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2019 Men’s and Youth NPL Presentation Night

On Sunday September 8, our Men’s and Youth NPL teams celebrated the end of the 2019 season at Hornsby RSL Club.

After another strong year of results our teams were recognised for their hard work and commitment on and off the pitch throughout the season.

2019 Award Winners

Tigers Trademarks Club Award: Andrea Vitale

Golden Boot: Will Hodgson and Sam Parry

Goalkeeper of Year: Elliott Wheeler

The Flipper Award: Rich Byrne

Team Awards

Under 20’s

Players’ Player: Will DiMartino

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Oliver Scott

Under 18’s

Players’ Player: Paul Toepfer

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Luke Klusman

Under 16’s

Players’ Player: Sam Parry

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Dylan Lawson

Under 15’s

Players’ Player: Julien Vitale

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Bodie Denton

Under 14’s

Players’ Player: Javier Struve-Betancourt

Tigers Trademarks  Team Award: Asger Balle

Under 13’s

Players’ Player: Jake Da Silva

Tigers Trademarks  Team Award: Charlie Rengasamy

2019 Women’s NPL Presentation Night

On Friday August 30, our Women’s NPL teams celebrated the end of the 2019 season at Pymble Golf Club.

The evening capped off a phenomenal season for the club, with four teams qualifying for finals and Grand Final appearances for our Under 17’s and First Grade.

2019 Award Winners

Tigers Trademarks Club Award: Danielle Bartels

Five Years Service Awards: Penelope Knox, Mia Hing, Shivani Mehta, Saba Murray

Pat O’Sullivan Junior Player of the Year: Daisy Cheesman

Golden Boot: Daisy Arrowsmith

Goalkeeper of Year: Jodi Drever

Lip Sync Champions: Under 15’s

Team Awards

First Grade

Players’ Player: Malia Steinmetz

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Emma Smith

Reserve Grade

Players’ Player: Beth Bernardi

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Katie Philipson

Under 17’s

Players’ Player: Rosie Andrew

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Ashley Purcell

Under 15’s

Players’ Player: Lucca Taylor

Tigers Trademarks Team Award: Tara Watson

Under 14’s

Players’ Player: Chloe Callaghan

Tigers Trademarks  Team Award: Annabel Hutcheson

Women’s NPL Grand Finals

This season our Women’s NPL Under 17’s and First Grade have made club history by qualifying for their respective grand finals, and they need your support!

Both finals will be played on Sunday, September 1 at Valentine Sports Park, with our Under 17’s kicking off the action at 12:45pm against Football NSW Institute. First Grade are then in action at 5:45pm, taking on Sydney University.

Wear your Tigers colours and come along to cheer on the players!

Club Profile: Eilidh Mackay

Eilidh is currently the Girls SAP Technical Director, Boys Under 14’s Coach and Representative Programs Manager at Northern Tigers and a Program Leader for XLR8 Player Development!

How did you first get involved in coaching?

There was an opportunity to join a coach development program when I was at university in Scotland. This provided a variety of opportunities including running after school programs, coaching children with disabilities and being exposed to great learning experiences. I was intrigued by coaching and gained coaching qualifications in various sports, not just football. I didn’t regularly start coaching until 2015 when I decided to stay in Sydney and play for Northern Tigers. It didn’t take long for me to realise this was something I wanted to do with my time.

Do you think professional coaching should be exclusively for the advanced or elite player? Why/why not?

I think professional coaching should be available to all players. I think working with players of all levels help develop you as a coach.

All players in the game should have the opportunity to be exposed to a positive, engaging football environment whether they are dreaming of playing professionally or would like to play in a social competition with friends. Professional coaching assists players/teams/clubs to have a positive, engaging environment as they tend to have more resources and experience behind them.

How important is a coach in a players football experience?

Crucial, it is a big part of my WHY when it comes to coaching. This has stemmed from my experiences as a youth player and what I wish was available to me growing up. A coach plays the same role as a teacher and football can make up a huge part of a child’s life. They are a role model, an influencer who has a direct impact on a young person’s life.

How do you find coaching boys and young men?

Challenging. Rewarding.

I have coached both teenage girls and boys and from my experience, gender stereotypes are off base.

Is there any excuse that female cannot be technically and tactically on the same level as men in regards to football ability?

Absolutely not. However, obstacles that are preventing us currently:

  • Coach quality
  • Training and Game Facilities
  • Depth of participation which impacts team and competition selection
  • Genuine career pathway

When the culture changes to be fully inclusive to females in the game and this is happening. The expectation and standards to everything in the female game will improve and we will see female players be technically and tactically savvy as the guys.

