MWFA

New MWFA Coaching Courses Available

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There are several new MWFA coaching courses and workshops taking place over the next couple of months, for any coaches who would appreciate some new ideas and tips for working with their team, but who missed out on attending during the pre-season or early season periods.

This includes a Game Training Certificate on May 17 and 24, as well as a Skill Training Certificate on June 19 and 26, both at Cromer Park. See here for more details and to register: https://www.mwfa.com.au/coaching-courses/

There are also 5 workshops taking place at Cromer Park and various clubs in the coming weeks, all focused on different topics. See here for more details and to register: https://www.mwfa.com.au/coaching-workshops/

To get an idea of what attending a coaching course with MWFA is like and what you will learn, watch the video below!

MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 9 PREVIEW

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In Men’s Premier League Round 9, we have three matches between teams in the top six. There will be plenty of exciting football on our grounds this Saturday afternoon, it’s a great time to head out and support your team!

Beacon Hill are up into second (only three points off first placed CC Strikers) after last weekend’s important win over Mosman. This time around, Beacon Hill host fourth placed Narrabeen, who could leapfrog both Beacon Hill and Mosman with three points on Saturday.

Pittwater RSL won big in Round 8 and they’ll try to keep that form going against Mosman, who themselves are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season. With Pittwater in fifth, Mosman in third and only two points separating these two teams, we’re set for an important game at Kitchener Park.

Table toppers CC Strikers are on the road this weekend. Strikers will be aiming to keep the chasing pack at bay when they travel to Grahams Reserve for a meeting with sixth placed Brookvale, but Brookvale should be confident after a vital win last time out.

Wakehurst may have surprised the competition by earning a point against the league leaders in Round 8. They’ll look to keep their unbeaten run going against Harbord at Lionel Watts Oval. Finally, Manly Vale have a home game against St Augustine’s, who are coming off a bye weekend.

Following Men’s Premier League Round 9, we will have the semi finals of the Men’s Challenge Cup on Tuesday night. CC Strikers host Pittwater RSL at St Matthews Farm Reserve Field 4, and Mosman meet Narrabeen at Middle Head Oval Field 1. Both games kick off at 7pm.

 

Men’s Premier League Round 9 Fixtures

Saturday 13 May, 3pm

Beacon Hill v Narrabeen, Beacon Hill Reserve Field 2
Manly Vale v St Augustine’s, David Thomas Reserve Field 2
Brookvale v CC Strikers, Grahams Reserve Field 1
Pittwater RSL v Mosman, Kitchener Park Field 1
Wakehurst v Harbord, Lionel Watts Oval Field 4

BYE: BTH Raiders

 

Feature image courtesy Jeremy Denham (https://www.facetphotography.com.au/)

Sportsmanship shown by Curl Curl O35/4 A

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We would like to highlight the exemplary sportsmanship and care shown by one of Curl Curl FC’s teams during the Round 1 Over 35 Division 4 match between Manly Vale and Curl Curl A at Millers Reserve Field 3.

The match was competitive and good natured, with the two teams playing in wet and heavy conditions. Unfortunately, towards the end of the first half the Manly Vale goalkeeper suffered a totally non-contact, awkward twist whilst attempting to collect what seemed like a fairly innocuous shot on goal. The goalkeeper collapsed in the centre of the goalmouth and immediately yelled out, proclaiming a serious injury, possibly a leg break.

Players from both sides rushed to the player’s aid. Both teams assessed the situation, seeking to comfort him and offer constructive advice, given his predicament.

Many of the Curl Curl players were front and centre in coming forward with genuine concern for the player’s welfare, as well as offering support. This extended throughout the stoppage in play, when the player was carried off the field and whilst he awaited ambulance treatment.

Manly Vale FC wanted to take the time to write a note on behalf of the team and the club, acknowledging the sportsmanship of Curl Curl O35/4 A. They would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for the compassion, sincerity, offers of support and advice that the Curl Curl team exhibited throughout this unfortunate episode in Round 1.

The player has since been diagnosed with a fractured femur and the following day, he underwent surgery at Northern Beaches Hospital to re-set his leg.

 

Manly Warringah Football Association would like to thank Michelle Peters from the Curl Curl FC Committee for providing the feature image. We would also like to thank Michelle and Manly Vale Secretary Roy Sider for bringing this story to our attention.

Dee Why FC Fundraiser for Leukaemia Foundation

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On Saturday 13th May Dee Why FC is running a fundraiser in support of Leukaemia Foundation. The club have decided to do this in partnership with Max, one of their U18 players who has recently undergone chemo and radiotherapy treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Max is a superstar and has been looking forward to his return to football the whole way through. He has continued to train even during his treatment. Max plays in Dee Why’s U18s and has already made some appearances in the Dee Why AL1 squad over the last two seasons. The club’s AL and U18 groups have organised this fundraiser, with Max nominating Leukaemia Foundation as his preferred charity.

Click here to make a donation via Max’s fundraising page.

