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Northern Tigers FC is delighted to share the remarkable coaching journey of Jake Stephenson, who has been an integral part of our club since 2021.

Starting as an Assistant Coach to Jason Eagar, Jake’s dedication and passion for the sport propelled him to the role of Head Coach in 2022 and 2023. Now, as he takes on a new challenge with the Central Coast Mariners A-League Women’s team, we look back at his accomplishments and express our heartfelt congratulations.

A Successful Stint: Jake Stephenson’s coaching tenure at Northern Tigers FC has been nothing short of extraordinary. Joining as an Assistant Coach in 2021, he quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the team. Under his guidance, the NPL Women’s team reached the grand final in 2022, showcasing Jake’s ability to nurture talent and foster a winning mentality. As the 2023 season unfolds, the team is currently making strides in the Sapphire Cup stages, a testament to Jake’s leadership and tactical acumen.

Promotion to Head Coach: In recognition of his exceptional coaching abilities, Jake was appointed as the Head Coach of Northern Tigers FC in 2022. This promotion highlighted the trust and confidence the club had in his capabilities. With his astute game plans and ability to motivate players, Jake led the team with passion and determination, striving for excellence on and off the field. His commitment to player development and achieving success has left an indelible mark on Northern Tigers FC.

A New Chapter Begins: As Jake Stephenson embarks on his new role as Assistant Coach to the Central Coast Mariners A-League Women’s team, we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments at Northern Tigers FC. While we are saddened to see him depart, we understand that this opportunity is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Jake’s journey from Assistant Coach to Head Coach and now to a professional club is a true reflection of his coaching prowess.

Looking Ahead: Northern Tigers FC expresses its heartfelt congratulations to Jake Stephenson on his new role with the Central Coast Mariners. As he embraces this exciting opportunity, we have no doubt that Jake will bring his expertise, passion, and unwavering commitment to the Mariners’ A-League Women’s team. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued success and the positive impact he will make in the footballing community.

Jake Stephenson’s coaching journey at Northern Tigers FC has been an incredible story of growth, dedication, and achievement. From his initial role as an Assistant Coach to leading the team as Head Coach, Jake’s impact has been profound. As he begins a new chapter with the Central Coast Mariners, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes. Jake, thank you for your invaluable contributions to Northern Tigers FC, and may your coaching journey continue to inspire and elevate the game of football.

Programs run each term throughout 2023

Click HERE to fill out our Expression of Interest Form to join our program!

About: 30-week advanced Goalkeeper training program.

Purpose: Provide high level age-appropriate training and mentoring to motivated and talented Goalkeepers. To make a significant positive impact on the technical development and enjoyment of Goalkeepers.

Does this interest you? Learn more about the program below…

Age Groups: U9 to Seniors

Venue: North Turramurra Recreation Area Synthetic (dedicated Goalkeeper Training Area) 

Days: The program will run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Goalkeepers can elect a day that does not clash with their own team training. 

Session Duration: 70 minutes

Start Date: the week commencing 30 January 2023 

Session Times: 5pm, 6pm, 7pm (TBC) each day (specific times will be communicated as Goalkeepers are selected). 

Structure: 3 terms of 10 weeks aligned with school terms 1/2/3 in 2023 

Program Fee: $990 includes 30 sessions and N1GK training kit. Goalkeepers can join the program after commencement (if places are available) and pay a pro rata fee plus the training kit fee. 

Goalkeeper Coaches: Davide manages the program and provides the technical direction to the experienced Goalkeeper coaches.

Goalkeeper Selection: The Goalkeeping Coaching staff will select Goalkeepers and assign them to train with other Goalkeepers at a similar stage of development. 

Introducing our 2023 Youth Girl coaches! With a vast amount of experience in the Youth Girls space, our coaching team will be looking for another strong season in the FNSW Girls League One.

Fin Geraghty is back for another season as U14’s Head Coach after a positive first season at Northern Tigers in 2022. In previous years, Fin has coached in the NSFA Diamond League space coaching both Lindfield FC and Kissing Point/Turramurra girls’ teams. Last season, Fin was awarded the Sport NSW Young Coach of the Year award for his continuous efforts in the game. Fin has also been appointed as Head Coach of the U12 SAP team and is the Assistant Coach for Reserve Grade Women. We also welcome Michael Borg to the team, who will support Fin as the U14’s Assistant Coach.

