media

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/ 

A familiar face around NTRA on a Sunday, Pat O’Sullivan has coached his way through all the age groups of our Women’s NPL program – this season coaching the Under 15s (joint role with Steve Burns) and Reserve Grade!

How did you first get involved in football?

I grew up in Dublin playing Gaelic football (which is a little bit like AFL but with a round ball) and when I was 13 one of my teammates said a local football team needed a goalkeeper so I jumped at the chance and loved it. I played at representative levels as a goalkeeper in Ireland until I immigrated to Australia aged 23.

How did you first get involved with Northern Tigers?

One of my daughters (Ciara) was playing for Tigers and I got to know some of the coaches. When an opening came up to coach the U12 girls team I jumped at the opportunity.

Which clubs have you previously been involved with?

In Australia I didn’t play football for many years but then joined the Lindfield FC O35s for a few years and coached junior Lindfield teams that my 3 kids played for.

What do you like most about Northern Tigers as a club?

It is a real family club which for representative football is very unusual. It is a great club for young players to play at the highest level while making good mates.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

Each season I set out to create a safe but challenging environment for the girls I coach both in juniors and seniors. 

I work hard with the squad to develop every player individually and as a team and also encourage them to make mistakes.

From a football style perspective I look to build a very strong defensive foundation and from that encourage an attack minded mentality.

What is your best football memory?

Over the 10 years at Tigers I have many great memories but it is hard to look past the 2016 season when the Women were promoted to NPL1 and all five teams played in grand finals. Jason Eagar had become more involved with the Women’s side and asked me to take on the two senior teams that season. With huge help from Frank Warnink, Reserves went unbeaten all season and First Grade won the grand final. Ciara my daughter was in the squad and it was the first time I had coached her in reps. I was worried I would either be too hard on her or be seen to favour her. Towards the end of the season I was standing around with a group of players when Ciara took a bite from my sandwich and one of her teammates said you and Pat are quite close to which Ciara responded “Didn’t you know that Pat is my Dad?” – the player didn’t. So I guess I did get the balance right coaching her!

Do you have a favourite club / player? Who/why?

I am a huge Leeds United fan. In Ireland growing up they were the team to follow and I was lucky enough to trial for them. I am delighted they are back in the PL and playing beautiful Bielsa ball.

What do you enjoy the most about being involved in football?

Outside of having made some great friends, I love watching the young players come through the system. The great night in 2019 when the Women’s First Grade team played in the grand final, I loved sitting on the bench and watching Emma Watkins, Hannah McNulty, Josie Wilson and Sophie de Montemas shine having coached them through juniors.

Image thanks to Dan Ullman – Aptitude Photography.

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.

Men’s First Grade progressed into Round 6 of the Australia Cup Qualifiers, thumping Manly United with a 6-1 win!

Jack Fulton gave Tigers an early lead before setting up Bailey Rule on the verge of half time. Kai Denton scored the third just minutes into the second half, doubling his tally soon after thanks to another Fulton assist. Shervin Adeli and Ally Brown finished off the win in style.

Northern Tigers face local NSFA club Willoughby Dalleys FC this Wednesday June 1st, 6:30pm at North Turramurra Recreation Area! 

Willoughby Dalleys FC secured their spot in Round 6 with a 5-2 win over Wollongong Olympic on Tuesday night. They are also joined by Lindfield FC, who defeated Canterbury Bankstown FC 4-1 last week.

Lindfield will play away against Wollongong Wolves on Wednesday June 1st at Sir Ian McLennan Field, kicking off at 8pm. 

Our Men’s First Grade host Manly United tomorrow night at NTRA in a blockbuster clash for a spot in the next round!

Local NSFA club Willoughby Dalleys FC are in action tonight at Chatswood High School (7pm kick-off), looking to take the chance to play the winner of Tigers vs Manly in Round 6.

Lindfield FC progressed through last week with an impressive 4-1 win over Canterbury Bankstown FC!

Match Details

Northern Tigers Men’s First Grade vs Manly United

North Turramurra Recreation Area Synthetic, Wednesday May 25th, 6:30pm kick-off.

This season, Northern Tigers have partnered with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to implement Strength and Conditioning Programs for our players. We spoke to Technical Director, Jason Eagar, and High-Performance Sport Science Coordinator UTS, Greta Conlan to learn more about the programs!

‘We are looking forward to establishing an ongoing partnership with UTS to support the players each season’ said Jason. ‘The main purpose of the programs is to educate and train the players physical development with the support of highly qualified exercise science specialists’

‘Additionally, it is a great opportunity to discuss and test our Club systems with the UTS experts in terms of player conditioning, rehabilitation, recovery, speed development. Not only is it benefitting the players, but also allows for professional development for the coaches.’

Greta Conlan and her students have implemented a range of specific programs made uniquely for each group of players.

