Having only been in the competition for just over half a season, Shea Connors has already left her mark in the #NPLWNSW. 

Leading the league scoring charts with nine goals, the APIA attacker has been in fine form for Spencer Prior’s team in 2022 and a fantastic addition.

Connors, an American, was born in Connecticut, USA, where she grew up taking her first football steps with her twin sister Keenan at the age of five.

Her next move saw her go to the Big Apple, New York City, where she attended St John’s University to kick start her college football (soccer) career, a major contributor to her game.

“The college system helped me improve my game so much. It’s essentially professional football + school. Your world revolves around soccer. Every single day you have something for your team whether it’s training, gym, meetings, recovery, travel, or several of those things all in one day,” said Connors.

“You also have coaches who are dedicated to you full-time. Everything is filmed down to the trainings – so at all times you are performing! It is extremely competitive as a few years I had close to 30 teammates competing for starting 11 spots. I learned so much from my college soccer coaches and my college strength coach – on and off the field.”

The potent attacker almost hung the boots up early after a stint in Iceland post her college career, but a call from warmer pastures, saw her come Down Under and take Australia by storm.

“I had some offers to go to Europe again, but I had been so cold in Iceland I needed a change. I almost decided to stop playing and work full time when I had a friend who had a connection to the Queensland NPL. I chatted with coaches that were, sent my CVs and I ended up deciding on Logan Lightning. They flew me out and I owe a lot to Nick Croyden, who was the head coach at the time, for taking the risk on me,” Connors said.

Her performances for Logan Lightning in that first season were near incredible, scoring goals at will and earning her a call up with the Liberty A-League side Brisbane Roar.

For Connors, the Liberty A League and US College system bore many similarities.

“The A league competition is similar in ways to the US college system! I feel like the US college system had a huge focus on fitness and physicality. It’s always hard for me to compare this when asked but the games are both very competitive and fast paced.”

The numbers that Connors was putting up in the Queensland NPL competition caught the eye of others, APIA Leichhardt being the quickest to react and sign the goal scoring machine.

And Connors is enjoying every moment in Sydney’s Inner-West.

“I decided I needed a bit of change for my next season. Last year I played for Lions and had a really successful year, and just wanted a new challenge to keep me ready for another A league season! Life with APIA is great, the club were amazing at getting me settled in,” Connors said.

“We had an interesting start to the season but now we are really on a roll and connecting! The girls are great and APIA really supports women’s football which is really amazing to see. Even at our Thursday night game last week we had almost every youth girls team up to our reserves cheering us on. That was really special. Not ever club has that, and that makes APIA really special.”

With APIA’s rise in form recently, the club are able to aim for the top again and Connors believes the team has the quality, despite some hurdles they will face along the way.

“I think we’ve got so much potential. I think we can go very far! It’s great to be in the top 4 now and I believe we can maintain that but we all obviously would love to work for that top spot,” said Connors.

“We are missing some key players in the coming weeks for Matildas/Young Matildas callups that will definitely create some new challenges.”

The NSW Women’s NPL prides itself on being one of the strongest in the country and Connors agrees with that statement.

“The NSW NPL competition is very competitive, it’s great to see so many A-League players mixed up on different teams. This keeps the competition really high each game!”

Connors has hopes of returning to the Liberty A-League for the 2022-23 season but also long term goals of going back to the United States.

“My personal goal is to be back in the a league for the near future at least! I think one day I might want to go back home to the states and play in the NWSL! However I love Australia and playing here,” said Connors.

-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief Writer and Commentator Nikola Pozder

One of the stars of the #NPLWNSW competition is APIA Leichhardt’s midfield magician Rhianna Pollicina. 

After a fantastic season with the Newcastle Jets in the A-League Women’s competition, Pollicina earned a move to one of the biggest club’s in the country, Melbourne City for the 2021-22 season.

During the off-season though, there’s only one club the crafty creator would rather be at, APIA Leichhardt.

Affectionately known as ‘Mini’, she has called Lambert Park home for a number of years now and her smile lights the place up.

Back in the NPL NSW Women’s competition, Pollicina says it’s the toughest competition ever with immense quality across the competition.

“The NPL has become a much stronger league over the past few seasons. This year seems to be a very tough and close competition between all the teams, anyone can win on their day,” she said.

“There are plenty of players that play across both the competitions which has definitely lifted the standard of the NPL competition.”

Her Maroons have not started the season as well as they would have liked but Mini is certain their fortunes will soon turn.

“We’ve struggled a bit this season but in training we are all working hard and starting to gel as a unit. We’ve had a few players unavailable so far so our starting line-up has changed pretty much every week. Having consistency in the line-up will just improve our performance every week,” Pollicina said.

Since promotion, APIA have only wanted one thing and that’s to be one of the leading female football clubs not only in NSW but the country and this season is no different.

“This year we are really trying to focus on our style of play and when we execute our game plan I believe we play some good football and can push for that top 4 spot,” said the APIA’s playmaker.

For Pollicina, continuing her career overseas is an obvious target and goal but she stays modest, thinking of ot just herself but club and current team mates too.

“Going overseas is definitely a goal for me, personally I’m just trying to focus on being the best teammate I can for my team and helping other players around me, whether that’s with APIA or a different club,” she said.

Similarly, the former Young Matilda keeps her national team hopes in check with focusing first off on her own performances and making sure she is the best she possibly can be.

“I’m just focusing on each game as it comes and trying to put my best foot forward in all aspects of my game, anything else is a bonus.”

