Courtney Halpin first joined APIA Leichhardt FC eight years ago when the club was playing in the State League Women’s competition.

Since then, the goalkeeper has been an integral member of the club’s journey to the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s top tier competition.

Halpin initially started her career at the Marconi Stallions where she played for 10 years before moving to APIA in search of more game time.

“I had a group of friends [at APIA] and I just followed them along. We were losing every game but I think the atmosphere was being around friends and getting to enjoy it,” Halpin told Football NSW.

Halpin added that whilst the atmosphere was good when she first joined, this failed to translate to results on the pitch as personnel began to leave.

“There were coaches leaving, coaches coming. It was shocking. I was playing on the field and I enjoyed it even more because I was scoring goals upfront. It was a good time back then. Once we filled out the numbers I ended up going back in goals.

“We now have players wanting to be at the club whereas when I first started no one wanted to turn up to training. We were getting 3 players for training sessions.”

Halpin spoke of the big changes that occurred once Matteo Maiorana and Alex Cicco took the reins of the club’s women’s football program.

“It’s now just a completely different place [to back then]. Alex and Matteo changed the whole club around.”

When asked about what keeps her coming back each year, Halpin said

“The dedication towards the club. The coaches, the players as well. It’s such a family.”

One of her fondest memories was against Sydney Olympic in her second season.

“They had to win to make the semis but they lost that game and I scored from my own 18-yard box. It went in the other end and I was like ‘Wow.’”

This all came full circle when the two sides played each other in the “Festival of Football” at Lambert Park earlier this season.

“It gives me goosebumps talking about it. Going up against Olympic, being where we are now. They used to carve us every day, but having the competition against them was good.”

On her role this year, Halpin said that she relished the opportunity to integrate younger girls into the senior squad as part of the Reserve Grade team.

“When they struggle, I’ll push them. You gotta just be there and be supportive.”

As to whether she would continue beyond this season, Halpin said that the cancellation of the season complicated things and that she was “50/50.”

“I’ve had my good years in 2018 and 2019. I’m there to have fun and enjoy it. I’m 31 now and I love to train.

“There’s always a way for me to come back. If I was to leave I would miss it and wanna come back. At the moment, I’m not too sure.

“If APIA ask me to come back I will, but if they don’t then I know my time is up.”

Irrespective of whether Halpin stays an APIA player come 2022, it is clear that her legacy in helping the club be where it is today will be remembered well into the future.

-By Will Konstandinidis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Powerhouse side APIA Leichhardt FC have secured one of the signings of the competition by snapping up Matildas Legend Lisa De Vanna.

De Vanna is a player who needs no introduction however her accomplishments and feats are awe-inspiring.

The 36-year-old has played in four World Cups and two Olympics, she owns the record for the most goals by a Matilda and is the second most capped Matilda of all time. She is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star, a FFA Female Footballer of the Year, a Julie Dolan Medal recipient, and a five-time W-League Champion.

Her career has seen her travel internationally playing in England, Sweden, the US and Italy and will now call Lambert Park home.

“Why APIA,” said De Vanna.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to has spoken so highly of the club. What they stand for, and I appreciate their story.

“They have a great set up and I want to be part of helping the club reach its goals.

“I know Spencer really well and our Football philosophies match, the club has put a great team together and I need to put myself in the best position to make the Olympic teams and APIA ticked all the boxes.

“I’m really looking forward to playing my first game tonight,” said De Vanna.

“It really is amazing that we have just managed to sign the greatest ever goalscorer in Matilda’s history,” said Spencer Prior.

“Rewind 6 years ago and the club was being called the NPL competition bye and look at us now.

“Through a lot of hard work, we have signed the second-highest capped Matilda ever.

“We already have a very good squad but what Lisa brings off the pitch is just as important to what she brings on the pitch.

“She’s a leader, she expects nothing but the best from herself and expects that same effort from her teammates and that can only bode well for the remainder of the season.

“Losing Nicki Flannery was a big loss for us, she was in exceptional form coming from W-League and made a huge impression in a short space of time both on and off the pitch, besides her obvious talent, her loss really hurt us squad number wise, so when Lisa was available it was the case of the right player at the right time.

“I’ve known Lisa for a long time, she’s a great person and a great leader and that will only benefit the entire squad, especially the younger ones within the team.

“Lisa is an incredible athlete, and we will do everything in our power to ensure she is in the best possible shape leading into the Olympic camp next month and the same goes for Georgia and any of the other girls who get called up”.

Lisa will be playing her first game tonight 7.30pm at Lambert Park against the Northern Tigers in their Round 1 catch-up game.

