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Football NSW Institute stars awarded W-League deals with Wanderers

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Western Sydney Wanderers made a hattrick of Football NSW Institute signings as rising female young guns Aideen Keane, Isabel Gomez and Sarah Hunter will all wear the Red and Black in the upcoming Westfield W-League season.

All three players starred in the Institute’s 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season having caught the eye of head Wanderers W-League coach Dean Heffernan.

Keane is a current Young Matilda and was part of the sides AFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign last year.

The midfielder featured in seven matches and scored nine goals for the Institute this NPL Women’s this season.

Hunter and Gomez had also consistently featured in the midfield for the Institute playing in 11 matches each.

The trio join fellow teammate and Junior Matilda Bryleeh Henry who penned a deal with the club a couple of days prior.

Heffernan was pleased to have signed the trio this season.

“We’re very excited to have Aideen, Isabel and Sarah with us this season and are looking forward to helping them further developing at the Wanderers,” said Heffernan.

 

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.”

Young gun Institute girls ready to shine

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The Football NSW Institute started the season like a house on fire and looked an unlikely team set to challenge the likes of Sydney University, Northern Tigers and so on.

But only three wins in the competition after round six saw them spiral down the ladder and finish in 8th place.

The undisputed quality and talent this squad possessed was highlighted with their victory against Sydney Uni, who as we all know would go on to do the double. It was the only stroke against Uni’s name all campaign.

This year, Jaime Gomez takes the helm and will look to repeat his feat with the same club in 2014 when they won the Championship.

Unlike most other teams in the competition, the Institute’s main aim is to produce the next Matildas superstar and team performance isn’t at the top of the agenda.

“We are looking to compete and perform in the WNPL competition as a team in a very strong league.

“Our focus will not only be to improve the teams performance but to improve each individual player so they can take the next step in their careers.”

Going through the Football NSW system, most of the girls have played together for a number of years, something Gomez believes will help this side in 2020.

“The players are a close unit that push each other at every opportunity.

“Their attitude and application has created a team environment that encourages constant improvement. This will assist them in some tough matches ahead.”

One familiar face that will also be assisting Gomez on the coaching front is former A-League player Corey Gamiero.

The Institute will host the Blacktown Spartans on day one of the new season on the 8th March at Valentine Sports park.

Player Signings: Brianna Edwards

Player Departures: N/A

Up and Coming Stars:  Charlie Rule, Jess Nash

Players to Watch: Sheridan Gallagher, Aideen Keene, Holly McNamara

By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s 1 writer

Round 1 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

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What a way for the NPL Women’s NSW competition to kick off! There was plenty to see across the five live streamed games.

Football NSW Institute v Northern Tigers

It was the perfect start to the season for Leah Blayney’s side, coming away with all three points in their clash with the Northern Tigers at Valentine Sports Park.

The first goal of the game came after only eight minutes as Aideen Keane’s high press saw her disposes Servet Uzunlar and bare down on Eliza Campbell.

Her placed shot beat the keeper but rebounded off the post into the path of Bryleeh Henry who placed the ball into the back of the net.

The Tigers held most of the possession and tried to create something through Uzunlar on various occasions but the Young Institute side stood firm in defence.

For the home side, they sat deep and waited for their opportunity on the counter attack and looked to threaten Campbell on the break.

It took the Tigers less than a minute in the second half to find the equaliser as Daisy Arrowsmith crossed for Maddie Bart who headed well into the back of the net.

Gallagher seems to be ‘one to watch’ from the Institute this season and she continued to create issues for the Tigers left side in the second period.

AIdeen Keane should’ve had the Institute back in front in the 67th minute after a fine pass from Gallagher, only to get her bearing all wrong and shoot wide.

But right on 70 minutes it was 2-1 for the home side.

Scarlet Thomas received the ball on the edge of the box and found the top corner, giving an outstretched Campbell no chance.

With 10 minutes to go the Tigers should’ve been level once more.