Club Profile: Saoirse Cobbe

Saoirse is the current Northern Tigers Girls SAP Under 12’s Coach and also coaches with XLR8. She previously played with Northern Tigers for nine years after progressing from her junior club, Lane Cove FC.

How did you first become involved in playing football?

I used to play with my older brother and father in the backyard when I was very young and I then joined Lane Cove Football Club at aged 5. I played there for 6 years and was fortunate to have a really good coach who encouraged me to go further with my footballing ability. This lead me to being selected for the Northern Tigers Development team when I was 9 years old and then being selected to play for the Northern Tigers U12’s Girls representative team the following year. I played for the Northern Tigers for the last 9 years before I stopped playing this year to focus on coaching the Northern Tigers U12’s Girls SAP squad.

What made you take the step into coaching?

While playing at the Northern Tigers a friend persuaded me to attend a coaching course with her during the school holidays. I found it very interesting and really enjoyed it and was offered a coaching position at the NSFA Football School where I started doing school holiday coaching. It was my first experience of coaching young children which I enjoyed. The Football School then became XLR8 and the expanded program gave me more opportunities to coach and increase my learning and gave me my first coaching role with the Chatswood U14G team. This then led me to coach the Northern Tigers U12 Girls SAP this year.

What characteristics do you think are critical for a coach of young players to possess?

I’m still learning, however I’ve found that some of the important characteristics is patience and having a good connection with the players and being able to have a few laughs with them. I find younger players respond better and play better with positive encouragement but also by challenging them to continually improve, trying new skills and be prepared to work hard. By working and communicating with them and providing feedback as to how well they are doing then they will work better for you.

Can you describe the current coach mentoring role you have with XLR8?

My current coaching role at XLR8 involves assisting parent coaches and working with them to expand their coaching knowledge especially in how they are running sessions so they get the most out of their young players. This has allowed me to approach sessions in a different way including offering advice and helping them understand their aims for the session, identify any issues and what needs to be done to address them.

What would be your message to females across NSFA?

Girls football is going through a big explosion at the moment and it’s a great game for girls to play. I would encourage all girls to focus on the skills and ball control, the more confident they are with the ball then they will enjoy the game more and will be able to play at a higher level. Football gives girls great opportunities to make new friends, keep fit and play to a level they are comfortable at be it either social football or all the way to the Matildas!

Club Profile: Will Foristal

How long have you played for Northern Tigers?

This is my fifth season at Tigers!

Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?

The biggest influences in my career so far would be my  Under 15’s coach that decided I wasn’t a striker anymore and threw me at centre back, and also my mum for always getting me to training and games for the 10 years of playing.

Which clubs have you previously played for?

I’ve previously played for Spirit and Blacktown City.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

I love the Tigers culture. I love being able to play competitively with my best mates.

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

I’m a centre back now but I was a striker until I was 15.

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

Favourite club is Manchester United and favourite player would have to be Paul Scholes. I love the way he played: could hit the perfect long ball, big tackles and scored some belters.

What is your best football memory?

My best football memory would be winning the CHS state knockout competition in year 12. It was a great way to finish many years of high school football.

Club Profile: Servet Uzunlar

How long have you played for Northern Tigers?

Roughly 2 years.

Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?

My family

Which clubs have you previously played for?

Overseas clubs: Fortuna Hjorring – Denmark Ottawa Fury – CanadaChungbuk Sports Toto – South Korea Pali Blues – US Westfield W-League: Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

The people

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

Center back. Started as a striker / midfielder and then slowly found my way in the backline.

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

I loved Ryan Giggs growing up and supported Man United.

What is your best football memory?

Singing the National Anthem in front of my family in my first game at the 2011 Women’s World Cup

Club Profile: Malia Steinmetz

New Zealand international Malia Steinmetz has jumped in the deep end during her first season at the club, regularly starting in the middle of midfield or defence.

Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?

Would be the many teammates who have become close friends over the years. They’ve helped me grow and keep loving the game as it gets more competitive!

Which clubs have you previously played for?

In Auckland when I first started I played for Three Kings United and as I got older I moved to Forrest Hill Milford, who are still great supporters of me and my footballing career

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

I’m really enjoying the culture that you can see instilled in the club throughout the ages and from both the men’s and women’s teams. The girls I’ve also met have been brilliant I couldn’t have asked to be put in with a better bunch of people and coaches!

