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Learn more about one of our new faces for 2022 – Under 14 Girls Youth coach Fin Geraghty!

Can you tell us about your coaching history? Which clubs have you previously been involved with?

I started my coaching journey in 2017, volunteering under the guidance of Brendan Dalton. The following season, much to my sister’s surprise, I started coaching her U14B Diamond League team at Lindfield FC. I will forever be grateful to those players and parents, but most of all to my sister, who helped me fall in love with coaching.

At the end of 2018 I joined XLR8, and in my first year I received support and mentorship from Ed Ferguson, Eilidh Mackay and Nick Marr amongst many others. Empowered and inspired, in 2019 I stayed-on with my sister’s team as they transitioned to the G16 Diamond League, and at the end of the season I completed my FFA C Licence.

The following season I moved clubs to coach the G16 Diamond League joint-venture team with Turramurra United and Kissing Point. I was lucky enough to have players like Jasmine Fattah, Jade Murray, and my sister Saskia Geraghty move across with me. In 2021 I coached my fourth consecutive year in the Diamond League, once again taking the G16 squad at Turramurra United and Kissing Point.

That same season, under the guidance of Craig Tyrie, I significantly developed my coaching skills by also coaching Turramurra United’s U9 and U10 SAP teams.

2022 will be my first season coaching in the NPL space, however, I have recently completed part 1 of my FFA B Licence to best equip myself to coach the players in my care.

What are you looking forward to this season coaching at Northern Tigers?

I’m looking forward to listening, learning, and challenging myself this season. I’ll be working my hardest to develop, empower, and inspire the players in my care. Every time I step across that white line I’ll have a smile on my face. I’m elated to be a part of such a fantastic club and community.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

I believe football should be fun and entertaining, for the players and for the fans. That means having the ball, being brave and creative, and getting numbers forward to score as many goals as possible. I am a strong believer in my players and will always encourage them to express themselves on the pitch.

As a young coach who has come through the NSFA as a player and a coach, I think I’m an excellent testimony to just how strong the NSFA’s footballing identity is. I’m a strong believer in the Northern Tigers style of play, and will be proud to help the players bring it to life on the pitch this season.

Why do you coach?

I’ve always looked up to my coaches as role models and important people in my life. They’ve inspired me, empowered me, and have been formative in who I am today. I understand first-hand the impact that a coach can have on a person, and I want to give back that same way. I believe coaches have the power to change not only the world, but the worlds of every person they work with.

What goals do you have for the team this season?

The most important thing for me is that the players all feel valued, supported, challenged, have fun, and stay in the game.

I’d like to inspire and empower the girls to be confident, brave, and creative footballers and people. And I’d like to contribute to a team culture where the players all feel safe, and are able to inspire and empower each other.

In terms of performance, I’d like to challenge the 14s to score as many goals as possible this season. The modern game is trending towards having complete players who can score or contribute to goals from all sorts of positions, and I hope to equip my players for the future of Football. And besides, more goals, more fun.

When you’re not coaching or playing football, what do you do?

I’m studying Sports Business and Creative Intelligence and Innovation at UTS, which I’m really enjoying. Although I am especially keen to do classes in-person next semester, as online isn’t really my thing.

I can often be found listening to music. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Gang of Youths, MF DOOM, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Cat Empire, and Sade.

I’m a huge fan of women’s football and watch all the Arsenal Ladies games. I also love attending W-League (now A-League Women’s) games live. My favourite players are Vivianne Miedema, Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Katie McCabe and Princess Ibini-Isei.

I have lots of fun playing board games with my best friends. Chess, Settlers of Catan, Codenames, and Munchkin are amongst my favourites.

I’m always up for anything adventurous or outdoorsy. A recent highlight was a 48km bushwalk which took U20s player Luke Klusman and me 11 and a half hours.

Dear members,

I write in relation to recent media coverage of Northern Tigers Men’s First Grade player, Mr Nicholas Drummond.

We are extremely disappointed and do not condone Mr Drummond’s behaviour.

The Club first became aware of the incident involving Mr Drummond on Tuesday, 21 September 2021, following reports in the media. Immediate action was taken. Mr. Drummond will not be retained at the Club. I can confirm that Mr. Drummond has never been on the Northern Tigers or NSFA coaching team.

