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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

Learn more about Darren Pratt, our Youth NPL Under 14s coach and one of our 2020 Club Trademarks Award winners!

How did you first get involved in football?

I first started playing as a four year old down at my local association club – Emu Plains (Nepean Association). I would look to find teams that needed extra players and would play as many games as possible every Saturday morning.

How did you first get involved with Northern Tigers? 

My son Josh was selected in the Tigers 18’s in 2020 and after some conversations with Jason Eagar I was offered the opportunity to coach the Youth 13’s that season. I absolutely loved it and thankfully got the opportunity again this season!

Which clubs have you previously been involved with?

I was involved with the Central Coast Mariners Academy for a few years in both the Senior Women’s and then in the Boys Youth.

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

The club culture is second to none. Everyone is always prepared to help you no matter what. No group is treated any different to the other irrespective of whether it is Men’s/Women’s, Girls/Boys or SAP. We are all equal – I love that!

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy is based on values; building a positive team culture that creates an environment where  players are prepared to work hard for each other, are disciplined both on and off the field, but most importantly are able to enjoy the environment we create as a group. Part of this philosophy is to be the best mentor I possibly can. It is not always about the football – What can I do to be a positive influence on that player? How can I contribute to making their experience a positive one in the hope they carry that forward in all aspects of their life?

What is your best football memory?

I have got so many good memories from playing, coaching and watching. From my playing days it would probably be being named Player of the Tour when I went to the UK and was singled out by Brian Clough with a couple of other lads. I would also say playing Over 35’s comps with my mates. And then watching my three children (Lucy, Hannah and Josh) fall in love with the game as youngsters and all still playing today.

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

Tottenham (Yes I am frustrated!). Messi – no explanation needed. Locally – Northern Tigers of course: Shev Adeli because he always gets his RPE in on time!

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

Undoubtedly the friendships you form over the seasons/years that last forever!

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.

Update: In-person club events for FightMND have been postponed. The online fundraiser and raffle remain open until July 13th.

This weekend (June 25-27) NSFA and its clubs, including Northern Tigers, will be conducting the association’s inaugural FightMND Round, aiming to increase awareness about Motor Neurone Disease (MND), raise funds for FightMND, and show our support for NSFA Competitions Manager Damian Miles (pictured centre), who has recently been diagnosed with MND.

Damian has been an employee at NSFA for the past 14 years, and is life member of both NSFA and the Ku-ring-gai & District Football Referees Association, in recognition of his significant contributions as a volunteer to both organisations outside of his paid role with NSFA.

Damian has also been heavily involved with NSFA representative club Northern Tigers, serving as the Men’s First Grade team manager for seven seasons.

There are several events and initiatives running across NSFA this week, full details below.

Damian will be at Warrimoo Oval on Sunday afternoon as St Ives FC hosts a big day of activities, including a cake stall, BBQ and ice bucket challenge. The ice bucket will take place at 12:45pm before the Women’s All-Age match. Everyone is welcome to come along, say g’day to Damian and be involved in the afternoon.

Fundraising

NSFA will be raising money for Fight MND through fundraising efforts, challenges, donations, and sales of merchandise.

NSFA will collect the money from all NSFA Clubs in participation and submit a donation on behalf of the football community each season.

You can make an online donation to the fundraiser here.

Online Raffle

NSFA is excited to confirm some fantastic prizes for our FightMND Fundraiser Raffle:

• 1st prize: Sydney FC Matchday box (valued at $700)
• 2nd prize: $400 gift voucher from NSFA sponsor Harvey Norman
• 3rd prize: $200 voucher from NSFA sponsor Petbarn
• 4th prize: 6-person barefoot bowls at Club Turramurra (valued at $120)
• 5th prize: St Ives Physio welfare pack (valued at $120)

Click here to purchase your raffle tickets!

Beanie Sales

FightMND beanies will be on sale at the following locations this weekend: NTRA, Warrimoo Oval, Berowra Oval, Regimental Oval, Blackman Park, Bales Park.

Beanies will be on sale for $20 each, with all proceeds to be donated to FightMND.

Juggling Challenge

The Fight MND Juggling Challenge will take place at the following locations on Saturday morning, with entrants required to make a $2 donation, complete the challenge and enter via a QR code displayed at the ground.

Locations:  NTRA, Warrimoo Oval (Saturday and Sunday), Berowra Oval, Regimental Oval, Blackman Park, Bales Park.

Prizes include:

• 1st prize: $200 Harvey Norman gift voucher
• 2nd prize: $100 Petbarn voucher
• 3rd prize: $100 Farina Pizzeria voucher

Tigers Legends Match

Two teams comprising of players from throughout Damian’s tenure with the Men’s First Grade team will be coming together to play a match at North Turramurra Recreation Area on Friday, June 25th (7pm kick-off, 8pm finish). Spectators are welcome to attend the match and join post-match festivities at Club Turramurra. Team lists will be announced shortly.

Why Round 12?

In football the crowd and support staff of a team is often referred to as the ‘12^th man’, providing additional support to those on the field to win the match and perform their best. Damian has been the 12^th man within NSFA, contributing significantly to NSFA, KDSA, KDFRA and Northern Tigers during his time involved.

Damian will forever be the 12^th man of local football within NSFA which we will recognise and celebrate each season.

About Motor Neurone Disease and Fight MND

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells (neurones) controlling the muscles that enable us to move around, speak, swallow and breathe fail to work normally and eventually die. With no nerves to activate them the muscles gradually weaken and waste. There is currently no truly effective treatment and no known cure.

Founded in 2014, FightMND was established with the purpose of finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. They are Australia’s leading independent MND Foundation funding large-scale collaborative research, drug development, clinical trials, and vital assistive equipment for Australians living with MND.

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

“Nutrition is massively important if you want to train at your best.”

Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France Champion

As the demands of training and game day are high, it is essential to fuel your bodies not only to replenish what you will lose in a given session, but also to ensure your body can maintain normal healthy function for the rest of the day.  As such the amount of food we need to consume is in general, far higher than is currently being consumed. This is particularly important for our women and junior girls teams, as energy deficiency (not enough fueling) has been found in almost 90% of female athletes.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in athletes can lead to:

• Disrupted menstrual cycle and fertility issues in females
• Increased risk of stress fractures, which may require up to 8 weeks of rest
• Decreased knee muscle strength, and therefore increased risk of muscle strains

By contrast, eating enough will:

• Support growth and development
• Enhance adaptation to training
• Improve mood and focus
• Minimise injury and illness
• Protect bones and fertility

Take home message: A good snack before playing, and a large nutritious meal after training and game day will go a long way! If you’re unsure if you’re eating enough, speak to your parents, your coach, or your team physio and we can put you in contact with a sports dietician and make sure you’re performing at your best.

Webinar – Fuel For Success

Click here to view the presentation from the above video.

Additional Nutrition Resources

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.