People can also make donations directly to Dee Why FC. The club would appreciate the following:

– Any prizes that are suitable for a raffle (can be anything awesome!)
– Volunteers to donate cakes for a bake sale on the morning of Saturday 13th May
– Volunteers to help with selling raffle tickets and cakes during the bake sale
– BBQ or meat platter donations
– Helpers for the club’s BBQ on the afternoon of Saturday 13th

Dee Why FC are also inviting spectators to watch a great afternoon of football on Saturday 13th May at Dee Why Oval. Both of the club’s Boys U18 teams are playing at home, with Max’s team playing at 1pm and the Dee Why U18 Div 2 side playing at 3pm. Dee Why’s AL1 squad will also be playing at Dee Why Oval on the 13th. It’s going to be an exciting day, one where the Dee Why family can support Max and others who need our help.

To offer non-monetary donations or help with the event, please contact Alex on 0406 973 909 (call / text / WhatsApp).

Dee Why FC would like to thank Dee Why RSL Club for their support of this event.

NO RESPECT NO GAME

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Football NSW would like to remind everyone involved within our game of their responsibility in creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment during football activities.

Whether as a player, official or spectator at a match, you have a responsibility to ensure that the game is played in a fair, competitive manner without the escalation of abuse, intimidation or breaching of the Laws of the Game.

Football NSW and Associations have observed an increase in the number of reported incidents involving abuse towards referees, including verbal abuse, intimidation and other unsportsmanlike conduct that brings our game into disrepute. We will not tolerate this.

Football NSW has a zero-tolerance stance for this type of behaviour and will continue to impose strict sanctions on those that do not comply.

The support and safety of our referees, our team officials and our players is paramount.

Consistent with our zero-tolerance stance, Football NSW is encouraging Clubs to participate in a pre-match symbol of solidarity with, and in respect for, referees. Within Football NSW Competitions, this will involve performing a 30-second round of applause prior to kick-off, with both teams standing around the centre circle together with referees positioned on the halfway line intersect.

Together we must protect our game and ensure that players, coaches, referees and spectators can continue to enjoy their football in a safe environment. We ask you to be proactive when on the field and in the stands to exhibit the values of football and ensure those around you respect the game equally.

For further information and resources that extend to all participants of the game, please see the below links.

Resource List

 

(Reposted from Football NSW)

MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 8 PREVIEW

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After last weekend’s action-packed set of fixtures, we’re set for another exciting Saturday afternoon! MWFA Men’s Premier League Round 8 is nearly upon us, which clubs will be the ones to make an impact?

Allan Border Oval is the setting for a fascinating clash between top three teams. Second-placed Mosman dropped points last weekend and are keen to make amends, but third-placed Beacon Hill know they will leapfrog Mosman if they win. This game may have a bit of extra spice as these two sides met in Tuesday’s Challenge Cup quarter finals, a game which Mosman won 3-0.

CC Strikers are through to the Challenge Cup semi-finals after a win on Tuesday and they have a four point buffer at the top of the table. They’re playing at St Matthews Farm Reserve against Wakehurst, who are coming off a big victory in Round 7.

Pittwater RSL were victorious in Tuesday’s Cup action and they’ll be looking to keep that momentum going when they travel to Harbord Park. However, opponents Harbord will be no pushover and did well to earn a draw against high flying Mosman on the weekend.

At Terrey Hills Oval, BTH Raiders and Brookvale will be looking to get back to winning ways, and both teams know that there is a chance to climb the ladder if they earn the three points. Finally, Narrabeen are looking to replicate their Tuesday night Cup success when they host Manly Vale at Narrabeen High.

The weather forecast is looking promising, so Men’s Premier League Round 8 is the perfect time to visit the local grounds and support your club!

 

Match Details

Saturday 6 May, 3pm

Mosman v Beacon Hill, Allan Border Oval Field 1
Harbord v Pittwater RSL, Harbord Park Field 2
Narrabeen v Manly Vale, Narrabeen High Field 1
CC Strikers v Wakehurst, St Matthews Farm Reserve Field 4
BTH Raiders v Brookvale, Terrey Hills Oval Field 1

BYE: St Augustine’s

 

Feature image provided by Graeme Bolton.

COACH WORKSHOP: MATCH DAY COACHING

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  • What is the best way to approach pre-game preparation including team talks and warming up for various age groups and levels?
  • How can you coach effectively during the game and at half time to make a difference to your team’s performance?
  • How can you create and manage a good culture within your team, including when it comes to managing game time?

 

All of these questions will be answered in MWFA’s upcoming Coach Workshop on Monday May 15 at Cromer Park starting at 6:30pm.

 

MWFA is also pleased to confirm that Football Australia will be granting coaches who attend this workshop 10 CPD points that can be used towards revalidating their advanced coaching licence as part of the requirement to gain 100 points in 3 years as per AFC Coaching Convention guidelines (of which Football Australia is a full member).