Aimee Phillips got onto the end of a neat team move, moved in on Olivia Riddel but once again the Institute defence reacted well to avert the danger.

In the 86th minute Campbell kept the Tigers in the game with a fine save.

Some fine combination play from the home side had Keane in on goal but Campbell stuck a leg out to save.

Campbell showed safe hands a minute later, this time saving from Paris Kambouris.

The away side couldn’t create one final chance to find an equaliser as the depleted Institute recorded a excellent opening day win.

FNSW Institute 2 (Henry 7’, Thomas 70’)

Northern Tigers 1 (Bart 46’)

 

NWS Koalas 5 – 0 Emerging Jets

At Christie Park the North West Sydney Koalas faced off against the Emerging Jets.

Morgan Roberts had the Koalas in front seven minutes before half time, easing Jaime Gomez’s half time team talk.

As the second half wore on, the Jets began to tire as the home side took full advantage.

First Ariella Cabezas doubled the Koalas advantage with a neat finish after a good original save by Susanna Behne-Smith in the 78th minute.

Emma Stanbury made it three in the 83rd minute before another defensive blunder allowed Sophie Harding to make it 4-0 two minutes later.

Stanbury then had her second and the Koalas fifth from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to round off a 5-0 victory.

 

Sydney Olympic 5-2 Blacktown Spartans

They may be the new girls on the block but they sent warning signs across the competition, showing they won’t be push arounds.

It didn’t take long for Olympic to find their first goal in the top tier, courtesy of Panagiota Petratos.

Susan Phonsongkham soon doubled their advantage after a fine team move.

Sarah Yatim had her first goal in the Olympic blue, extending the lead to 3-0 just before half time.

Petratos then had her second just after the break, making it 4-0 for the home side.

And she completed her hat-trick with a fine shot into the bottom corner to have the home side cruising at 5-0.

Two late goals to the Spartans made the score 5-2.

 

Manly United 1-2 Macarthur Rams

It was always going to be a big game at Cromer Park as Manly United welcomed the champions Macarthur Rams.

And they kicked off the campaign in stunning style, with Rosie Galea scoring an absolute screamer after only four minutes.

On the half hour mark though, the home side was level after Claudia Cholakian rounded off a fine team move.

Both sides pushed hard for the winner and United thought they had it but the ball crashed off the cross bar.

In typical Rams fashion, they had the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.

And it was another stunning goal, this Time by Elizabeth Ralston as she found the top corner herself, an unlikely goal scorer.

 

Bankstown City 0-5 Sydney University 

Bankstown City hosted Sydney University to Jensen Park on Sunday afternoon.

It took until the half hour mark for the away side to hit the front and it was after some fine skill down the left by Julia Vignes who did it all herself, scoring a fine individual goal.

Cortnee Vine continued where she left off from last season, making it 2-0 from the spot.

Just before half time Julie-Ann Russel added a third for the away side.

Mackenzie Hawkesbury had Uni 4-0 up soon after half time, following up on a rebound.

They made it five mid-way through the second period as Nikki Flannery got herself on the scoresheet.

 

Illawarra Stingrays v North Shore Mariners – 13/03/19

-By NPL Women’s NSW writer Nikola Pozder

Round 1 Preview – NPL NSW Women’s

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The wait is finally over, the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s elite competition kicks off this weekend and do we have some quality matches for you!

Twelve teams, 6 games a week, all streamed LIVE with one game accompanied by commentary, what a step forward for the women’s game.

The teams have completed their long preseasons and are now ready to go to battle for the premiership and grand final, in what seems to be a season without an outright favourite.

Sydney Olympic 

O-LYM-PIC, O- LYM-PIC.

Welcome to the new girls on the block.

For coach George Beltsos it’s been a project getting Sydney Olympic to the women’s top tier over the years, spending almost a decade coaching at the club.

In previous seasons it’s almost become custom for the newly promoted team to find their way straight back into the second tier. Something Beltsos wants to change.