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

I play holding midfield and only recently kinda figured out that’s my preferred position. I’ve been put attacking mid a lot but just over the years began to find holding is more for me. I’ve also played centre back a few times this year for Tigers and that’s been an interesting learning curve. It’s been good to have more knowledge of the game by actually playing in different positions and seeing the perspectives from that part of the pitch.

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

I don’t really have any, never watched any of the leagues that go on unless it was the biggest match of the year. I was told to study Aaron Ramsey for a bit in terms of a player and how I want to be so I guess he was a favourite for me for a few weeks.

What is your best football memory?

In ninth grade I scored the winning goal of a match with a lob from halfway – I’ll never forget it!

Club Profile: Maddie Bart

Who have been the biggest influences in your football career?

First and foremost, my parents have played a very significant role in my football journey and I’m very grateful to have had their support over the years.

I’ve been very fortunate to have played for a number of great coaches, particularly Drew Taylor who I had for my last three seasons with the North Shore Mariners. I also really enjoyed being coached by Danny Hurwitz and Larry Bates and learnt a lot during my time with all of these coaches.

Which clubs have you previously played for?

I started playing when I was five with my local club, the Chatswood Rangers. I joined Manly United in the Under 12’s and stayed there for seven seasons before moving across to the North Shore Mariners. I spent a solid six seasons at Northbridge before joining the Tigers this year.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

My favourite thing about Tigers is the club culture. I’ve been really impressed by the camaraderie across the club and in particular by the overwhelming support we have received from the mens squad this year.

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

I’ve spent the majority of this season playing on the wing, a position I had never really played until this year. I’ve mostly played in the midfield through the years but don’t mind mixing it up.

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

To be honest, I mostly followed AFL and the Sydney Swans growing up and didn’t watch too much soccer. However, over the last few years I’ve really started getting behind the Matildas and my favourite player is Sam Kerr.

What is your best football memory?

When I was about 15/16 I was lucky enough to travel to Malaysia for a futsal tournament which was a very special experience.

Club Profile: Erica Di Sciascio

How long have you been playing for Northern Tigers?

This will be my third season at Northern Tigers.

Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?

My biggest influences in my football career have been my parents, always motivating me to do better in the sport and I think their involvement in my football career has really pushed me to do better.

Which clubs have you previously played for?

I’ve played for Football NSW Institute, NWS Koalas and Central Coast.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

I really enjoy the club culture and the supporting environment which is always a major benefit in such a competitive sport.

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

I currently play right back, I have been playing there for about 5 years, prior to that I played as a striker.

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

My favourite player is Sofia Huerta, she plays a similar position to me so watching her play is really enjoyable and I love her style of football, it’s really great to watch, highly recommend watching her play in the current NWSL.

What is your best football memory?

My best football memory is playing against and alongside previous and current W-League players, it really motivates me to do better and I learn a lot from those players, with more experience. When we play along the “big name teams” I really enjoy the opportunity to step up my game.

Annual Club Weekend Wrap-Up!

Our 2019 Annual Club Weekend was a magnificent success across both Saturday and Sunday at North Turramurra Recreation Area.

The weekend showcased the incredible culture within our club and gave members across all areas the opportunity to come together and enjoy some football.

A particular highlight was watching the Men’s First Grade and Girls SAP cheering along the Women’s First Grade together on Sunday afternoon up on the Northern Kop!

Players from across all our SAP and Development Squad programs got the opportunity to walk out onto the field our Men’s First Grade and Under 20’s and our Women’s First Grade and Reserve Grade.

Both First Grade teams were able to engage with plenty of our younger players during their respective poster signing sessions on Saturday and Sunday, giving them a unique experience they can remember for years to come.

With an incredible 32 games in action across the weekend from Under 9’s all the way through to First Grade, the club would like to thank the volunteers who helped set up fields, managed the barbecue and ensured the whole weekend ran smoothly.

It was also fantastic to welcome our local club representatives as well as State MP Alister Henskens and Federal MP Paul Fletcher to both First Grade matches across the weekend; giving them an insight into the Northern Tigers club environment with pre-game and half time comments from team coaches as well as showing our vision for further facilities at NTRA.

With only around a third of the season now completed, there’s still plenty of football left for all our teams and we are excited to see the club spirit that was on show last weekend throughout the remainder of the year!

Club Profile: Daisy Arrowsmith

The 20-year-old striker has continued on from her impressive pre-season, notching up three goals in the opening three weeks of the season for Women’s First Grade!

Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?

I’ve been so lucky to have amazing coaches in every team I’ve played with. Particularly, Billy Pappas, who coached me for four years starting in the Under 14’s; Larry Bates, who gave me my first chance in First Grade; and Stephen Peters who, despite only coaching me for one season, has always been a big support.

Which clubs have you previously played for?

I played junior football for Northbridge FC Under 12 C’s and A’s respectively before joining their first representative side two years later. I played at Northbridge FC/ North Shore Mariners for seven years and NWS Koalas for one year before making the move to Northern Tigers.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

I was particularly drawn to Northern Tigers as it has a fantastic club culture, where coaches and players alike are friendly and supportive. With First Grade, I believe we have a great combination of experience, youth, team morale and support from the coaches that will see us being pretty successful this year.

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

Previously, I have played as an attacking midfielder and out on the wings, but in the last few years I’ve played as a striker.

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

To be honest, I don’t follow much football outside of playing! When I do though, it’s hard not to be impressed by the likes of Sam Kerr, who makes it seem effortless to score goals.

What is your best football memory?

My best football memory would have to be scoring in my debut first grade game for Northbridge FC when I was 15 years old!

Club Profile: Josh Swadling

A new arrival to the club this season, Josh Swadling has made a strong start in green and white, earning himself a regular spot in the Men’s First Grade starting side.

Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?

Well there have been a few over the years that have helped me, but I would say number one would be my dad. He has helped me with a lot and helps me improve week in week out, he is very honest with how I have played in matches – he will let me know when I have had a bad or good game.

Then the three big guns from last year – Matt Crowell, Stu Davis and Dean Heffernan. These guys helped me a lot and made me believe in myself and even though I’m not at the club anymore they still check on me to see how I’m going. And lastly Andrew Ollier, I wouldn’t be here this year if it wasn’t for him so I appreciate him for that.

Which clubs have you previously played for?

I played my juniors at The Entrance before going to Central Coast Mariners Academy Under 20’s. I then went back to The Entrance for three years before joining Central Coast United last year.

What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?

The culture of the club, the boys made me feel really welcome straight from the start and that’s made my time here a lot easier. I also love that everyone has each other’s back and are willing to go right to the end.

What position do you play? Have you always played there?

I play left mid or left wing. I haven’t always played there, it wasn’t until I played at a higher level that the coaches moved me out wide, when I played for the Entrance I would play striker but I much prefer the wing.

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

My favourite club is Liverpool – since I started watching the Premier League I loved watching Steven Gerrard and how much passion and fight he had, that’s the way I try to play. My favourite player is Antoine Griezmann.

What is your best football memory?

My best football memory would have to be going back to back champions with the Entrance first grade a couple of years ago and last years grand final win with central coast United even though I didn’t get to play because of a knee injury it was still good to be a part of the day.

Men’s First Grade Season Preview

From the Coach – Adam Hett

What is the team’s biggest strength heading into the season?

With any Northern Tigers squad one of the biggest strengths is the team culture, there’s always been a really good vibe around the squad from the onset.

The other strength is that we have a very competitive squad and we’ve got cover in every single position. I think that competitiveness has helped to keep standards high at training and we’ve had a good pre-season as a result.

We’ve been lucky that we’ve kept the core group from last season together, with a couple of quality additions to the squad. We have a good mix of players – of a lot of lads that played Under 20’s last year and had a good season coming through and we’ve got a few older heads in the squad as well that will hopefully provide experience for the younger players.

What is the team looking to improve upon from last season?

One thing that we’ve spoken about, is that when you break the last season down into small moments, games where we conceded either early in the first half or late in the second half could’ve been the difference between us finishing fifth and finishing second.

So one of the things we’ve been focused on is making sure we start well, making sure that we finish well when we are in good positions and I think that’s the biggest thing the players need to take on board. If we can eradicate that from our game, with the additional quality that we’ve added, then we should be up for a really good season.

What match or matches are you looking forward to the most?

I think in particular, we have seven home games in the first nine rounds, so it’s very important that we get a good start and take advantage of that to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.

There’s a couple of them that stand out – obviously Bonnyrigg are going to have a strong side coming down from NPL1, Mounties seem to have put a good squad together on paper so those matches will be interesting. However every game is important and we need to look forward to each and every fixture.

