LESS pressure and a focus on fun are the chief reasons Ellen Wheatley and Tess Olsen are now playing Premier League football with Manly Allambie.
The pair, who are close friends off the pitch, were part of the Manly United furniture from a young age.
Wheatley, 25, represented Nepean Association last year in NPL 2, but was keen to play locally in 2018.
“I wanted more of a life and a different environment,” she said this week.
“Reps was a high standard, the pressure to perform every week was always there.
“I’m happy with what I achieved in the game, but I don’t regret my decision at all, it was definitely time for something new.”
Olsen and Wheatley have both been surprised by the high standard of football on the peninsula in the eight team competition.
“The quality is better than I expected,” 23-year-old Olsen said.
“The pace is slower, but the mindset is the same.
“I’m really enjoying my time with Manly Allambie, the girls are great.”
On Sunday, Kyle Cannon’s girls from Millers Reserve will look to maintain their unbeaten status in 2018 when they tackle Brookvale down the road at Graham Reserve.
“We are going well, it has been a good start,” Olsen added.
“I’m playing up front which is new for me, I’m used to playing at the back.
“In pre-season I managed to score a few goals, hopefully my first goal in the league isn’t too far away.”
