MWFA

Raiders high on confidence ahead of Seaforth challenge

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Andy Saunders is upbeat. Despite losing the Challenge Cup final on Wednesday night 4-0 to the one of the best teams in the competition, the coach of BTH Raiders women’s Premier League team took plenty from the match.

“This team, the confidence is really starting to build. We’re a brand new team. And every week we’re getting a bit better, a bit more confident. The final against Manly Allambie was great for the girls. We obviously didn’t get the result. But everyone was fine after the game. In a really good spot. We know we’re on the improve. That breeds confidence.

“We’ll have a better idea of where we’re at after a full round and everyone’s played each other. But confidence is building,” Saunders said.

BTH Raiders sit second-last on the women’s Premier League ladder and face fourth-placed Seaforth on Sunday at Wyatt Reserve. Standout players in recent games have included Izzy Keech, Sam Freeman, Chloe Higgins and Somerset Littleboy.

For Saunders, though, “it’s more about the team than individuals”.

“We’re always pushing for a team effort, that’s the most important thing,” he said. “With the ball we like to hold onto it, control the game, play a passing style of football. But it’s often about who we are playing. Some teams will let you do it, some teams won’t.”

Will Seaforth let them? Saunders chuckled when he said: “I’m not entirely sure. We’ll setup to give ourselves the best chance of playing our natural game and then as the game progresses, we’ll adjust if we have to.”

Saunders then laughed and apologised in advance for the cliché.

“We’re taking each game as it comes,” he said.

In other games Pittwater RSL take on Brookvale at Kitchener Park, Manly Vale hosts Beacon Hill at David Thomas Reserve and Challenge Cup champions Manly Allambie return to Millers reserve to play Mosman. Table-toppers Wakehurst will enjoy the bye.

By Matt Cleary

Hunt moots all-out attack in battle of 2nd-vs-3rd

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Brookvale coach Mark Hunt heads a perennially strong outfit which sits second on the MWFA Premier League ladder with seven wins in 9 games. And this Saturday at Grahams Reserve, against rising Curl Curl FC – six wins in 9 games including the last five straight – Hunt has decided to think outside the square.

Asked his game plan for third-placed Curl Curl, Hunt said: “Sounds like I might have try a 1950s line up of 1-2-3-5!”

He jests, of course.

Or does he? Curl Curl is clearly in form and all-out attack might not be the worst tactic against a team that’s netted 16 goals in its last five games conceded just 3. With his serious hat on, Hunt acknowledged that his team faces a genuine contender in Curl Curl FC.

“They have recruited extensively for this season. Some good acquisitions who are known to our lads. Five wins on the trot is not easy in this league.

“We know they won’t give us an inch so we’ll have to win our one-on-one contests. The lads know that. They know that winning those battles will entitle us to play the expansive, attacking game we can. It’s the best way to win the game,” Hunt said.

Asked to single out “opponents to watch” and “weaknesses to exploit” in his opponents, Hunt demurred.

“Surely five wins on the trot would suggest they have no weaknesses to exploit. I prefer to focus on our game plan in the lead-up to games and then give honest praise to opposition where due,” Hunt explained.

Asked to nominate members of his own team due for a big game, Hunt was equally circumspect. “The lads are all chipping in collectively. There are no stand-outs for us. Some of our best contributions come from players who wouldn’t catch the eye of most supporters.

“We will look to play attractively as we always do with a focus on execution and continuing to build on our philosophy of play,” Hunt said.

In other games Collaroy Cromer Strikers take on Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders at St Matthews Farm Reserve, Pittwater RSL plays Narrabeen at Kitchener Park, Seaforth is up against Manly Vale at Seaforth Oval, Mosman and Saint Augustine’s do battle at Middle Head Oval while Harbord hosts Wakehurst at Harbord Park.

By Matt Cleary

“Real Cup final”: Manly Allambie beats BTH Raiders to win club’s greatest trophy

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It was billed as the biggest game in Manly Allambie United history and had an atmosphere to match with hundreds of supporters in Cromer Park’s grandstand to see the MWFA Challenge Cup final on Wednesday night.

And while BTH Raiders were worthy finalists, the goodwill towards Manly Allambie after they fulfilled their destiny and won 4-0 spilled out of Cromer Park and into the night.

Victorious Manly Allambie coach Kyle Cannon said it was a “huge occasion for the players and the club”.