After a successful 2022 season, Steve Burns and Sai Van Wegen return for another year as Head Coach and Assistant Coach of the U15 Girls. The pair were a part of last seasons U15’s squad who came top of the FNSW Girls League One with two games remaining. Steve returns for his 13th season at Northern Tigers, coaching in the Youth Girls space for 12 seasons. Last season, Steve was the Head Coach of Turramurra United’s All Age squad, who also won the NSFA Women’s Premier League!

We are thrilled to announce former Matilda and former Northern Tigers First Grade Captain Servet Uzunlar to the Youth Girls coaching team as Head Coach of the U16 Girls. Servet has played in the A-League Women’s for both Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers. During this time, she was awarded Player of the Year for Sydney FC in 2009, and also for WSW in 2012. She has also represented Australia at the Asian Cup in 2010. Servet is joined by Girls SAP Technical Director and former Youth Girls and Reserve Grade player, Saoirse Cobbe.

Pat O’Sullivan returns for his 12th season at Northern Tigers as Head Coach of the U18 Girls. Over his time at the Club, Pat has coached both in the Youth Girls and Senior Women’s programs. Pat was a part of the First Grade squad that earned NPL1 promotion in 2016 which was also the perfect season for Reserve Grade Women, who won the Minor Premiership after going unbeaten in all rounds. Steve Burns will also support Pat as the U18’s Assistant Coach.

The NSFA Board is delighted to announce Kevin Johnson as the new CEO for NSFA and Northern Tigers FC.

Kevin is well-known to the NSFA community, having served on the club committee of West Pymble FC since 2005, including the last nine seasons as President.

A registered player, coach and referee, Kevin has experience across all aspects of our grassroots football community and oversaw facilities developments in his time as WPFC Club President, including the Clubhouse renovation and the impending All-Weather Pitch installation at Norman Griffiths Oval.

“I am very excited about the NSFA CEO role,” Kevin said.

“The NSFA is known to be a leading association football organisation in NSW and Australia with an outstanding team of staff members.

“I look forward to working with the Board and the Staff to deliver the final year of the NSFA 2020-2023 strategy and ensure that the NSFA continues to be a progressive and leading sporting organisation.

“I also look forward to working with the KDFRA, Sponsors, Partners, Councils, NSFA Clubs and their Committees and the Northern Tigers and collaborating with stakeholders inside and outside the association to ensure that football is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

“I would also like to acknowledge the fabulous contribution that the outgoing CEO Ed Ferguson has made to the NSFA.

“I would like to wish Ed all the best at his new role at Football NSW as Head of Football & Strategy and thank him for his outstanding contribution to football in the NSFA.”

Kevin has a professional background in business and finance as a Chartered Accountant with an Executive MBA qualification, previously working with companies such as National Australia Bank, Virgin Australia and JP Morgan Chase Bank.

“We are excited to begin working with Kevin as the new CEO of our organisation,” said NSFA Treasurer Lee Sullivan.”

“KJ is well known to all our members and is well suited to the role given his background as Club president, playing, referee and professional background.”

Kevin will assume the position of CEO on Monday, November 21^st.

NSFA is delighted to announce that the Development Application for upgraded amenities at North Turramurra Recreation Area (NTRA) has been approved following a Ku-ring-gai Local Planning Panel meeting last month.

We would like to thank all the members of our community who supported this project through multiple phases of community consultation to help deliver a fantastic community facility.

The approval of DA0484/21 will see the construction of additional female-friendly change rooms, accessible public toilets, coach and referee rooms, treatment rooms, undercover seating, equipment storage, media and corporate facilities and office space for staff of our non-profit sporting association.

This development augments the existing facilities at NTRA, with three full-size playing fields currently serviced by a single amenity block also shared with the neighbouring golf course.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts behind the scenes over the past eight years to bring this proposal to fruition, in particular Rob Lloyd and Richard Smith who have contributed countless hours in recent months.

NSFA will continue discussions with Ku-ring-gai Council to develop a Memorandum of Understanding for the development during its construction and subsequent usage.

We will look to provide regular updates to the NSFA community regarding the project status and start date for construction. The current expected build length is 9-12 months from commencement.

Work now begins on finalising funding for the development and exploring further potential grant opportunities. Any potential donors or sponsors should contact NSFA Competitions and Facilities Manager Adam Cloughton – adam.cloughton@nsfa.asn.au.