 

MWFA runs a large number of Coach Workshops at various clubs during the winter season. These coach education opportunities compliment official FA coaching courses, with topics based on feedback received on what coaches would find valuable. For more information about official coaching courses available, please see here: https://www.mwfa.com.au/coaching-courses/ 

 

Coaches can attend any and all of these workshops if they wish to, even if they are not a member of the club hosting them. Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign in so the workshops can start and finish on time. It would be appreciate if all participants can bring football boots (ideally) or runners, and appropriate clothing to play football in, just in case they are needed as players on the night.

 

All MWFA Coach Workshops are completely FREE, but registration is required.

See here to register: https://manlyunited.wufoo.com/forms/mwfa-2023-coach-workshops-registration/

 

 

Chris Wood: Great Memories

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With Seaforth preparing for their first ever game in the Sapphire Cup (the knockout competition for Football NSW Women’s teams), we spoke to Women’s Premier League head coach Chris Wood about their success in 2022 and their aims for this year.

Wood was initially involved with Seaforth as an U18 coach. After moving permanently to Australia in 2016, he was asked to play for their Men’s Premier League team, before taking the head coaching role for their Women’s Premier League squad in 2019. Given that Seaforth had not to that point had a large history of WPL success, Wood started small with his aims.

“The first task was just to try and be competitive, and then from there see if we can actually win something.”

Seaforth would go on to achieve great things in 2022, winning the Premiership, Grand Final and Challenge Cup, as well as lifting the Champion of Champions trophy. Wood is realistic about replicating such a historic campaign this year.

“They’re great memories that we’re always going to have. All we’re trying to chase this year is creating those same memories again, winning last minute games and stuff like that, they’re memories that you want to chase and you want to recreate, so that’s all we’re looking to do.”

The Sapphire Cup allows Seaforth to face opponents from different regions and Wood is looking forward to the challenge. He is also keen to face an NPL NSW team if Seaforth progress far enough in the competition.

“We want to play teams that we’ve never faced before, from different associations. There’s an element of us wanting to test ourselves against the best that’s out there, but we also want to represent the MWFA really well.

“We want to test ourselves against an NPL team, we want to test ourselves against some of the best and see where we stand.”

Chris Wood and the rest of the Seaforth Women's Premier League team huddle after winning the 2022 MWFA Grand Final. Photo credit: Jeremy Denham

With Seaforth also having FNSW State Cup and MWFA Challenge Cup commitments, in addition to MWFA WPL and a potential Sapphire Cup run, Wood is aware of the challenges posed by entering multiple competitions. He is aware that he needs his entire squad to be unified if Seaforth are to be successful.

“The hardest part is keeping players motivated to play Wednesday-Sunday-Wednesday-Sunday, although a lot of them would prefer night games and they’d definitely prefer a game over training. I guess the hardest part is that the players that play in our Reserve Grade or miss out on that midweek game, we kind of get separated as a squad. It’s important that when we do have those training sessions together, we make the most of those moments.”

Wood is also quick to pay tribute to his players for the work they’ve put in to make the club successful.

“I think the players deserve it more than anything, just the effort that they put in throughout the whole year. We’ve got a 35 player squad. It’s not just the 16 (players) that have played most games, it’s the other players pushing for those spots that make the rest of the team competitive.

“There’s definitely players within our team that I think could play 1st Grade NPL.”

As for his personal ambitions, Wood isn’t afraid to aim high, although he knows there is plenty still to be done before he can tick off those career goals.

“I’d love to say in 20 years that I’m a professional coach, that’s the big dream for me, but I’ve got a lot of work to do not just on the field, but off the field as well, I’ve still got lots to learn. It’s not just necessarily taking a head coach role, can I work under people and learn from them?”

WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 4 PREVIEW

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MWFA Women’s Premier League Round 4 is on Sunday afternoon! With Women’s Challenge Cup action occurring over the past couple of weeks and Sapphire Cup games set for the following week, there’s plenty to keep our women’s teams occupied.

League leaders Seaforth are at home on the weekend and play Curl Curl, who are hoping to bounce back from their Challenge Cup defeat on Wednesday night. The other clash between top four teams sees Beacon Hill host Wakehurst at Beacon Hill Reserve, and Beacon Hill know that they will leapfrog Wakehurst on the table if they win.

Manly Vale are seeking a return to winning ways and they meet Brookvale at David Thomas Reserve, but Brookvale should be confident after earning their first win of the season in Round 3. Finally, Manly Allambie will do battle with Pittwater RSL at Millers Reserve, with both teams searching for a win that will move them away from the foot of the table.

We would also like to congratulate Seaforth and Wakehurst on their victories in the Women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals. Details of the Women’s Challenge Cup Final will be released on MWFA social media channels when they have been finalised.

 

Match Details – Women’s Premier League Round 4

Sunday 30 April, 3pm

Beacon Hill v Wakehurst, Beacon Hill Reserve Field 2
Manly Vale v Brookvale, David Thomas Reserve Field 2
Manly Allambie v Pittwater RSL, Millers Reserve Field 2
Seaforth v Curl Curl, Seaforth Oval Field 1

 

Feature image supplied by Graeme Bolton.