MWFA

FUNDRAISING FOR CROMER PARK HOME OF FOOTBALL

· · Leave a Comment

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

· · Leave a Comment

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

· · Leave a Comment

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

· · Leave a Comment

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

Panetta puts wind up incumbents ahead of big match with Pitts

· · Leave a Comment

While they’re coming off a 5-0 win due to forfeit over Seaforth last start, incumbent first graders at St Augustine’s will be feeling the pinch from the club’s third-placed reserve grade team ahead of the match against Pittwater at Graham’s Reserve.

And they should probably take note given that’s the opinion of none other than Saints first grade coach, Sam Panetta.

“The whole squad has been working hard and I have been particularly impressed with some of the boys who have been doing well in our 1pm games. Connor Hickman, Aron Della, Cian Poirier and Tom Cryan, in particular, are close and putting pressure on to win a first grade spot,” Panetta said.

Saints go into Saturday’s 6th-v-7th clash at Graham’s in a decent position injury-wise with only Sam Byrne and Kiwa Berry unavailable. “It means competition for spots is pretty strong,” according to Panetta.

Prior to the Seaforth win, Saints have been disappointed with a 3-2 loss to Brookvale at home and 3-0 loss away to CC Strikers. Panetta said that players need to be switched on from the get-go.

“The boys know they need to start games with a stronger desire to win the ball back quickly and to play back to the front with quicker passing and movement. Pittwater are a great team with dangers all over the park. They were arguably the best team last season.

“However the boys are ready and looking forward to the challenge and are looking to prove that Saints away is one of the hardest games in the league.”

Panetta did have some encouragement for his incumbents.

“In our last game versus Brookvale, Domenic Marrocco, Jos Gwozdecky and Simon Dupond were outstanding. They will need to be at that level again versus Pitts,” Panetta said.

Kick-off is at 3pm at Grahams Reserve. In other games Collaroy Cromer Strikers take on Harbord at St Matthews Farm, Seaforth travel to Narrabeen, Manly Vale host Brookvale at David Thomas while Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders take on Curl Curl at Wyatt Reserve

By Matt Cleary

Manly Vale hyped ahead of crunch match with Pittwater

· · Leave a Comment

Following their 1-0 loss to Wakehurst last weekend, Manly Vale women’s Premier League coach Tony Bruzzano said his team is far from frustrated. Indeed the team has trained as hard as ever and is pumped and primed ahead of the big match against Pittwater RSL on Sunday.

“We are happy to be back on the David Thomas Reserve playing surface this week. The girls are determined to make amends and, as always, worked hard at training. We will be ready to take on Pittwater!” Bruzzano said.

Bruzzano said he’s hoping to field a similar side to last weekend, the club waiting on the fitness of Jules Waugh (flu) and Sam Spackman (knee). Bruzzano said he couldn’t comment on the Pittwater squad because he didn’t know who would be in it. But he did note that following Pittwater’s 5-2 win last weekend over Beacon Hill “it looks like they’ve got goals in them!”

Far from being intimidated, however, Bruzzano said his team is highly motivated and primed for a big game against a rising side in Pittwater.

“For the past ten years it’s always been clubs like Brookvale, Beacon Hill, Wakehurst and Manly Vale who’ve been on top. It’s really nice to see new teams in the competition like BTH Raiders and other teams like Manly-Allambie, Seaforth, Mosman and Pittwater strengthen their squads. It makes for a competitive season!” Bruzzano said.

In other games Beacon Hill host Mosman, Seaforth welcome Manly Allambie and Wakehurst travel to Grahams Reserve to play Brookvale. BTH Raiders have the bye.

By Matt Cleary

Upcoming Coach Workshop: Transition from MiniRoos to Full Pitch Football

· · Leave a Comment

 

Pittwater will be hosting a new Coach Workshop later this week focused on helping coaches work with teams making the transition from MiniRoos 9v9 football to full pitch 11v11 football, including teaching players how to use larger spaces in training, as well as how to approach formations and set pieces. 

Two weeks later, another newly confirmed workshop will be hosted at Kitchener Park based on teaching players positioning, spreading out and teamwork.

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. Other available workshops are listed in the table below.

 