-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief Writer and Commentator Nikola Pozder

For the first time ever, APIA Leichhardt will be sending a women’s team to the Viareggio Tournament in Italy. 

The prestigious youth tournament gathers teams from all across the globe, fighting to be 2022 champions.

The touring team will leave on March 5 and return March 23, playing 8-10 games across an 18 day stint.

APIA Women’s supremo and Head of Women’s Football Matteo Maiorana, is incredibly excited with his club’s participation in the tournament.

“It’s the first time APIA is sending a female squad to the tournament,” he proudly stated.

“Our Men’s team have been Oceania’s sole representative for the past 15 odd years and to get an opportunity to play in the biggest and most prestigious recognized FIFA sanctioned Youth tournament in the world is first and foremost a fantastic opportunity and secondly, a real statement of intent and acknowledgment on the clubs ongoing commitment to ensure we continue to add layers as we strive to become the best NPL Women’s program in the country.”

APIA will come up against some real powerhouses during their tour that will allow the girls to compare themselves against some of the world’s best young female teams.

“Our pre-tournament games are likely to be against local regional teams however we have locked in pre-tournament games against a leading American and Swedish team,” Maiorana said.

“The competition draw gets made on February 23 with the likes of Italian Giants AC Milan, Napoli, Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina all playing, whilst huge clubs from Spain. France, Germany, Britain, Scandinavia and Africa are all committed and entered to play.”

Similarly to the men’s tournament, the women’s is an under 19 tournament with two over aged players (not older than 20) eligible to play.

“It was important for us that when we accepted the invitation we wanted to ensure this would always be for APIA players only,” said Maiorana.

“Players that want to commit to the club are the players we want to provide an opportunity for. We were inundated with players wanting to travel on the tour once it was announced but we’ve only added one player as our alternate GK from outside the club who was an APIA junior.

“The squad will be a mix of our Under 18s and our Senior squad.”

There are some young players that have already caught the eye in the NPL competition and Maiorana has pin-pointed them as leaders of this generation.

“Claudia Cicco has come leaps and bounds and after a great season last year we expect her to have an even bigger impact within our 1st grade team. She’s training the house down at the moment and is looking fantastic.

“Isabella Di Sipio is one of our over age players. She’s a striker and a fantastic finisher, our expectations is that she breaks into 1st Grade this season.

“Soph Konstandinidis is very versatile and can play both in defence and in midfield. She will be looked at to provide some leadership on the pitch and Beth Crawford is another one who has really worked hard. She’s someone we have really high expectations on from within the club, she’s a central defender, a real talent and a great young kid.”

In terms of expectations for the tournament, it’s the experience that Maiorana says will help the girls become better footballers and even more importantly, better people.

“We think not only the tournament, but the tour as a whole will be an experience which will stay with everyone for ever. We ensured we created a tour that focused not only on the Football but the social aspects as well,” Maiorana said.

“The touring group will be see two Serie A games, the coliseum, the Vatican, the Spanish steps, get to spend a day shopping in the fashion capitals of Florence and Milan and only recently we had confirmed that the actual CARNEVALE which is a massive, massive party that has over 100,000 people attend will now go ahead. Something that hasn’t happened for the past few years due to COVID. That alone is spectacular.”

COVID hasn’t been kind to the APIA team either and been quite the hindrance in the lead up to the tournament.

“A hindrance doesn’t really give it justice. It’s been a nightmare,” Maiorana said.

“So many different aspects need to be covered and adhered to as internationally there as so many variations on the rules. RAT tests, PCR tests have been the norm.

“But our President Tony and our staff have been first class and ensuring everyone has been kept up to date and our parent group, in difficult and daily changing climates have been incredibly understanding.”

APIA won’t be travelling lightly to Italy either, with a full backroom staff also making the trip.

“Andrew Tucker will be the head coach and ably assisted by our 18s coach Michael Hawthorn. We will have a full time physio provided by our clubs Physio The Movement Clinic Sydney, our own chef a team manager, liaison officer and a head of Delegation,” added Maiorana.

APIA’s women’s program has come leaps and bounds since their promotion to the top tier of football in the state and Maiorana believes it will only improve and get better.

“Our club is one of the most recognizable footballing brands in the county. The history associated with APIA not many come near,” said Maiorana.

“The club has been absolutely first class in their support of our Women’s program and we’ve really come a long way in such a short period of time.”

“Last year, in only our second year in NPL 1 we were leading the Club Championship which is significant. We are pouring resources into the program from our GSAP through to our Youth to ensure our players are best prepared in all aspects not just in their football lives but their personal ones as well.

“We have something really special happening at APIA and it will only continue to grow and improve year upon year.”

Stay tuned to Football NSW to follow APIA’s progress at the Viareggio Tournament.

-NPL NSW Women’s Chief writer – Nikola Pozder 

Back Row (L-R)
Audrey McLaren, Riley Welsh, Taylor Brookes, Isabella Coco -Di Sipio, Ella Martins, Layla Mouawad, Thea Draganova

Middle Row (L-R) 
Andrew Tucker (coach) Gen Tucker (Asst Coach) Catherine Konstandinidis (Manager) Emily Brcic, Sophie Ingham, Emiijia Vidakovic, Elena Antic, Caitlin Stringer, Belinda Cicco (Tour Welfare Officer) Michael Hawthorne (Assistant Coach).

Front Row (L-R)
Kaitlin Kiparizov, Laura Pilgrim, Eleni Tsintominas, Beth Crawford, Claudia Cicco, Sophia Konstandinidis, Josie Dubbert, Jessica Saliba, Alyssa Walsh.

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.