In accordance with our Club values and culture we have a zero-tolerance policy for incidents such as this. 

Edward Ferguson

CEO – Northern Suburbs Football Association and Northern Tigers

Posted at 1:01pm on Thursday, September 23rd, 2021.

Northern Tigers are thrilled to announce the extension of our partnership with teamwear, equipment and accessories supplier Besteam Sport Australia.

“It is great to continue our strong partnership for another three years with Besteam,” commented CEO Ed Ferguson.

“Besteam have grown with Tigers and NSFA over the past 7 years, working together to provide an exceptional fantastic service

The new partnership will see the evolution of the Tigers brand, with a new look, new kit and new gear range rolled out throughout the Club.

“Our Club is on an upwards trajectory, as seen by our 2021 performances, results and deliverables on and off the park,” Ferguson said.

“A new style with a trusted partner will give us that extra pride, that extra 10% confidence to our players, coaches and club supporters to puff out their chest and be proud of being part of our Club.”

Tigers have moved quickly, securing the Roma off-field collection from Besteam, locking it away to be the first club in the NSW NPL to showcase the new style. The new Roma range was chosen by a select working group of Club members to encompass the ideas, emotion and passion of the Club, with coaches, players and managers involved alongside the staff.

“Part of this consultation process also highlighted the need for female-specific designs, which we delighted to be introducing for our playing shirts, shorts and polos,” said Ferguson.

John Kowtan from Besteam was equally pleased with the extension.

“Besteam are extremely proud to extend our partnership with the Northern Tigers for a further 3 years – giving us the opportunity to hit the 10-year milestone and further showcase the strength, quality and innovation Besteam can deliver clubs that partner with us.

“Besteam has created the new Roma apparel range using the latest technical developments in performance fabrics, encompassed with creative designs to suit all professional footballers.

“With so much planned for Besteam over the coming years, it is extremely rewarding and a privilege to bring the Tigers on the journey with us. The team look forward to evolving the partnership to a whole new level in 2022 and beyond.”

The new look kit and style will be available to our members at the Tigers gear fit out days on the first weekend of December at Club Turramurra.

The Club is extremely pleased to also secure a supporter range that will be available at the gear fit out weekend, during preseason and during the season via our online shop, with orders delivered directly to the supporters. 

“The ongoing partnership with Besteam aligns our passion, business objectives and personalities both on and off the park,” Ferguson remarked.

“I am also pleased to confirm Northern Suburbs Football Association will be tying down Besteam for the next three years as well.”

Dear Members,

Football NSW communicated to our Club and the football community their decision to cancel the 2021 season for all FNSW Competitions earlier today. 

The news has been unfortunate to receive, however it was anticipated since the abandonment of many local Association competitions last week. This means our season is coming to an end in the most unusual circumstances. Based on the communication today it will mean the following for our programs.

Women’s – The 2021 season format and structure will be replayed in 2022. Our Women’s team remain in NPL 1 in a 12 team division.

Men’s – The 2021 season format and structure will be replayed in 2022. Our Men’s team will remain in NPL 2 in a 12 team division.

Girls – The 2021 season format will be replayed, however Girls U17 will be replaced by Girls U16 and Girls U18 competitions.

Boys Youth – 2021 fixtures as per the end of Phase One will be used to format competitions for 2022. Our Boys Youth will be in Tier 1 in 2022.

GSAP – Normal season format will resume.

SAP – Normal season format will resume.

Please allow us time over the next week to digest all information provided to understand the implications today’s announcements have for us as a club on and off the park ahead of our 2022 season preparation.

I understand this news comes as a disappointment for many as another season has been cut short. We encourage the players to reach out to their teammates to support each other and discuss how they can stay connected whilst in lockdown and when we are allowed to move more freely.

Please see the full communication from Football NSW here

All the best,

Ed Ferguson – CEO

Dear Tigers,

As per NSW Government and Football NSW directive, all football activity will be suspended until 11:59pm Friday 9th July.

Please see below for what this means to you.

This lockdown period will feel unusual compared to the pre-season lockdown we had in 2020, with our return to the field scheduled in just under two weeks. We have every intention to resume competition matches on Saturday 10th July and therefore need the cooperation of our football community to remain fit, healthy and engaged with their team. We will support you in this by providing individual training programs during the week.