“There were so many fans and it was very good to play in. It had a real ‘Cup final’ feel. Afterwards there was a tremendous round of applause from supporters. It meant a great deal to our club and it was great so see so many people there as the club claimed its first major trophy,” Cannon said.

Yet BTH Raiders had come to play and in the first 30 minutes created several chances. Cannon admitted his team “were on the back foot a little”. Yet his experienced team has been together for several years. And when the goals needed scoring, Ellen Wheatley stepped up.

She banged in two in the first half, and another 5 minutes from full time to claim her hat-trick, with Tiffany Patterson’s curled-in corner providing the other goal.

The first goal came in the 17th minute when Wheatley shot from outside the box on an angle and dipped the ball just under the crossbar. The other two were similar though she beat defenders on both occasions and rifled strikes home from just inside the 18-yard box.

The score at half-time was 2-0, after which Manly Allambie decided to sit deeper and let BTH come to them and their experienced backline.

“Our backline played very well and mopped up everything in the second half,” Cannon said. “We were confident we could get the job done, particularly after Tiffany curled her corner kick straight in. Ellen’s hat-trick in the final five minutes was the icing on the cake.”

Or in the case of the team, the pepperoni on the pizzas they enjoyed later at the Brookie Hotel.

BTH coach Andy Saunders paid tribute to both teams.

“We started really well and were extremely competitive for the first 30 minutes. We were probably unlucky not to score a goal or two. But credit to Manly Allambie, they’ve played together a long time and were the better team on the night. But I was delighted for our girls. We’re a completely new team and they enjoyed the experience.”

Saunders said best for his team were centre-back Izzy Keech who was “outstanding”, defensive midfielder Jazz Hill who “ran all night”, while “Chloe Higgins and Ella Barrington up front created so many opportunities and were unlucky not to score”.

“But it was more about the team,” Saunders said. “Everyone had a red hot crack. We’ll be better for it,” Saunders said.

Forest Killarney Members Day – Neuroblastoma Australia Fundraiser

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FKFC is excited to invite all members to Melwood for some fun and festivities on Saturday 22nd May 2021. FKFC is looking to celebrate football across the club starting with our fantastic U6’s in the morning and finishing with our Men’s AL1’s under lights. The AL1 first grade side will be wearing a special charity jersey for the night thanks to a number of sponsors for the event.

 

Fundraising across the day will raise money for Neuroblastoma Australia as Club President (Giuseppe Guerrera) and Secretary (Chris Lynch) prepare for Trek2Cure 2021. Neuroblastoma is a debilitating cancer impacting children between 0-5 years old with patients impacted by aggressive tumours only 50% of patients surviving the treatment. Donations can be made directly on the fundraising page for the charity https://neuroblastoma-larapinta-2021.raisely.com/chris-lynch

 

The FKFC Members days will include entertainment for the kids with jumping castles, face painting and other fun football related activities and prizes. The canteen will be providing some special menu items throughout the day including brisket burgers that were a favourite across summer football.

 

FKFC have launched a raffle to support the fundraising, the major prize winners will be announced on the day. All raffle prizes are donations for the charity from the community and all prizes will be updated on the FKFC website.

FKFC Members Day Raffle Prizes

Final Coaching Courses Coming Up Soon

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There are now only 3 official FFA Coaching Courses remaining in the MWFA Coach Development Calendar during the current season, for any coaches still keen to pick up some ideas on how to organise fun, safe and engaging training sessions.

8 female coaches recently completed the first ever Female Only Skill Training coaching course, which was presented by MWFA Female Coaching Scholarship winners Sai van Wegen and Marilinda Winter, all of whom had a lot of fun themselves while taking home many new coaching tips and skills.

MWFA Coach Development Manager Eugene Lawrenz said that Sai and Mim did a fantastic job presenting the course:

“I’m very proud of both of them, and want to thank them for their efforts and commitment to helping develop coaches on the Northern Beaches. The feedback received and response from those who attended was very positive and enthusiastic. I would strongly encourage any other coaches looking for a similar opportunity to learn and get some help for working with their team not to miss out, and to register for one of our remaining courses”.

 

MiniRoos Coaching Courses

This course is designed for coaches involved with age groups U6 to U11, as well as any new coaches looking for guidance and ideas of how to run fun and engaging training sessions. The course is fully practical and interactive.