Those unable to attend the match can watch the game LIVE on NPL.TV.

In a massive coup for the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition, Former Matildas assistant and Thai Women’s National Team coach Spencer Prior has been appointed as the new 2021 APIA Leichhardt FC Head Coach.

A former English Premier League footballer playing for the likes of Norwich City, Leicester City, Derby County and Manchester City, Prior holds a Pro License coaching qualification.

Having taken some time off coaching, Prior saw this is a huge opportunity to challenge himself once more.

“I’ve been away from coaching for a few years and when I got the call it didn’t take long to get everything sorted. APIA ticks all the boxes.

“The club has a rich history in the game.

“The Women’s program has come leaps and bounds over the past few years.

“I’m really keen to pass on my experience of having worked with National teams both in Australia and Thailand.

“There has never been a greater need for NPL clubs to support female football development and ensure those that don’t go overseas are provided with the right environment.

“The club is extremely focused on providing the girls with a first class set up, the facilities are great, they are motivated, ambitious and have the right mentality.

“I feel APIA are best placed as a club to provide this for all ages and I’m really excited to get started.”

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 26^th 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.”

The sudden pause to the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season due to COVID-19 meant that we missed out on seeing newly promoted APIA Leichhardt FC do their thing in what was a great recruitment drive for the 2020 year – both Princess Ibini-Isei and Deborah de la Harpe especially were itching for some Lambert Park action in making their APIA debuts.

“COVID-19 has affected most aspects of my life with work, studying, and football all put on hold in some ways,” said de la Harpe.

“It has been very bizarre not having the NPL NSW Women’s football season start, something I look forward to yearly, especially when it has been part of my routine for almost 10 years.”

Ibini echoed her fellow teammates thoughts.

“The virus pandemic has affected me personally as well as it has not allowed me to do the things I enjoy doing such as playing the game I ever so love and being able to hang out with my friends at a cafe or going to the movies.”

With the league suspended after two rounds, APIA, coached by Matthew Costantini, unfortunately saw its first two matches postponed due to teams having players committed to the W-League season which meant that the club has yet to record an official competition match for the 2020 season.

With that in mind and training’s as well as the closure of gyms all put on ice, both girls have continued to stay true to their fitness routines.

“I’ve continued my own training sessions during the lockdown trying to keep up with my normal routine as best as I can.

“It has been good going back to my local park and continuing on with my conditioning, ball training, and getting some home gym work in.

“Usually I drag along a sibling or friend to keep that competitive edge and work through drills as company.

“I think it has been a really good time to improve and perfect certain weaknesses in my game.

“APIA has been great though creating fitness programs for us and continuing team zoom sessions which have been good fun and has been great for all our mental health and well-being seeing how all my teammates are going,” said de la Harpe.

Ibini has mixed family time with fitness stating it’s been great spending time with her loved ones along with keeping herself fit and healthy.

“Since the football lockdown commenced, I’ve been enjoying spending time with my family.

“It’s been nice having everyone under the same roof as it has been a while since we’ve all been together as one.

“I have also been reading a lot which is something I don’t usually do because I don’t have the time to.

“I am fortunate enough to live across the road from a football field where I’m able to train whenever I want.

“I also have some gym equipment at my home which I have been using with my mum and brother to stay fit.”

The inner sanctum that is the dressing sheds is something both Young Matildas stars have missed along with playing the game they love with their fellow teammates with the dynamic duo hoping that the green light was only around the corner in getting everything back to normal once more.

“It’s tough to narrow down what I miss most but I honestly miss everything about our beautiful game.

“I miss the competition itself and of course my teammates – we’ve assembled a very competitive and motivating group of players in what is a fantastic environment and I cannot wait to get back to it.

“It is without a doubt a very frustrating time and everyone is itching to get back on the field.

“However, the more we continue to take the precautions and listen to safety measures the sooner we can get back out there.

“We need to continue to make the most of this time at home with family and continue to get the most out of your individual training and before you know we will be enjoying the sights and sounds of our league once more,” ended de la Harpe.

The banter was something high on Princess’ list she missed along with playing the world game.

“I cannot hide the fact that we have such a great squad full of personalities so I certainly miss playing the game as well as the great banter that comes along with it from my teammates to the coaches to the extended staff.

“To see that again though we need to keep following the guidelines that have been put in place as it is for our safety.

“I know everyone is missing football but we have to stay safe, practice social distancing so that we can hit up Lambert Park and other NPL NSW Women’s pitches very soon.”