‘We have created and implemented programs for range of the Northern Tigers groups, including Youth Girls/Boys, Mixed/Girls SAP and Goalkeepers’ said Greta. ‘Each program has been created specifically to meet the needs of the players within the group.’

Jason explained that in consultation with UTS, they identified 3 key areas where we could leverage off the UTS program to support the player’s physical development:

1. Injury prevention for youth players (girls and boys)
2. Speed and Agility for SAP players (girls and boys)
3. Power development for Goalkeepers (all Goalkeepers in the Club)

Greta provided a detailed insight to each of the programs and its benefits:

Youth Females: The warmup program is an evidenced based program that will ensure the teams are physically and mentally prepared to start their training session. The strength/power session is designed to prevent injuries of the legs but also enhance strength and power of lower body and core muscles to improve strength and power in movements such as sprinting and jumping. The speed/agility program enhances the players ability to accelerate off the mark and change direction quickly and effectively.

Goalkeeper: These programs will help develop the athletes explosive power ability, which is a key performance metric for goalkeepers. In order to improve their power output, we aim to improve their movement ability and coordination, which in turn can help reduce the risk of injuries.

Boys SAP & Girls SAP: The players are being taught introductory techniques for speed and agility, to improve their movement efficiency. The drills provided are made to be fun, competitive, and interactive to increase engagement. The players are also being exposed to a variety of fundamental movement patterns to build their overall physical competencies.

Boys Youth: There is a particular focus on exposing the players to movements that will reduce their injury risk. Evidence-based strength, plyometric and mobility-based exercises utilised not only can minimise injury rates, but also enhance performance and efficiency on the field. 

Alongside improving the performance of our players, Greta explained the value of the experience for the students in their studies.

‘The students have learnt how to transfer theory into practice and have developed experience around coaching athletes of different ages, genders and abilities’ explained Greta. ‘This is an invaluable experience for the students and is vital to their development in the field of coaching. The students have also learnt that engagement is critical and making activities fun and competitive can assist with this’.

Thank you to Greta and the UTS students for providing this fantastic opportunity.

After a successful 2021 tournament, the Tigers Cup is back again this April School Holidays. We are calling all teams to enter and compete for the opportunity to take home the trophy!

Tigers Cup is one-day tournament for high performing community teams in the U8/U9/U10/U11/U12 age groups for mixed/boys teams. Teams are invited from a different associations across Sydney and Greater Sydney. The Tigers Cup is targeted at Division 1/Graded A teams at ambitious Clubs with a strong development focus.

The Tigers Cup is perfect opportunity to bond and prepare teams for the upcoming Winter Season. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to introduce new players to the teams , but also allows coaches to set the team standards both on and off the field. The Northern Tigers coaches are also available to support the coaches by providing video footage of the games which is key for team/player development.

The tournament will be held at Blackman Park on the highest quality, all-weather synthetic fields. Each day there will be official referees, first aid and ground controllers to ensure a safe, professional tournament. Our canteen and BBQ will also be open to sell food and drinks.

The winners, runners up and MVP will be awarded with official medals, and 1st place will take home the one and only – Tigers Cup!

If you are interested in entering, please fill in our Expression of Interest form and we will be in touch with more information about registering. Click here to fill out the form.

For full information, including dates, prices and registration, head to our ‘Tigers Cup’ event page. Click here to visit.

We hope to see you there!

Learn more about one of our new faces for 2022 – Under 10 Girls SAP coach Sai van Wegen!

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

I started coaching in 2019 with my local club Wakehurst FC, and have been working full-time in football since then in various roles and programs including Manly United, Sydney FC, Football Australia, Roseville, Narrabeen Sports High and several other clubs and schools, and I’m hoping to reach the highest level I can one day. 

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

I recently moved to Northern Tigers to further my coaching experience under the guidance and support of Eilidh Mackay and Jason Eagar. Since day one everyone has been very positive, supportive and friendly, and I’m really looking forward to enjoying a great season with the players and coaching staff.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

I like creating an enjoyable, creative, supportive and fun environment. I always try to make my sessions as realistic and game based as possible. In terms of style of play, I believe in not keeping possession for the sake of keeping possession, but instead trying to effectively move the ball to create as many goal scoring chances as possible.

What attracted you to join Northern Tigers? What do you like about the club?

I was attracted to the supportive programs that Northern Tigers offer to their coaches through mentoring but also a lot of collaboration, and the many opportunities to progress as a coach that are available here.

What goals do you have for the team this season?

Every time I coach my biggest focus is to ensure that the players enjoy their time on the field and they are excited to come back every week and every new season.

I also want to be a good role model for any aspiring coaches and players on their football journey, especially in the female side of the game to help grow female football in Australia.

Learn more about one of our new faces for 2022 – Under 16 Boys Youth and Development Squad coach Troy Sheather!