Click here to view architecural plans of the development.

Head of Female Football Eilidh Mackay will depart the organisation next week after accepting the role of Women’s World Cup Legacy Manager at FIFA.

Over eight years of involvement within the NSFA/Northern Tigers football community, Eilidh has occupied a variety of roles but always dedicated herself to growing the game with her natural enthusiasm and strong work ethic.

Within Northern Tigers Eilidh has been involved as a player, administrator, coach and program technical director, imparting her expertise to hundreds of players and heavily contributing to the success and growth of the club over the past eight seasons.

Since taking on the role of Head of Female Football, Eilidh has implemented the What’s Best For Her Strategy, placing NSFA at the forefront of transforming and supporting female football for all participants.

We wish Eilidh all the best in her new role and look forward to seeing her excel at the highest level.

Comment from President Ian Plant on behalf of the NSFA Board:

The NSFA Board is very sad to see Eilidh leave us but thrilled at the new opportunity she has earned. Our loss is FIFA’s gain and we are sure she will go on to even bigger and brighter things. In the time that she has been with the NSFA and Tigers she has had a huge impact on the Association, both as an inspiring coach and as a leader for the female game.

She has helped to develop female football in the Northern Suburbs and activate the transformative What’s Best For Her vision. We will certainly miss her enthusiasm, energy and expertise. We wish her all the best as she takes the next step in her career.

Read Eilidh’s message to the Tigers community below:

Thank You Northern Tigers!

Wow what an incredible chapter! Who would have thought back in 2015 when Rich convinced me to come for a ‘kick around’ while visiting Sydney that the club would be a huge part of my life for the next 8 years!

I believed Sydney was a pit stop but Kai and Rich convinced me otherwise and before I knew it, I stayed to play and coach. Even the whole knee injury and surgery in year one didn’t stop me. My passion for coaching developed and the opportunity to contribute to building Northern Tigers presented itself. It has been one amazing journey.

I have been fortunate to coach for both sides of the club through the girls’ and boys’ program as well as in the SAP and GSAP space.

I experienced the five teams in grand finals high back in 2016 both as a player and coach. What a day that was! I have worked with the team to develop the off-field processes to support our on-pitch goals. The female side of the club has come so far something I am incredibly proud of. The best part of the journey is everyone I have met along the way – what an incredible community to be involved in.

After 8 years it is time for me to experience new environments and challenge myself for my personal goals. One thing I can say for sure once a Tiger always a Tiger. I will continue to support and follow this amazing club.

Yours in football,

Eilidh Mackay.

#HearUsRoar

Dear Northern Suburbs FA & Northern Tigers FC members,

I have been honoured to serve as Chief Executive Officer for the past 3 years and involved in multiple roles over the past 9 years. I leave my home Association to take on my next challenge, re-joining Football NSW as Head of Football & Strategy to support their efforts in becoming leaders of the game in Australia and building capabilities within our football ecosystem.

I am most proud of the philosophy that has been instilled within our football community, with a strong focus towards retention, development and making decisions that will benefit the football experience of our membership. I see this philosophy entrenched in Clubs and leaders throughout the Association and growing stronger every year. The continued dedication to this will enrich the lives of our members, develop a deep love of football and create footballers for life. I encourage all to continue to invest in this approach and enjoy the smiles on faces what ever age they may be!

I am privileged to have been surrounded by an outstanding group of people during my time at NSFA including past and current Board Members, Staff members and volunteers. It is these people that have made the job enjoyable, fulfilling and the reason we continue to make so much progress for the game and for our local community. We are extremely lucky to have these individuals invested in our game as they constantly go above and beyond without a second thought. You have played a significant part in my personal and professional growth for which I will always remember and be grateful for, thank you.

My most enjoyable moments have been through the engagement and creation of new initiatives. The Skellern Cup, Youth Coach Development Program, Club Coach Coordinator program and our regular Club Presidents Workshops stand out most. The progress we have made in the creation of XLR8 Player Development Programs and INSPIRE FC are market-leading and have shown the wider football community in Australia that the glass ceiling is there to be broken for what community organisations can deliver and contribute to their members.

During my time at Tigers the Club has grown to become a full service, person-centred and ambitious Club. I have no doubt that with the people involved and the program in place it will continue to thrive and be reputed as best practice in many areas. Like all good things in life, development takes time and those that commit to the journey are rarely disappointed.