 

Skill / Game Training Coaching Courses

These courses are designed to up-skill coaches of age groups U8 to U13, and U14+, respectively. Both are fully practical, with the Skill Training dealing with the development of the 4 Functional Game Skills (First Touch, Striking the Ball, Running with the Ball and 1 v 1), while the Game Training deals with the development of tactical awareness and applying the Functional Game Skills in a team setting.

 

Coach Workshops

MWFA will continue to offer a number of coach workshops throughout the remainder of the season, some at Cromer Park and others at various clubs. These coach education opportunities aim to provide ongoing guidance and advice throughout the season, and to compliment official FFA coaching courses, with topics based on feedback received on what coaches would find valuable.

See here for more details: https://www.mwfa.com.au/2021/05/11/upcoming-coach-workshop-transition-from-miniroos-to-full-pitch-football/ 

 

FUNDRAISING FOR CROMER PARK HOME OF FOOTBALL

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The redevelopment of the Cromer Park “Home of Football” is nearing completion and is due to open in July 2021, giving the entire Northern Beaches football community a facility and clubhouse for all 20,000 players to enjoy.

As with the original construction of the building in 1983 and construction of the Lucas Neill stand 2006, MWFA and Manly United are giving football players, coaches, administrators, families, supporters, and community members an opportunity to contribute to the project through five tiers of support.

The facility will include:

  • Upgraded bar, café and kitchen facilities for use during the week and MWFA and Manly United matchdays
  • A Licenced function space for all MWFA Clubs and registered players to host functions and fundraising events.
  • A physiotherapy facility for all registered football players on the Northern Beaches
  • Meeting rooms for the use of football clubs and the general community
  • A covered deck overlooking Cromer Park No. 1 for patrons to watch games with an improved elevated view
  • Video and gym facility for Manly United and MWFA teams

The five tiers of support packages are:

CAPTAIN              $25,000 (payable over 3 years)

GOLD                    $10,000 (payable over 2 years)

SILVER                  $5,000

BRONZE               $2,500

COMMUNITY     $1,000

With the end of financial year looming, now is the ideal time to consider the tax benefits of contributing to what will be an amazing project and facility for football on the Northern Beaches.

We have received $1.8 million from the Manly Warringah Football Association, Manly United, Federal Government and the NSW Government and your support will go towards the furnishing and fit out of the facility to ensure a high-quality facility for all clubs and players.

All members of the Football Community who take out one of the packages will receive permanent recognition of their contribution on the façade of the building.

If you are interested in learning more about these packages and playing a significant role in the future of football on the Northern Beaches, please contact David Mason on 9982 6228 or David.mason@mwfa.com.au.

ALSO, through our partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, any contributions to the Home of Football project can be tax deductible.

A link to the Manly United ASF page can be found here: https://asf.org.au/projects/manly-united-football-club/

Challenge Cup is “biggest game in club history”: Green

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Such is the dearth of silverware in the Manly Allambie United trophy cabinet they’ve been described as “the Birmingham City of northern beaches football”. It’s further said that the biggest thing they’ve ever won was when Russell Rodgers jagged the Keno at Harbord Diggers.

All of which, jokes aside, makes Wednesday night’s Challenge Cup final against BTH Raiders at Cromer Park “the biggest game in club history”, according to Manly Allambie President Alex Green.

“Our women’s team is the pride of the club. The team’s become stronger and stronger the last few years; and is now at the point where they’re the flagship of Manly Allambie.

“Safe to say we’re extremely proud of them and they’ll have huge support on Wednesday night,” Green said.

United women’s Premier League coach Kyle Cannon is aware of the context. “Our women’s Premier League team has only been in the competition a short time and a win on Wednesday night will mean a great deal to a lot of people. It’s a very big deal for our club,” Cannon said.

Yet ask Cannon about his team’s form leading into the final against BTH Raiders and he may laugh. Because in terms of form, there isn’t much.

“We’ve played once in four weeks,” Cannon told MWFA Media. “We had Anzac Day, played Brookvale, had a bye. On Sunday Seaforth had a State Cup game. It’s been tough. But in that Brookie game we found a way to win, which is encouraging.”

Cannon said his team’s defence at the back and strike power up front are two weapons the team will look to exploit on Wednesday. United’s back four – Kiah Kennedy, Tess Olsen, Sophia Cleary, Liz Thill – along with goalkeeper Jessie Sullivan have conceded two goals in three games. While up front Cassie Rodgers, Sammy Grant and Tiffany Paterson will ultimately vie for the Golden Boot.