First Five Rounds

Round 1 vs Macarthur Rams: Saturday March 2, 7pm, NTRA
Round 2 vs St George FC: Saturday March 9, 7pm, NTRA
Round 3 vs Hills United FC: Saturday March 16, 7pm, NTRA
Round 4 vs Spirit FC: Saturday March 23, 7pm, Christie Park
Round 5 vs Canterbury Bankstown FC: Saturday March 30, 7pm, NTRA

Click here to view all fixtures.

2019 Squad List

Player – 2018 Team

Shervin Adeli – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
John Bachelard – Northern Tigers First Grade
Ally Brown – Northern Tigers First Grade
Jamie Craig – Northern Tigers First Grade
Luke Dawson – Northern Tigers First Grade
Alex Di Ciano – Northern Tigers Under 20’s
Jordan Ferrier – Northern Tigers First Grade
Will Foristal – Northern Tigers First Grade
Joel Hardwick – Northern Tigers First Grade
Aidan Hancock – Northern Tigers First Grade
Nick Kalogerou – Northern Tigers First Grade
Tonu Liiband – Northern Tigers First Grade
Lachlan Lloyd – Northern Tigers Under 20’s
Liam McConaghy – Northern Tigers First Grade
Zach Morris – Northern Tigers First Grade
Karim Moursi – Northern Tigers First Grade
Rory Spiers – Northern Tigers First Grade
Josh Swadling – Central Coast United
Ben Taylor – Northern Tigers First Grade
Matthew Warner – Northern Tigers Under 20’s
Ollie Wiggin – Northern Tigers First Grade
Rhys Williams – Manly United
Cas Wolff – Northern Tigers Under 20’s

Phillips Embraces the Journey

Even with a potential place at the Women’s World Cup on the horizon, Women’s First Grade player Aimee Phillips is looking to take this year one day at a time.

Phillips only touched down in Sydney three weeks ago but has jumped straight into life at Northern Tigers, playing and training with the Women’s First Grade squad as well as coaching in the Girls SAP program and living with a host family from the club.

“It’s quite early, but I feel very welcomed and like I belong,” she said.

“I will take Tigers very seriously because I really care about the people that have made such an effort with me.

“I absolutely love it all, the programs, the coaching staff, my host family and I love the girls in the team, they’re always willing to help me.

“It’s been an amazing experience already, I’m very happy in Sydney.”

Phillips is currently in camp with the New Zealand national team for the Cup of Nations, which sees the Football Ferns compete against the Matildas, Argentina and Korea Republic across an eight-day period in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

The 27-year-old’s selection came after a trial camp in New Zealand earlier this year, following her playing stints in Serbia, Wales and Germany.

Phillips in camp with the Football Ferns this week.

“I’d worked very hard and been away in Europe for a year to improve myself and not being able to be selected [while overseas] was very frustrating for me,” she confessed.

“Getting chosen was down to a lot of people that put a lot of effort into me to train me the whole year so I was as best prepared for that trial as I could’ve been.

“When I saw my name on that list [for the Cup of Nations] it was a very emotional feeling.”

This is Phillips’ first call-up since November 2017, and gives her a chance to impress new coach Tom Sermanni, who took over the reins in October.

“It’s been an amazing experience coming back into the national environment and very refreshing, working towards the same goal together.

“I’ve really enjoyed the approach [from Tom and his coaching staff], it’s been very positive.

“I don’t know what the plans are in terms of playing time but like every member of the squad I’ll be ready if I’m given a chance.”

Having played in the New Zealand National Women’s League for over a decade and managing playing commitments alongside her work as a teacher, the winger’s career has taken a long journey to reach this stage.

“It’s been hard the last five years when I transitioned from full-time teacher into professional player,” she admitted.

“For me it was really hard to change my lifestyle and create a new identity, and I’ve finally got to the point where football is my passion and I’m at peace.

“I’m really just trying to enjoy every day of 2019 – trying to enjoy the moment a lot more and be grateful for the journey, because at times the journey can be very hard.

“In my path, everything has been hard, but with excellent rewards.”

Aimee Phillips has a Masters in Education and currently runs her own business teaching English as a second language. She is open to any new employment/career opportunities in Sydney, click here to contact her or view her LinkedIn profile here. 

The Cup of Nations commences on Thursday, February 28 at Leichardt Oval. Click here for more information.

Catch our Women’s First Grade in their final pre-season game this Sunday against Inter Lions! Kick-off at 3:30pm at North Turramurra Recreation Area.

Photo credits: Dan Ullman – aptitudephotography and New Zealand Football.