Whilst in isolation and away from work and school, I encourage you to communicate with your teammates and football friends. We are all in the same boat. Whilst we have encountered a lifestyle situation such as this before, it is vital to call each other, host a video call and ensure that all members of our community know that they belong. You are part of a Club, we are part of NSFA and together we make an extremely proud and strong football community. Together we are stronger.

All the best,

Edward Ferguson

NSFA CEO

What does this mean?

No matches will be played.

No training in groups is permitted.

No players involved in training activity will be covered by the Personal Accident insurance.

All councils have closed their grounds due to the NSW Government guidelines, switching off floodlight access also during this period.

All XLR8 Programs have been cancelled. Full refunds will be given.

Club meetings must be held via zoom / online video platform.

Team Meetings

During lockdown, in a similar fashion to 2020, we will conduct a few team meetings.

Please be on the look out for communication from your team manager & coach for these.

Keeping the kids busy

Last year XLR8 designed a whole range of activities to keep our players engaged, challenged and enjoying their football whilst in the restraint of their own home.

We welcome Clubs and players to bring this back, sharing the videos and challenging yourself to a new test each day.

XLR8 will be posting one video per day, with some live sessions sprinkled amongst them!

XLR8 YouTube Channel
XLR8 Facebook

Fitness plans

With the resumption of football only two weeks away it is vital we keep our bodies in shape. We will be working to provide you fitness plans to keep you active, fit and healthy during lockdown.

Please keep an eye out on social media and the NSFA website for these.

XLR8 Holiday Clinics

As per the directive, XLR8 Holiday Clinics have been cancelled.

All participants will receive a FULL refund. These will be processed this week and the XLR8 team will be in touch should they require further information.

Our Partners

Our sponsors have been fantastic this year, supporting us on the park every step of the way. For your needs please consider our sponsors and ensure their business stays alive and healthy.

Our Men’s First Grade face their biggest test yet in this year’s FFA Cup qualifiers – NPL1 powerhouse APIA Leichhardt.

Come along to NTRA and cheer the team on as they look to take another step towards the FFA Cup Round of 32!

The canteen and barbecue will also be open for the match.

Match Details

Northern Tigers vs APIA Leichhardt at North Turramurra Recreation Area

6:45pm, Wednesday, May 19th

Football within the NSFA region will continue to grow thanks to a wide-ranging partnership with Harvey Norman in the coming 12 months.

With a strong history of supporting women’s sport, Harvey Norman will adorn the front of shirt for our Northern Tigers Women’s NPL and Girls SAP teams, as well as being on the back of shirt for our Mixed SAP, Youth NPL and Men’s NPL teams.

Harvey Norman’s sponsorship will also reinforce the NSFA Female Football Strategy, What’s Best for Her, which encompasses various retention, attraction and development initiatives including the NSFA Skellern Cup, Female Coach Mentoring Program and Female Football Working Group.

The deal also sees Harvey Norman supporting the NSFA Men’s and Women’s Premier Leagues as our Premier Competitions partner.

A well-known Australian-based brand, Harvey Norman has multiple locations positioned directly within or adjacent to the NSFA footprint – Gordon, Belrose, North Ryde and the newly-opened premium store at Hornsby Westfield.

“This partnership with Harvey Norman reflects our shared desire to continue developing football within the region, and in particular providing opportunities for female footballers,” said Ed Ferguson, NSFA CEO.

“We are looking forward to working with Harvey Norman and its local stores over the next year across a variety of initiatives and events and hopefully build a foundation that will continue well into the future.”

“With over 80 football fields and close to 20,000 players in the Northern Suburbs Football Association catchment, you always know when football season has started,” commented Dan Matthews, Harvey Norman Electrical Proprietor, Hornsby store.

“Our local playing fields come alive with players from as young as 5 up to 77, all training and playing their hearts out. When you see those players getting fit and having fun, you witness first-hand why Harvey Norman have come on board as a major partner of the NSFA. 

“We look forward to working with the team on their priority focus of player retention, attraction and development and are committed to working with them to achieve their goal of 32% female player participation by 2023.”

Current offers

Get to know your local store: Carlo Di Clemente

Harvey Norman stores are owned and operated by local proprieters who are invested in the community. Meet Carlo Di Clemente from Harvey Norman Belrose!

Where did you grow up?

