Manly Warringah Football Association side Seaforth FC will be going out all guns blazing as they search for a precious Champion of Champions title in the All-Age Women’s competition this Sunday but standing in their way will be a quality Coogee United outfit.
Seaforth FC head coach Chris Wood has been proud of the squad and their achievements in what’s been an outstanding 2022 season.
“Our main goal this season was to win one of the three trophies up for grabs in our MWFA competition.
“We’ve had an unbelievable season and have managed to win the league, the MWFA Challenge Cup and the grand-final.
“I think what’s more impressive is that we managed to do that whilst not losing a game.
“As a playing group we’ve been together since the beginning of 2019. We finished our first season together second from bottom in the league, so we’ve improved tremendously and everyone that will be playing on Sunday (aside from two players) have been with me since 2019.
“We have 9 Seaforth juniors within our squad and only a couple of girls that have NPL experience, which goes to show the growth we’ve managed to make over the past four seasons.”
Asked whether winning the Champion of Champions was also another one of the club’s objectives, Wood stated it wasn’t one of the main goals but became one once they took out the major prize in their local MWFA competition.
“If you asked me this at the beginning of the season on how important the Champion of Champions was to the club, I would’ve said not very important.
“Our main goal was just to try and be competitive in our own competition and maybe win the club’s first ever WPL trophy.
“Once we had won our league, getting to the final of Champion of Champions was a goal that suddenly became within reach.
“To be named the best Women’s Premier League club team in NSW would be a huge achievement for all the players, coaches, Seaforth Football Club and MWFA association.”
The road to the big dance has been a tough one of the Seaforth FC ladies but Wood was happy with how his squad adjusted to the different styles of football against opponents scattered across NSW.
“We had a good run to this Sunday’s final.
“The best part about Champion of Champions is being able to play teams you’ve never faced before and testing yourself against some of the top teams within the state.
“We won our first two matches quite comfortably, however put on solid performances in both those games.
“We had a very tough semi-final against a strong Turramurra United side who pushed us all the way to the end.
“The game could have gone either way, but we pushed hard for a goal and managed to win in extra time.
“Having that sort of test before a final will do us wonders.”
On a personal note, the 32-year-old ambitious coach has enjoyed his experience and hopes to continue on in this space for many years to come.
“I’ve been coaching since 2013, with my first experience starting in America after playing 4 years of College Soccer.
“I moved to Australia in 2016 where I was given an opportunity to help with Seaforth FC and I’ve just continued my passion from there.
“I work as a sport coordinator at Pymble Ladies College, so I’m surrounded by passionate sports people, whilst also being involved with girls’ sport.”
Seaforth FC take on Coogee United in the All-Age Women’s Champion of Champions Final this Sunday at 5:15pm on Field 1 at Valentine Sports Park.
Those not able to attend the match can catch it live and exclusive only on NPL.TV