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

I first started coaching when I was 18 and still playing. I started with the u12’s and u14’s at Pennant Hills. I was also studying Human Movement/Sports Coaching at Uni at the time so it was a way for me to put into practice what we were learning in class. It was a great eye opener to see that what works perfectly on paper doesn’t always work perfectly on the field.

I really enjoyed coaching right from the start. Not just the technical and/or tactical side but also building a team culture and working with different personalities and skill levels. I stayed coaching at Pennant Hills for the next few years and also taught in school programs for YMCA and other smaller academies.

With a few years off here and there, over the last 30 years or so I have coached all age groups from u7-u18, predominantly in the grassroots area but also recently with the Development Squads at Northern Tigers and last season in NPL with Western Rage u15/16 youth teams.

For the last 4 years or so I have also been the Club Coach Co-ordinator at Hornsby Heights FC which has given me an opportunity to work with a range of coaches within HHFC and also from the XLR8 coaching team lead by Nick Marr and Jake Stephenson.

This season I am looking forward to working with the staff and players at Northern Tigers. I will also be taking a role as an academy coach for the Liverpool FC International Academy which will bring more knowledge and experience.

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

The Northern Tigers is a strong club with quality coaches and players.I’m excited to be involved with a club that I was first involved with as a junior almost 35 years ago.

The year will no doubt throw up some challenges but I am looking forward to seeing the players train hard, overcome obstacles and continue to develop over the season. We’ve had a few months together already and the players are talented, committed and ambitious. I think we have some good times ahead.

On a personal coaching level I look forward to learning and expanding my own coaching skills with the help of the experienced coaches involved in the Tigers set-up.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

I see myself as a Development Coach focussing on helping players become the best version of themselves. It’s important to create a positive team culture where the players are able to develop their physical, social, psychological and technical aspects not just for playing football but also to help them in their life away from football also.

The team is made up of 12-16 individuals all of whom have their ups and downs in life. I want the football field to be a place where they can forget about the outside world for 90 minutes and enjoy being amongst friends while still working hard, improving their understanding of the game and developing into better players.

What attracted you to join Northern Tigers? What do you like about the club?

My first involvement with the Tigers (KDSA) was as a player in the youth system many years ago. I have many fond memories of training and playing in the green and white. Since starting my coaching journey I have aspired to be involved with the Tigers again as they have many quality people and one of the better set-ups in the NPL system. As a coach it’s an ideal environment to work with skilful players and also keep expanding my own coaching knowledge and ability.

What goals do you have for the team this season?

The team is bursting with talent and has a great work ethic so I expect them to be very competitive this season. Of course we all want to win and that is the aim of the game however I prefer to focus on performance over results by challenging the players as individuals and as a team.

I’d like to see the players perform with confidence, intelligence, creativity and skill by developing their weak areas and further strengthening areas they are already good at.

If we get to the end of the season and the coaches and players can honestly say we put in our best effort throughout the season, had some ups and downs but created some memories along the way then that will be a success for me.

Learn more about one of our new faces for 2022 – Men’s First Grade assistant coach Chris Adams!

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

I started coaching when I was 16 back in the UK with some non league football clubs in Heybridge Swifts and Maldon Saints FC. With Heybridge I worked with the U18 side competing in the East Anglian Alliance league and also in the FA Youth Cup preliminary rounds. Upon moving to Australia, I then worked for Cockburn City Soccer Club in Western Australia in the WA NPL. I was Technical Director and also had spells as the U18 and Women’s State Premier League coach. During my time at Cockburn I was also fortunate to spend a lot of time around the first team with former Perth Glory full back Scott Miller which was a real insight into working with a senior first grade team and being as professional as possible at all times.

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

Working in the senior team I’m very much looking forward to working week to week to prepare the team to win at the weekend and achieve our goal of gaining promotion to NPL1. I worked with Adam on his B Licence and he is a great young coach plying his trade in the NPL and I am excited to be working alongside him as I think he has a big future as a coach here in Australia.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

Like most people I am a big fan of attacking football and looking to be on the front foot in matches which I know is a part of the Tigers Trademarks, for me a philosophy is more than just the X’s and O’s of the game and I would describe myself as an empathetic coach who looks to understand the players in the team and help them enjoy their football. The first grade lads will be coming from work, spending time away from their loved ones 3-4 times a week so It is important that you build a connection with them but also ensure that training is as professional as possible but ultimately enjoyable and something that they look forward to.

What attracted you to join Northern Tigers? What do you like about the club?

Being based on the North Shore I have always kept a close eye on the club, working now for the NSFA there is a strong connection there and for me it is a great chance to work with Hetty who I met on his B Licence course and also Jason as TD. I know the effort that has gone into the club and the real drive to get promoted and hopefully this is the year we can achieve that goal for the club and get into the top tier of football in NSW.

What goals do you have for the team this season?

Winning the league and gaining promotion to NPL1 and a nice little away trip in the FFA Cup round of 32!

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.