year-old keeper had been looking forward to the recent W-League season but playing for two and a half years with a tear in her patella tendon meant she required surgery – fast forward months of rehabilitation and Whyman is bursting at the seams ready to make her long awaited entrance onto the football pitch once more.

“I’ve missed everything about the game. The family culture you have when being part of a team, having your family and friends come out and watch your team, the excitement of game day, trying to nutmeg people – all this and so much more but I honestly cannot wait to make my comeback with Sydney Olympic.

“When restrictions eased, being able to go out and see people again brought back a feeling I probably took for granted pre-COVID-19.

“The first session back for us at Olympic was awesome, I think the girls were over the moon to see one another again. It was good to see everyone with a big smile on their faces and there was so much laughter. The banter was top level, we were all glad to be back but are all working hard hoping to get some competitive football under our belts very soon.”

The recent COVID-19 lockdown gave Whyman more opportunity to recover and push through rehab ensuring she was coach George Beltsos’ number one pick prior to the NPL NSW Women’s season commencing.

The break also allowed the promising Matilda to take up a couple of new hobbies keeping her busy and occupied.

“For me, COVID-19 had actually given me the time to focus on my rehab.

“When you’re injured, you have this feeling of missing out, but with sport being put on hold, it took away that pressure of needing to get back quickly.

“Given that I was at home more often, I took advantage of it and really knuckled down with my studies as well.

“Also not having that social aspect of being around your teammates, there were plenty of opportunities for video calls to keep in touch with some of the girls.

“On the other hand, since I couldn’t kick a ball around due to limits with rehab, I took on some new hobbies like shooting hoops down at my local basketball court, cooking which I loved as well as learning how to play the guitar which was a massive fail.

“Work wise, I was fortunate enough to be able to work from home. It was a bit of a learning curve as we had to change up the way we approached connecting with our clients at headspace and changing a lot of things to online, but it was a good experience nonetheless.”

Known as a bit of a social media queen with over 4000 followers, the former Football NSW Institute graduate and Wagga Wagga born star recently took part in a special football project led by the FFA’s Digital Content Manager Ann Odong that saw the keeper pose for photos albeit inspired by Basketball Icon’s greatest ever, Michael Jordan and the successful Netflix series ‘The Last Dance’.

“That’s right, Ann Odong had messaged me saying she was doing a piece on athletes in isolation through her Instagram page “Futbol X Stories” and was wondering if I’d like to do a shoot with her.

“I told her I wasn’t doing too much other than rehab and having the occasional trip to the basketball court to shoot some hoops.

“Ann was pretty keen for it and it turned out to be a pretty fun shoot to be honest.

“To tell you the truth, I did go buy a basketball after watching the first episode of the last dance on Netflix.

“You kind of forget to enjoy other sports sometimes when you get caught up in training and playing all the time, so after watching the last dance I was like yeah I can shoot hoops (laughs).

“I ended up being pretty crap at it but it’s still pretty good fun.

“I really enjoyed the series, I got a lot out of it in terms of the mental side of things and challenges you can come up against in sport and life and I highly recommend giving it a watch if you haven’t yet.”