“We want to consolidate our spot in the NPL1 competition and then build as we go.”

To do this they haven’t wasted any time in their recruitment process, bringing the likes of Matilda Teresa Polias to wear the famous blue strip which in itself is a massive feat for the club.

Adding exciting youngsters like Susan Phonsongkham, Angelique Hristodoulou, Panagiota Petratos and goalkeeper of the year Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, the Olympic squad is looking like they will definitely leave their mark on the 2019 competition.

Dutch born striker Lieke De Bever, who took out the Player of the Year in 2018 in the NPL 2 NSW Women’s competition will hope the step up a division will only further her quality as a footballer.

One of the sour points leading into round 1 however has been the unfortunate knee injury to one of the club’s brightest sparks in Maddie Costanzo who has been ultimately ruled out for the season.

Beltsos says he team is raring to go ahead of kick off this week.

“We’re very excited, it’s a new challenge and we’re looking forward to the first game.”

 

Blacktown Spartans 

What to expect from the Blacktown Spartans?

With an average age of just 20, David Saliba will be hoping his team can mature quickly in what will be a competitive campaign.

Saliba has been given the opportunity to lead the first team after a successful stint with the Spartans Reserve Grade team last season, winning the grand final along the way.

Thus why the club has chosen to go down a slightly different path as technical director Stephen Peters explained.

“We want to promote and push through our young talent into the first team.”

“It’s an interesting and exciting time for the club as we aim to consolidate a mid-table position.”

Alix Roberts and Olivia Price have both resigned with Ash Crofts one to look out for.

Kristy Rohrer, Beth Gordon, Hannah Bourke and Keisha Allen have all been added to the team along with the return to the club of Tiana Barton and Anna Vassallo.

 

Manly United

After making four straight finals and winning one Championship, Manly United will definitely be one of the teams to beat this season.

Chris Williams leads the team again and for a coach like him self, he will be after the best results possible.

“Every season we’ve continued to improve and I won’t be expecting any less, my team’s always aim for the top.”

But it will be somewhat different this season at Cromer Park.

“We’re going through a transition phase at the club and some big changes”, Williams added.

They’ve managed to acquire the services of Hannah Peric and Bryany Parker from the North Shore Mariners as well as Emily Bastow and exciting talent from the WA NTC program Cheyenne Wise-Jarvis.

Sophie Nenadovic and Ruby Jackson will also be available this season after missing the last campaign through season-long injuries.

One of United’s best players will be there again in Ally Green, coming off a great W-League season and youngsters Emily Minnet and Jane Vanzino have been promoted to the first team from the reserves while look for a big year from pint-sized attacker Patricia Charalambous.

“I’m happy with the squad assembled, we’ll be a young, hungry team that will play the Manly United way.”

 

Northern Tigers 

The Northern Tigers are one of those that will look to improve on last season’s results and making their way up the ladder.

Squad depth may have been an issue last season for the Tigers and that is something club technical director Jason Eagar has needed to address.

“We’ve had some promising performances in in pre-season. The squad is gelling well and we now have a lot of depth across all positions in the 1st grade squad, along with a host of players keeping the first graders honest for their positions.”

They’ve been busy over the pre-season in terms of the player market too, bringing in the likes of New Zealand Ferns players Aimee Phillips and Malia Steinmetz.

Izzy Foletta has joined the club from Perth Glory while NPL stalwarts Maddie Bart and Daisy Arrowsmith will be welcome additions to the team.

Eagar believes his team will make a stir in this season’s competition.

“Our intent this season is to be very competitive and give ourselves the best chance to get a result in every fixture.”

“The players will be prepared and confident going into the season.”

“We’ll see what that lands us after 22 tough rounds of football.”

 

Bankstown City

It was a tough first season for Bankstown but they managed to keep their heads above water. Just.

Change was needed to insure results improve and that’s exactly what they’ve done, recruiting very well.