Brisbane, Queensland.

What is your favourite sport to play/watch?

I love NRL and NFL, Brisbane Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys are my teams.

How long have you worked for Harvey Norman for?

My career with Harvey Norman has reached 27 years. Currently Belrose is my 10^th Franchise with my first store in Hamilton country Victoria in 2001.

What is your favourite Harvey Norman memory?

My favourite memory was the first time I met Gerry Harvey in early 2001. As nervous as I was, it was noticeably clear why he is successful. Gerry told me the number one thing we do is People and to this very day I carry this ethos into my Business. People are the most important thing that we do.

What is your department?

AVIT Technology and Entertainment.

What products are trending now in your department?

iPhone 12 is the trending product of the month, and some amazing deals we have when connected to Optus Network.

What is your best advice to your customer?

A pandemic will always test our resolve as people and when tested, amazing people will rise to the challenge and do amazing things. Our customers have supported our business during these difficult months. For this I am truly thankful and look forward to seeing you at Harvey Norman Belrose soon!

We are pleased to announce Eilidh Mackay will be taking on a new role as Head of Female Football within NSFA.

Eilidh has worked full time for the past five years with NSFA in the role of Representative Programs Manager supporting Northern Tigers FC, XLR8 Player Development Programs and female football initiatives during this time. Eilidh is well known throughout the region due to her presence in XLR8, leading the Female Football Working Group and recently creating the Female Coach Mentoring Program.

Eilidh’s new role will see her continue bringing life to the Female Football Plan, released in early 2020, as NSFA looks ahead to the 2023 Women’s World Cup and lays the foundation ahead for the transformation of the game. Eilidh will spend more time in the community over the coming seasons, supporting Female Football Coordinators within Clubs to provide a multitude of attraction initiatives to the sport, help strengthen Club processes and opportunities to aid retention, and provide development opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers.

NSFA CEO Ed Ferguson made comment on the appointment. “This role is truly deserved for a person that has dedicated so much time and effort to football in our region as well as her passion for the female game. The NSFA community has responded extremely well to Eilidh’s efforts over the past two seasons in establishing key capability building programs and it is due to this response and the hunger for more female football opportunities that I am pleased to have Eilidh move into a new role as Head of Female Football.”

The Female Football Plan – What’s Best For Her –  is a ground breaking strategy that creates a roadmap for NSFA, our 30 member Clubs and our membership to work towards. It is the first of its kind from a grassroots Association and I believe we have the right strategy, structure in place and people on board. The next few years will be significant for female football ahead of the World Cup and we plan to be leading by example.”

Find out more about the Female Football Plan here.

Eilidh vacates her administrative duties at Northern Tigers, allowing well known Northern Tigers FC & XLR8 coach Daniel Febo to step into her shoes. Dan takes on a slightly adjusted role as Football Administration Manager, supporting the NSFA’s pathways pillar, XLR8 Player Development and Coach Education. Dan steps into the role after three years working within the community as a coach educator, Northern Tigers SAP and Youth coach as well as XLR8 Program Leader. Ferguson congratulated Dan on his new role.

“Dan has been a great addition to NSFA since he first joined us in 2018 and it is great to be able to provide an opportunity for him to experience football full time. Dan has been extremely passionate, dedicated to learning and always looking at ways to improve the football experience of those under his leadership. I am confident Dan will continue to evolve the FAM role and allow the Pathways pillar of the Future Football Strategy to become ever stronger.”

View the Future Football Strategic Plan here.

Contact Details

Eilidh Mackay – Head of Female Football – eilidh.mackay@nsfa.asn.au

Daniel Febo – Football Administration Manager – daniel.febo@nsfa.asn.au

The club would like to acknowledge the immense contribution made by departing Men’s First Grade captain Luke Dawson.

Dawso has made 199 Super League/NPL appearances for Men’s First Grade, placing him second on the all-time list. Club Technical Director Jason Eagar had this to say about his time at Tigers:

“Across ten 1^st Grade seasons as a Tigers player Dawso played in 6 Finals series, making 3 Grand Finals, winning 2 of those Grand Finals – a very successful period. Dawso has left a great legacy at the Club as a model Tigers player – hardworking, selfless, intelligent, positive, a great person!