And even without playing games, spirits remain high at Millers Reserve, according to Cannon. “We’ve played a bit of futsal. We had a social thing on the bye weekend. Once in a while they can be as good as a training session. We’ve done our best in trying circumstances,” Cannon said.

Asked what intel he’d collated on BTH Raiders Cannon replied: “None. I know nothing about them. And that can be a good thing. You’re not going into a game worrying about a good player, or aiming to take someone out of the game. You focus on yourselves.

“We’ve got the ability to keep the ball, to control the game. The less time they have with the ball means the less chance they have to score. We play a possession-based game which builds from the back.”

Kick-off is Wednesday night at [7pm] at Cromer Park.

 

Cimino upbeat despite 2-0 loss to Wakehurst

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Despite going down 2-0 to competition hotshots Wakehurst, Brookvale women’s Premier League coach Michael Cimino was bullish about the prospects of his relatively inexperienced side.

“We played a really good game,” Cimino said. “We kept the ball on the ground and controlled it pretty well. They’re a pretty good side, Wakehurst, and it was pretty even for the most part. They like to play the long ball, we like to play through the middle.”

Brookvale conceded the first goal from a corner and the second from a penalty with 10 minutes to go, which Cimino said “meant they couldn’t score past us in general play”.

“We had a brand new backline and four players under 18, three of whom were on the field the majority of the match. It was a tough battle against a very good side. Their defence was outstanding, their centre-back was brilliant, she stopped everything. We also missed a couple of chances, one into an open goal.”

Best for Brookvale were centre-midfielder Kristina Reisinger who “ran all day”, according to Cimino, and new sweeper and captain Michelle Sym.

“We have to work on gelling as a team. We have a young side and we did pretty well against a team that hasn’t lost all season. In a rebuilding year it was a pretty good result.”

In other games Manly Vale beat Pittwater RSL 4-1, Beacon Hill beat Mosman 2-1 and BTH Raiders had the bye.

By Matt Cleary

“Gobsmacked”: Israel slams Pittwater after 2-0 loss to Saints

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Pittwater RSL FC head coach Adam Israel has slammed his side’s second half following their 2-0 loss to St Augustine’s at Grahams Reserve on Saturday.

“I am absolutely gob-smacked by what I saw in the second half,” Israel said. “It was nearly embarrassing. Really good first half. It’s the story of our season – hot one week, cold the next. You can’t continue to do it.

“Everything we spoke about at half-time we did the opposite. And we were punished. Two goals, two mistakes. I’m just gob-smacked. And so, so disappointed.”

Assistant coach Paul Martin agreed. “You can’t play for 45 minutes. The second half was so disheartening. It’s not what this club is about. We need to be better. Simple as that,” Martin said.

They’ll be better next week though, right?

“We can’t be any worse,” Israel said. “Put it that way.”

St Augustine’s coach Sam Panetta was understandably more upbeat.

“I was very pleased by the passion and perseverance shown by the boys,” Panetta said. “It was a great team performance in a very even game. Pittwater had more of the ball in the first half.

“However our work-rate without the ball in our front third and midfield set us up to capitalise in the second half.”

After the teams were tied 0-0 at half-time Saints pressed through Tallon Zahra and Aaron Peters, and in behind through Dominic Marrocco and Oscar Casteight. There were chances early including a shot by Peters and a header wide by Zahra.

After 60 minutes Saints’ work was rewarded when Marrocco pressure won him the ball before he slipped through and finished clinically.

Rather than shut up shop, Saints wanted more.

“Our reaction following that goal was fantastic,” Panetta said. “There was strong desire to keep playing football and look for a second.”

After some great lead up play by Zahra, Casteight found himself near the penalty spot and was able to get Saints’ second with a cool finish.

A major turning point came when, after sustained pressure by Pittwater they were able to win a penalty. However it was brilliantly saved by keeper Lachlan Kerr, “just reward for a fantastic game in goals by Lachie,” according to Panetta.

“The unselfish work by several players, with and without the ball, was pleasing and several performances were key in getting the result against one of the league’s best teams.”

Other Men’s Premier League results:

CC Strikers 1 drew Harbord 1

Brookvale 2 d Manly Vale 1

Curl Curl 4 d BTH 1

Wakehurst 2 d Mosman 1

Narrabeen 4 d Seaforth 1

By Matt Cleary