They brought in Spartans captain Diyana Cakovski along with Sydney University captain Stephanie Ambrose.

Exciting youngster Vesna Milivojevic has also signed as well as Candace Sciberras from the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Bankstown coach Troy Spinks is looking forward to the new season.

“The team looks ready and we’re excited to see what 2019 will bring for Bankstown City.”

As mentioned earlier, Bankstown saved their spot in the league by the smallest of margins and will now look to build on that.

“After consolidating our place in NPL1 last season, we want to really solidify our place in NPL1, it would be great to see Bankstown and our Red and Black in finals football this year.”

Spink knows who the favourites are for the 2019 season.

“It’s hard to go beyond Sydney Uni but many clubs have so many quality players like Illawarra, Macarthur and Manly.”

 

Sydney University 

Dominant. One of the best ways to describe Sydney University.

From the successful Heather Garriock era to the new beginning with one of the most perspective young coaches in Australian football, Alex Epakis.

Having won the club championship in record time last season, Epakis’ aim is to better that this season.

“The club championship is most important to Sydney Uni and to do what we did last season is remarkable. We want to at least match that this season and if premierships and championships can be added along the way, we’ll take it.”

There hasn’t been much player movement at Uni but Mackenzie Hawkesbury and Mel Caceres both return to their old stomping ground along with Teigen Collister and Julia Vignes, who both spent time in the W-League this season.

Aoife Colvill. And Sarah Morgan have also signed for Uni, having previously worked with Epakis at Canberra United.

The goalkeeping stocks have asp been shaken up with Cort Newbon and Chantelle Symes both coming in from the Instiute.

Nevertheless, his team’s average age is only 19, an amazing achievement for any senior football club.

“I’m very confident we’ll have a good season with the players we have.”

Epakis knows who will be his most dangerous opponents this season and it won’t be any different from previous campaigns.

“Definitely Macarthur Rams and Illawarra Stingrays will be challenging for the title.”

 

Macarthur Rams 

They took their time but they finally won the Championship after numerous stumbles at the final hurdle.

Captain Renee Rollason will line-up in the maroon once again and her targets are set in stone.

“We want to go back to back.”

“It won’t be easy though so making the finals is our main aim.”

They’ll need to do it without one of their leaders with Teresa Polias moving on.

“We’ll be fine. Obviously Teresa is an amazing footballer and person who we all have great friendships with but the Rams wish her all the best at Sydney Olympic.

They’ve managed to hold on to key players Kylie Ledbrook, Sham and Leena Khamis, Rosie Galea and Liz Ralston while adding Tash Prior and Nicola Orgill to their squad.

Last season’s success is something Rollason and her side will use to kick the new season off as best as possible.

“The title was a long time coming and we’re happy to have finished the season on top.”

“It’s given us confidence moving into the 2019 season.”

 

NWS Koalas 

Jaime Gomez knows what he needs to do to win titles and he’ll be hoping he can pass that onto his North West Sydney Koalas.

“We’ve had a good preseason and remained undefeated throughout.”

“Most importantly we’ve had no injuries and the squad is ready to go.”

The Koalas have kept most of their team from last season who made a late charge for finals football, losing only Panagiota Petratos to Sydney Olympic.

Key players like Chilean international goalkeeper Romina Parraguire Plaza, Nat Tobin and Princess Ibini-Isei will all line-up at the fantastic Christie Park complex.

They’ve also managed to add Sophie Harding from Manly, Tiana Jaber from the Mariners and Deborah-Anne De La Harpe from Sutherland.

After a slow start to the 2018 campaign, Gomez needs to make sure his team are ready for battle come Sunday.

“We need to start better than last season and build on from how we finished the season.”

“We just missed out on finals football and that’s definitely something we want to achieve this year along with a top three finish.”

 

Illawarra Stingrays 

Some big noises are coming from the South Coast with the Illawarra Stingrays.