DATETIMETOPICLOCATION
Wednesday March 136:30pm - 8:30pmPre-Season Training
- Developing fitness for football
- Preparing for Round 1 with limited sessions
- Getting maximum effort from your players		Cromer Park
Monday March 256pm - 9pmPositioning / Spreading Out / Teamwork:
- Ideal exercises for playing with width, switching play etc
- Teaching good decision making
- Working with limited space and numbers		Cromer Park
Monday April 296pm - 9pmMatch Day Coaching:
- Warm ups, coaching, and sub management
- Formations and set pieces
- Engaging parents and managing staff		Cromer Park
Monday May 206pm - 8pmCreating and Scoring More Goals:
– Ideal exercises for attacking and finishing
– Teaching good technique and decision making
– Managing a wide range of skill levels		Lionel Watts (Wakehurst)
Monday May 276pm - 8pmPlaying Out from The Back:
- Ideal exercises for learning how to play out through pressure
- Teaching good decision making
- Working with limited space and numbers		Kitchener Park (Pittwater)
Wednesday May 296pm - 9pmInvolving / Including Goalkeepers:
– Managing goalkeepers in a full squad
– MiniRoos goalkeeper development
– Goalkeeper specific skill tips		Cromer Park
Wednesday June 126:30pm - 8:30pmDefending as a Team:
- Ideal exercises for learning how to work together to protect the goal
- Getting maximum effort from your players
- Working with limited space and numbers		Dee Why Oval (Dee Why)
Wednesday July 315pm - 7pmKeeping Players Engaged:
- How to make training fun
- Maximising limited training time
- Behaviour management		LM Graham Reserve (Brookvale)
Thursday August 16pm - 8pmTraining with Intensity:
- Football based injury prevention
- Developing fitness for football
- Getting maximum effort from your players		St Matthews Farm (CC Strikers)

MWFA also has several official FFA coaching courses available over the next couple of months, offering coaches the opportunity to develop their skills and pick up some ideas to help organise fun, safe and engaging training sessions. There is a MiniRoos Certificate and Skill Training course at Narrabeen, as well a Game Training Certificate at Cromer Park.

See here for more details: https://www.mwfa.com.au/2021/01/28/new-coaching-courses-confirmed/ 

 

 

 

“Funny old game”: Mosman “hard done by” in 1-0 loss to Seaforth

· · Leave a Comment

Seaforth defeated Mosman 1-0 in the women’s Premier League match at Allan Border Oval on Sunday and Seaforth coach Chris Wood declared himself “very fortunate to come away with the three points”.

“It’s a funny old game,” Wood said. “Last week [in a 2-2 draw with Beacon Hill] I felt we deserved more and we didn’t get it whereas it was the total opposite against Mosman. I think they should feel a little hard done by that they didn’t come away with at least a point.

“In the end it took a screamer of a goal by Abbey Cosh to win the game.”

Wood was at pains to credit Mosman and reigning MWFA Coach of The Year Hassan Chehab.

“A massive credit to their coach, Hassan and his players, who made the game very hard for us and stifled the middle of the park,” Wood said. “They broke up our possession and countered very well.

“It took a massive performance from our backline and ‘keeper to get the clean sheet. Going forward we have to do a better job of keeping possession of the ball or teams will start to punish us.”

The result sees Seaforth sit in outright third position with Mosman four points back and tied for seventh.

In other games Wakehurst 1 beat Manly Vale 0, Pittwater RSL 5 beat Beacon Hill 2 and Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders 4 beat Brookvale 1.

By Matt Cleary

Brookvale best Narrabeen in slug-fest at Grahams

· · Leave a Comment

A send-off in the 70th minute was the turning point in a hard-fought affair at Grahams Reserve on Saturday when Brookvale defeated Narrabeen 1-0.

“It was a very even contest,” Brookvale coach Mark Hunt said. “Narrabeen had a player sent off and it gave us a little more time and space to press for what was ultimately the winner. There was very little between the sides on the day and both sides gave everything which would have been good to watch.

“It was just a very competitive football match which turned on a sending off, in all honesty.”

With Narrabeen playing an up-tempo game, Hunt was pleased his team could maintain intensity.

“Narrabeen is as fit a side as we’ve faced and they have clearly worked hard on the high, early press to win the ball back,” Hunt said. “They will likely over run any side who doesn’t match them physically.”

Narrabeen coach Ross Talarico said his team could’ve been more clinical in the top third but overall was very pleased with his team’s endeavour against the league champions.

“I thought we moved the ball around very well, constantly bringing Brookvale into positions they didn’t want to be. We could have been more clinical in the final third and a lot more direct.

“To be fair it was a tight affair with not too many chances; it was just a great tactical game of football.”

Both coaches agreed the turning point was the 70th minute sending off of Adel given that five minutes later Max Glanville scored a cracking goal.

“The goal which made the difference was of the highest individual quality,” according to Hunt. “After winning the ball back high up the pitch Max spotted their keeper just outside his 6-yard box and curled a quality, controlled finish into the far corner.”

Narrabeen almost equalised in the last minute with Luke Reid firing wide with the goal begging.

“It was a perfect afternoon for football and pitch was in nice condition to play actual football,” Talarico said.”Credit to Brookvale, you can see why they are champions. They didn’t give much at the back and battled well. Their better players stood up when it was counted. All credit to them.

“Overall though it was a pleasing result for us with a lot of young kids stepping up to the plate and showing the depth we are creating at Narrabeen.”

In other games Curl Curl 4 defeated Manly Vale 0, Pittwater RSL 2 beat Wakehurst 1, Mosman went down 4-1 to table-topping CC Strikers, Harbord got over BTH Raiders 2-1 while St Augustine’s beat Seaforth on forfeit.

By Matt Cleary