To the wider NSFA community, I hope you have enjoyed the changes made and passion instilled in our operations over the past 6 years. Football has come first and within NSFA I am confident it will continue to be. As a player I have seen the improvements from Club organisation to competition management, from facilities to online engagement. This keeps me coming back year after year and I am excited to sit on the sideline to watch on at the progress that is to come.

All the best over the years ahead.

Yours in football,

Edward Ferguson

Outgoing CEO – Northern Suburbs FA & Northern Tigers FC

Click here to view the advertisement for the CEO position.

This Sunday, our First Grade Women’s team could make history as they compete against Macarthur Rams to take home the Championship Trophy in the NPL1 Grand Final. Jake Stephenson’s side head to Valentine Sports Park with all eyes on silverware.

Our First Grade team showed their potential last Sunday afternoon in the Semi-Final against league winners Sydney Uni. After losing 4-2 just one week earlier, the side displayed remarkable grit and determination to bounce back where it mattered, booking their ticket to the final with a 3-0 win. Shadeene Evans was the star of the show ,scoring two incredible goals in the first half. Beth Bernardi joined the party early in the second half to make it 3-0, followed by an excellent second half defensive effort to keep a clean sheet.

The squad has qualified for the Championship Series the past three seasons (no finals in 2021), the last Grand Final being in 2019 against Sydney Uni. After 120 minutes of intense football, Sydney Uni came off better in the penalty shootout. Even though the result didn’t go their way, the Club made history in its first NPL1 Grand Final, stunning everyone with a huge crowd that has never been seen before in the NPL Women’s league.

Head Coach Jake Stephenson was proud of his players as they look to inspire the younger generation of players coming through the pathway.

“As we also look to inspire the next generation of players, it was fantastic to see many young Tigers players and fans at VSP on Sunday supporting the team and playing their part in the First Grade making a grand final. We hope to see the Tigers community there again this Sunday cheering on the team.”

To read Jake Stephenson’s full interview with NPL, click here.

Kiwi international Malia Steinmetz played a huge role in the Semi-Final last Sunday in the heart of the defence. She is proud of the Club’s collective effort to reach the Grand Final.

“I couldn’t ask for a better bunch to go into this game on Sunday with, and that goes for all players and staff involved over this whole season,” said Steinmetz. “We’ve had a lot of young guns and reserves come in through the ranks to help with training and games and if it weren’t for them we wouldn’t be where we are now. So, for this final we will be fighting out there as a team but ultimately as a whole club which has played as big of a role as any starting 11 could. Finals footy is why we do, what we do, so to say we’re excited is an understatement! See you lot out there!”

To read Malia Steinmetz’s full interview with NPL, click here.

First Grade goalkeeper Morgan Aquino is excited to show the team’s full potential against experienced side Macarthur Rams.

“We’re buzzing for the weekend! We have built a bond within our team that like no other. We’ve been underestimated the whole season, so it’s exiting going into the final as underdogs.”

Technical Director Jason Eagar proud of the efforts put in by the squad and is looking forward to the side taking the field with confidence on Sunday.

“What a great way to end the season, a Grand Final for our Women’s First Grade team,” said Eagar. “The squad will go into this big game with belief and confidence after the dominant display last weekend. The opportunity to lift the trophy is well deserved due to the hard work of Jake, and quality performances all season by the players lead superbly Barty. Like all Tigers teams I know they will give everything they have for each other and the Club, and with the Club’s support behind them on Sunday at VSP anything is possible.”

Join us at Valentine Sports Park at 3pm or tune in on NPL.TV!

#HearUsRoar

Congratulations to the following Award Winners:

Club Award Winners

Club Trademarks Awards: Lucy Wartman and Raphael Blanchon

10 Year Awards (10 consecutive seasons): Hannah McNulty and Oliver Scott

100 First Grade Appearances Awards: Hannah McNulty, Josie Wilson, and Shervin Adeli

Pat O’Sullivan Junior Player of the Year: Margarida Vincente

Female Goalkeeper of the Year: Jodie Drever

Male Goalkeeper of the Year: Luca Fragasso

Girls Youth Team Trademarks Awards

• G14s – Cate Atkinson
• G15s – Abigail Giles
• G16s – Isla Witham
• G18s – Olivia Cartwright