“Dawso made a huge contribution on the field scoring important goals and making his trademark runs in behind from midfield. His contribution off the field has been just as valuable as Club Captain over the past couple of seasons, and as a mentor to the next generation of Tigers players as a SAP coach and Boys Youth Coach.

“Thank you Dawso it has been a pleasure to work with you since that first day I met you in 2010 at Mills Park!”

In preparation for a return to training, we implore all club members to familiarise themselves with the following documents:

Football NSW Return to Training Guidelines – the primary source of information for the football community.

Northern Tigers Return to Training Guidelines – provides information additional to the Football NSW guidelines specific to Northern Tigers FC.

Following this afternoon’s announcement from FFA, all Football NSW Competitions and community football activities have been suspended until 14^th April 2020.  This means all games, training and other football activities must cease.

The club will look into ways we can keep players engaged with Northern Tigers and football during those 4 weeks. Coaches will touch base with the players in the next few days.

As you can imagine this situation is evolving at a rapid rate, we will keep you informed with progressions as they happen.

Dear Northern Tigers FC members,

The NSFA Board met last night to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

It was decided that all NSFA football activities will be postponed until Friday 1^st May. The decision will allow for six weeks of planning to deliver a modified season, which at this stage will commence at the beginning of May.

Please note that as they involve NSFA registered players, all Development Squads have also been postponed until Friday 1^st May.

At this current time, we are awaiting further information from Football NSW in regards to competitions under which Northern Tigers FC sit. We expect to have further communication by COB today.

We will update you as soon as we hear anything.

Regards,

Edward Ferguson

NSFA & Northern Tigers – CEO

Posted at 10:01am, 17/03/20.

More info on COVID-19

For further information regarding self-isolation and testing, refer to the NSW Health website.

February 15-16

Mixed SAP

Saturday vs Hills at NTRA: U9/U10 from 10:30am, U11/U12 from 12:30pm.

Sunday vs North Sydney United at Cammeray Oval: U9 at 8am, U10 at 9am, U10 at 10am.

Men’s NPL

Saturday vs Newcastle Jets at NTRA: U18 at 3pm, U20 at 5pm.

Saturday vs New Lambton at NTRA: First Grade at 7pm.

Women’s NPL

Sunday vs Sydney University at NTRA: U14 at 9am, U15 at 10:25am, U17 at 12pm, Reserves at 1:35pm, Firsts at 3pm.

Girls SAP

Sunday vs Sydney University at Charles Bean: U10/U11 at 9am, U12 at 10am, U13 at 11am.

Youth NPL

Sunday vs Hills United at Charles Bean: U13 at 12pm, U14 at 1:25pm, U15 at 2:45pm, U16 at 4:20pm.

We would like to formally introduce our coaching staff for the 2020 season:

Club Technical Director

Jason Eagar

Girls SAP

Technical Director: Eilidh Mackay

Under 10’s: Isabella Foletta

Under 11’s: Saoirse Cobbe

Under 12’s: Malia Steinmetz

Under 13’s: Hannah McNulty

Assistant Coach: Melissa Garcia

Men’s NPL

Under 18’s: Richie Byrne

Under 20’s: Richie Byrne

U18’s/U20’s Assistant Coach: Raphael Blanchon 

First Grade: Adam Hett

First Grade Assistant Coach: Michael Rolston

Mixed SAP

Technical Director: Steve Hurd

Under 9’s: Ally Brown and Hamish Mahon

Under 10’s: Raphael Blanchon and Benji Sneddon

Under 11’s: Marc Messina and Aidan Hancock

Under 12’s: Tom Colfer and Dan Febo

Women’s NPL

Under 14’s: Danilo Gama

Under 14’s Assistant Coach: Melissa Garcia

Under 15’s: Steve Burns and Pat O’Sullivan

Under 17’s: Eilidh Mackay

Reserve Grade: Andrew Galbraith

First Grade: Jason Eagar and Pat O’Sullivan

Boys Youth NPL

Under 13’s: Darren Pratt

Under 14’s: Karim Moursi

Under 14’s Assistant Coach: Dan Febo

Under 15’s: George Georgiou

Under 16’s: Raphael Blanchon

Goalkeeper Coaches

Davide Del Giovine

Elliot Carwadine

We have released updated information regarding positions available and trials for the 2020 season.

Follow the link for more information and to register your interest.