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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

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.

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 members,

I hope everyone has taken the time to refresh over the past 10 days and are now feeling ready to dive back into our season.

As per the NSW Government announcement yesterday, we will be in lockdown until 11:59pm Friday 16th July.

As per the directive from Football NSW, all football activity during this time is suspended and therefore participants are not covered by our Personal Accident insurance.

Assuming the lockdown ends on Fri 16 July:

• On Sunday 18 July all programs will have a scheduled training session at NTRA (times will be communicated mid next week).
• Weekend of 24/25 July will most likely be the earliest date for resumption of matches for all programs.

When we know more regarding the impact of this lockdown period on the competition draw and the season end date we will share it with you.

Yours in football,

Ed Ferguson – NSFA & Northern Tigers CEO

Northern Tigers FC is an ambitious NPL Club with a strategic focus on creating a high performance environment for players and coaches.

We are seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced, qualified and motivated football people to join Northern Tigers FC.

Northern Tigers FC is the representative arm of Northern Suburbs Football Association, with teams participating in FNSW NPL competitions:

• Men NPL
• Boys Youth NPL1
• Girls/Women NPL1
• Mixed SAP
• Girls SAP

Expressions of interest for roles in all of the above mentioned programs are welcome from:

• Head coaches
• Assistant coaches
• Goalkeeper coaches
• Strength & conditioning coaches
• Analysts
• Physiotherapists

Please submit:

1. One page summary highlighting your preferred program and role
2. Football CV (if applicable)

Click here to apply!

If you have any questions please contact Jason Eagar – technicaldirector@nsfa.asn.au 

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

On Friday we officially launched our 2021 season with an event at Club Turramurra.

Technical Director and Women’s First Grade Coach Jason Eagar and CEO Ed Ferguson opened proceedings and discussed the values and history of the club and outlined our future ambitions.

Throughout the evening First Grade players were presented with their playing jerseys for the year from former Tigers legends and club sponsors.

Gabriella Dal Pozzo (former Women’s First Grade captain), Paul Davies (former Men’s First Grade captain) and John Flower (former Tigers goalkeeper coach and KDSA representative player) reflected upon their experiences with Tigers and discussed how the club has changed since their time in green and white.

NSFA Board Member Mick Da Silva spoke to the Board’s ongoing support of Northern Tigers and its role within the NSFA football ecosystem as a pathway for talented local players and coaches.

Front of jersey sponsor representatives Alex Gardiner (Harvey Norman),  George Wahby (Petbarn/Greencross) and Joe Ricci (PCA) talked about their own football experiences and their eagerness to partner with the club for another season.

Men’s First Grade coach Adam Hett rounded off the evening with his own comments as a current coach and former player for Tigers and provided an insight into the preparation for the new season.

The club would like express its gratitude to Club Turramurra for hosting the event and to the players, club officials, sponsors and other VIPs for their attendance.

Click here to view more photos from the evening.

Photos thanks to Ron Paton.

“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

The W-League is back at Cromer Park this Sunday (February 21st) as Sydney FC take on Adelaide United!

The match kicks off at 4pm (gates open at 3pm), and Sydney FC are also hosting a FREE Girls Gala Day from 1:30pm on Cromer Park Field 2.

Northern Tigers central defender Ellie Brush is playing for Sydney FC this season, as are former Tigers Rachel Lowe (West Pymble junior) and Natalie Tobin (Berowra junior)!

Sydney FC are offering a FREE general admission ticket to any female who was a registered player with a NSFA community club or Northern Tigers during the 2020 winter season!

Complimentary tickets can be redeemed through this link by selecting unlock on Complimentary Ticket – Registered Player, and then entering your unique password ‘FFANumberFirstName’ i.e. 123456Sarah.

Each unique password must be redeemed separately.

Click here to register for the FREE Girls Gala Day (players aged 6 to 12).

Featured image thanks to Dan Ullman.

Women’s First Grade players Daisy Arrowsmith, Maddie Bart, Greta Kraszula and Hannah McNulty have been selected for the NPL New South Wales Women’s state team for their clash with the Football Queensland All-Stars this Saturday (December 12th). Maddie will also lead the side out as captain!

The team is coached by our Technical Director and Women’s First Grade Coach Jason Eagar, with Servet Uzunlar joining as Assistant Coach.

Click here to view the full squad and streaming details for the match.

The club would like to congratulate Amelia Bennett, Katia Clement, Genevieve Ho and Sarah Holt on being offered positions with the Football NSW Institute in 2021!

The Football NSW Institute is the official elite development program for girls U13 to U17 in New South Wales, and has a consistent track record of providing a pathway for players into the national teams system via the Junior Matildas.

Amelia (Northbridge junior), Katia and Genevieve (both Lindfield juniors) have progressed through our Mixed SAP program since joining the club, while Sarah (Prouille junior) has moved up the ranks in our Girls SAP program over the past four years.

We would also like to congratulate local NSFA player Anita Zordan on her selection. Anita has been playing in the NSFA Mixed Super League for North Sydney United.

Football boots were swapped for golf clubs last Friday in the Northern Tigers Club Golf Day.

Proceedings kicked off with a barbecue lunch from our XLR8 coaches at North Turramurra Golf Course, followed by a nine-hole team Ambrose thanks to James Macdonald and his team at Elite Golf NSW.

The day concluded at Club Turramurra (Turramurra Bowling Club) featuring presentations to club sponsors St Ives Physio and Club Turramurra and our Golf Day prize winners.

Thanks to club sponsors Harvey Norman, Besteam Sport Australia and Ive Group for providing prizes to the following winning players and teams:

Longest drive: Chris Bunyan

Nearest to pin: Jason Eagar

Third place: 1 under – Team Maher (Claudia Maher, David Maher, Andrew Novaro, Ben Chambers)

First place (tied): 3 under – GSAP Team (Rob Till, Chris Bunyan, Sam Jones, Eilidh Mackay) and Team Vitale (Andrea Vitale, Martin Vodden, Alan Hui)

Click here to view photos from the day on our Facebook page!