Boys Youth Team Trademarks Awards

• U13s – Jakob Hansen
• U14s – Zachary Smith
• U15s – Hugo Ward
• U16s – Charlie Rengasamy
• U18s – Kota Toyooka

Men’s Team Trademarks Awards

• U20s – Ben Waller
• First Grade – Bailey Rule

Women’s Team Trademarks Awards

• Reserve Grade – Lily McMahon
• First Grade – Isobel Gomez

Girls Youth Players’ Players

• G14s – Caitlin Janssen
• G15s – Margarida Vicente
• G16s – Grace Perring
• G18s – Jodie Drever

Boys Youth Players’ Players

• U13s – Sean Twining
• U14s – Harvey Barton
• U15s – Dean Hua
• U16s – Jordan Batista
• U18s – Ethan Oliver

Men’s Players’ Players

• U20s – Jack Barr
• First Grade – Jamie Lobb

Women’s Team Players’ Player

• Reserve Grade – Rosie Ewin 
• First Grade – Hannah McNulty

This Sunday, our Youth Girls U15’s and our First Grade Women’s head to the Championship Series Semi-Finals at Valentine Sports Park. After very successful seasons for both squads, they will be heading into Sunday will all eyes on a spot in the Grand Final the following weekend.

Our Youth Girls U15’s kick off the day against competitive side FNSW Institute. The squad made history this season, winning the Football NSW Girls Youth League One competition with two games remaining. This is the first top division title in the Tigers Women and Girls program since earning promotion from the second tier in 2016. Assistant coach Sai Van Wegen is proud of the girls and their efforts over the season.

“We have had a very strong season this year and the team is ready and confident going into the finals and showing a good performance at Valentine Park this weekend” said Van Wegen. “It will be a good challenge, but I know the girls are ready for it. I’m very proud of the girls on how they have played as a team this season”.

Head Coach Steve Burns is confident in his team heading into Sunday and is looking forward to the challenge’

“We are looking forward to playing Institute on their home turf. Always a very tough game guaranteed, but we are up for the challenge”.

The U15 players are very excited to be participating in their first Semi-Finals. Co-captains Annie Hall and Ariana Garland-Powell will be leading the side on Sunday morning.

“We are super excited for the weekend and can’t wait to show of our skills from the past year” said the captains. “I think it will be a great game against FNSW Institute”.

Our First Grade Women have had a fantastic season in 2022, finishing 4^th place and scoring 47 goals across the season – the second highest in the league. Head Coach Jake Stephenson is proud of how far the team has come this season.

“Congratulations to the players for making the finals in one of NPL1 Womens strongest and most competitive seasons” said Stephenson. “The senior squad have collectively come together and worked tirelessly throughout the entire season to support each other in achieving their goals. We are all very excited for the opportunity to play in the semi-finals and I can’t think of a better group of people who deserve this more. We go into this game full of confidence”.

First Grade’s leading goal scorer Ash Brodigan has been a massive contributor the team’s success, scoring 12 goals this season.

“Last Sunday wasn’t the result we wanted but we learnt a lot from that game, we will defiantly take the loss as a learning curve as we prepare for this weekend’s semi-final” said Brodigan. “As a team we are not going to dwell on the loss instead we will look to see what we can do this week in training to improve our performance as a whole”. To read Brodigan interview with NPL NSW, click here.

Captain Maddie Bart has been another key figure for the squad this season scoring 8 goals across the season. Bart believes her side has the passion and desire to get the job done.

“It was a nervous wait on Sunday night watching the other results come in, but the group are certainly looking forward to the clash with Uni on Sunday” said Bart. “We’ve been overlooked as a genuine title contender all year which suits us just fine – anything can happen in finals and we will definitely be leaving everything out there and pushing for a spot in the Grand Final. I believe in the group – we have the depth, talent, and motivation to get the job done on Sunday and can’t wait to get stuck in”.

First Grade player Josie Wilson is one of the few players in the squad who faced Sydney University in the 2019 Grand Final and is itching to reach the big dance once again.

“We have had a great season so far and I am really looking forward to the semi-final this weekend” said Wilson. “I know the team is feeling confident and excited going into the game against Sydney Uni. If it’s anything like our Grand Final against them in 2019, it’ll be a great game to watch, so I encourage everyone in the Tigers community to come down and support us!”