First off, the announcement of former Socceroo Scott Chipperfield as the team’s new head coach, replacing ex-Canadian international Carmelina Moscato.

An amazing achievement from the Stingrays bringing a local hero home.

This was soon followed by the signings of experienced duo with former Sydney FC W-League keeper Trudy Burke and Eden Stoddard who returns to Australia after some time in the US.

With the Stingrays just missing out on the premiership and a grand final appearance last year, they’ll look to go a few steps better this campaign.

Talitha Kramer, Caitlin Cooper and Erica Halloway will all once again wear the pink with a local superstar also tipped to pull on the Stingrays jersey in 2019.

Chipperfield will look to install his football philosophy as soon as possible and with the quality his team possesses, we don’t think it will be a problem.

“I like to attack. Goals win games. We’ve got speed all over the park and we want to play a high tempo game.”

“I’m pretty happy with the team I’ve got, you need a bit of luck with injuries and so on but I’m happy with the squad.”

It won’t be easy for any team making the trip down to JJ Kelly Park this season and the Rays are definitely one of the teams to beat.

 

Football NSW Institute 

What a performance in 2018!

An incredible run saw Leah Blayney’s team finish the competition in fifth place and one game away from the Grand Final.

As has become custom, the new era of Institute superstars will need to step up this season with most of the team moving on to other clubs.

Building a new squad won’t be easy but the Institute have done it before and will need to do it again this season.

“Obviously it’s an opportunity for us to give game time to younger players in a very strong first grade competition”, said Blayney.

“Our goal is to provide more players for the Young Matilda’s and Matilda’s squad.”

Who will step up this season?

There’s a few names earmarked with the likes of Darcey Malone, Greta Kraszula, Margaux Chauvet and Jardan Jasnos some names hoping to make an impact this year.

 

North Shore Mariners  

What do we expect from the North Shore Mariners?

Every season they start their campaign like a house on fire…but then tale off as the season moves on.

Ryan Grogan takes the helm this season as he looks to make vast improvements to the sides seventh placed finish in 2018.

They’ve been busy in strengthening the side over the summer break.

Jasmin Maguire comes over from ACT champions Belconnen United and Camila Arentoft joins from Danish side IF Lyseng.

Katie Offer and Zoe Halpin both return for another season at the Bridge, while 17 year-old Gemma Gray will get her opportunity having worked her way through the club’s youth system.

The likes of Gabe Marzano, Hannah Brewer, Camilla Arentoft, Rochelle Johnson, Maddie Mirkovic and Jordan Evans have also joined the club.

They’re one of the major unknowns for the season ahead but the club is hoping to implement its own unique brand of football in achieving positive results.

 

Emerging Jets 

It hasn’t be easy for the Emerging Jets over the last few seasons.

Similarly to the Institute, every season they go through a whole revamp of their first grade squad.

This season will be no different as the Jets look to improve on their previous season’s results where they finished on the bottom of the ladder.

Head coach Ashley Wilson knows that her squad will learn week in week out playing against quality opposition but they too will possess some hidden gems that are hoping to knock on the Future Matildas door and beyond.

Look for some big performances from this duo, namely  Tessa Tamplin and Renee Pountney to catch the attention at the Jets.

 

ROUND 1 PREVIEW

We kick off the season with live stream and commentary from Valentine Sports Park on Sunday as Football NSW Institute welcome the Northern Tigers.

The Emerging Jets will travel to Christie Park as they face Jaime Gomez’s North West Sydney Koalas.

Fans at Cromer Park will be excited as Manly United face off against the champions Macarthur Rams.

The newly renovated Jensen Park will host its first competitive women’s game as Bankstown City faces a huge test as they host Sydney University.

Sydney Olympic will try and kick their season off in the best possible way when they take on Blacktown Spartans.

In a match rescheduled for next Wednesday, Scott Chipperfield’s Illawarra Stingrays take on the North Shore Mariners.

-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief writer – Nikola Pozder

Twitter handle – @NikolaPozder