To watch the First Grade fixture against Sydney University this Sunday, head to NPL.TV!

Best of luck to both teams!

On Sunday the Northern Tigers Girls Under 15s made history, winning the Football NSW Girls Youth League One competition with two games remaining after a 7-0 win over Sydney Olympic.

It’s the first top division title in the Tigers Women and Girls program since earning promotion from the second tier in 2016, finishing ahead of Blacktown Spartans, Sydney University and Football NSW Institute.

Coach Steve Burns acknowledged the efforts of the players and the club in the team’s success.

“To be honest I’ve been lucky enough to have a talented team of players to coach this season,” he said.

“It’s a true credit to the development pathway at Tigers, most of this team have come the whole way through our junior (SAP) programs.”

The squad features local juniors from community clubs Hornsby Heights, Kissing Point, Lane Cove, Lindfield, Northbridge and West Pymble, and over 70 seasons of combined experience in the Tigers development pathway.

Several players have worked their way through the entire development pathway at Tigers from the Under 10s Girls SAP (Skill Acquisition Phase) team through to the present Under 15s team.

“It is so empowering to see this group of players succeeding at this level after coming through the local pathway,” commented Eilidh Mackay, Girls SAP Technical Director and NSFA Head of Female Football.

“The club has come along in leaps and bounds over the past six years since earning promotion to now be producing players capable of competing with the best in the state.”

“This team has enjoyed a phenomenal season but has also had several players step up and support the Under 16s throughout the year when they’ve been short on players and in turn been helped out by the Under 14s.”

The regular season concludes with matches against Illawarra Stingrays and Sydney University before a two-week finals series and another potential opportunity for silverware.

2022 Girls Under 15s

Players: Dominique Brown, Olivia Callaghan, Sienna Cooper, Ariana Garland-Powell, Abigail Giles, Annie Hall, Amber Halliday, Blake Hughes, Laura Januszek, Teagan Jones, Sophie Justinek, Tegan Murray, Elise Oliver, Yasmin Peek, Natalie Russo, Bethany Tate, Margarida Vicente, Izabella Ziolkowski

Coach: Steve Burns

Assistant Coach: Sai van Wegen

Managers: Sandi Murray and Sue Brooman-Jones

It’s all or nothing for our our First Grade Men and U20’s teams this Saturday as they both head into the last Preliminary Final of the Championship Series. A win will secure them a position in the Grand Final the following weekend.

Our First Grade Men had a stellar performance last Saturday against Western Sydney Wanderers, clinching a 5-0 win at Wanderers Football Park. ‘Shev is on fire’ were the lyrics sung loud in the changing rooms after the game, with front man Shervin Adeli completing an impressive hattrick with back-to-back goals.

‘Very happy to have scored a hattrick and help the team get to the Preliminary Final’ said Adeli. ‘The way the team is playing makes it easy for me. We have had some great games against CCM and I’m looking forward to beating them at their home ground’.

This takes Adeli to the top of the Goal scorer Leaderboard for the Championship Series with 4 goals under his belt. This takes him to a total of 11 goals this season, finishing the regular season on 7 goals.

Ollie Wiggin and Lachie Lloyd joined Adeli on the scoresheet shortly after in the second half, sealing the deal on the 5-0 win. Assistant Coach Chris Adams and his squad are filled with confidence heading into Saturdays fixture, but know it will be a tough battle.

‘It’s been a great finals experience so far for us as a squad and we know what is at stake in this weekends game against the Mariners’ said Adams. ‘It will be our toughest challenge yet playing the League winners but we have full confidence as a squad that we can go and get the result to send us through to the Grand Final and a shot at some silverware’.

Our U20’s had a tough fixture at Pluim Park last Sunday, coming away with a 3-0 loss against league winners Central Coast Mariners Academy. Despite not getting this win, Head Coach Raphael Blanchon is confident the team will bounce back with a solid performance.

‘We did not get the result we were looking for despite a good performance’ said Blanchon. ‘We’re looking forward to bouncing back on Saturday’.

This Saturday they face Western Sydney Wanderers yet again. The last time the sides met was a short two weeks ago in the Minor Semi-Final at Valentine Sports Park. Will DiMartino was the hero finding the back of the net in the dying minutes to secure the 4-3 win. The same level of determination and grit will be needed again this Saturday.

Technical Director Jason Eagar is proud of the teams and is also looking forward to the challenge this Saturday.

‘As a Club we should be proud to see the Senior Men’s First Grade and U20 teams contesting for a place in the Grand Final next weekend.’ said Eagar. ‘With both teams playing against A-League Academies, it will be a great challenge and the Tigers players will give it everything they have. The First Grade boys are playing with a lot of confidence and have a full squad ready to go, Hetty and Chris will have them well prepared – I’m looking forward to the games on Saturday’.

To watch the First Grade fixture against Central Coast Mariners Academy this Saturday, head to NPL.TV https://npl.tv/football/football-nsw/football-nsw-league-one/ 

After two incredible results last Saturday, our U20’s and First Grade Men’s teams are through to the next stage of the Championship Series. After an action-packed first weekend, our Senior Squad is ready for another battle this week as their finals campaign continues. 

Saturday morning was a rollercoaster of emotions for our U20’s. The team fought back from 2-nil down to force extra time, taking the lead before being pulled back to 3-3. Will DiMartino was the man to step up and find the winner, securing the victory against Western Sydney Wanderers. 

‘I felt relieved when I scored as we all worked our backsides off for the full 90 minutes and extra time’ said DiMartino. ‘I was also glad there was no pressure on us for penalties!’. 

U20’s captain Matin Abroon and his team are filled with energy heading into this Sunday’s Major Semi-Final against Central Coast Mariners Academy. 

‘Coming off the back of a great win last week, there’s a lot of energy within the team. It’s always a tough game against the Mariners, but with the recent form and confidence in the back end of the season it’ll be a good game. The boys are eager to try and grab the first grand final spot’. 

This Sunday, the squad head to Pluim Park on a mission to book their spot in the Grand Final. Assistant Coach Darren Pratt is excited for the challenge. 

‘CCMA have been the benchmark team of the FNSW League One 20’s competition this season and our boys are excited to be competing against them again in Finals Football’ said Pratt. ‘Head Coach Raph has prepared the boys well following our win last Saturday against WSW and we are looking forward to another challenging game at Pluim Park this Sunday’. 

Saturday night was also a wild ride for our First Grade Men side against local rivals NWS Spirit. After going down 1-0 in the first half, the Tigers came out firing, scoring almost straight away through recently promoted U20’s player Kai Denton. Shortly after, front man Shervin Adeli slotted one away to clinch the 2-1 win. 

‘I am proud to score for the club and extend our season another week’ said Adeli. ‘I can’t wait for next Saturday to go again’. 

First Grade captain Jamie Lobb did a fantastic job in the heart of the defence to hold out the win. Lobb and his side are still on the hunt for silverware. 

‘Unfortunately, we were unable to gain promotion this season. However, we are still very excited as a collective to be a part of the final series. We are aiming to finish the year on a high and receive some silverware. 

WSW will be a tough opponent this week. They have a very young and talented squad who had a stellar regular season. We will be heading into this week’s fixture confident after returning to winning ways with a hard-fought win last weekend’. 

Head Coach Adam Hett was happy with the way his side played against Spirit and is looking for another strong performance this Saturday. 

‘We are all looking forward to the match this weekend’ said Hett. ‘As a group, we were happy with the way we implemented our game plan against Spirit. We will be looking to replicate the same level of performance this Saturday. Both of the matches against WSW were tight during the season. We know we will need to be at our best to progress.’ 

To watch the First Grade fixture against Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday, head to NPL.TV https://npl.tv/football/football-nsw/football-nsw-league-one/ 

This Saturday and Sunday, both our Senior Men and Senior Women’s teams are facing local rivals, NWS Spirit at NTRA! We are calling the Northern Tigers family down to NTRA to join us on the ‘Tigerland Hill’ to show your support in some pivotal fixtures in our 2022 season.

In the push for promotion to NPL1, it is a monumental match for our First Grade Men’s side. Currently sitting in 5th place, a win against 4th place Spirit will mean they are right back in the race for Top 4. Sitting second in NPL1, our First Grade Women’s team side are looking to regain their spot at the top heading into the second half of the season. Both matches are significant in each sides 2022 campaign.

We will be running a FREE raffle for all Northern Tigers players on the Tigerland Hill – don’t miss out! Our Canteen, BBQ and Inflatable Dartboard will be in full swing for an action packed weekend.