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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.

Women’s First Grade Season Preview

From the Coach – Jason Eagar

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

The Tigers culture always provides a foundation of strength to build upon. The new faces that have joined the Tigers family this season have seamlessly fitted into the squad and have importantly bought into the Club. Team unity, retention of key players and adding some quality players in vital positions are all strengths.

In 2019 the First Grade squad has more depth in terms of quality players across all positions than ever before, this creates a healthy competitive environment whereby all players need to be performing at a high level to challenge for a place in the starting eleven each week.

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

In 2018 we were more competitive in NPL1 compared to 2017, I am expecting we will be more competitive again in 2019 with another year’s experience at this level to call upon. It takes time to adjust to the quality and speed of play in NPL1. Playing against Matilda’s, Young Matilda’s, W League players week in week out has been a daunting task.

That mindset has changed for the 2019 season, the squad is embracing the challenge and this will be reflected in a positive proactive style of play. In 2018 the team showed a lot of grit and were effective defensively, in 2019 we aim to improve further in that area but importantly a key lesson from last season is to be more positive and score more goals! Plenty of the pre-season focus has been on recruiting attacking players, playing with an attacking mindset, and working hard on how to be effective in the final third creating and scoring goals.

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

At NPL1 level all games are important and we are looking forward to every game. Testing ourselves against the best is a great opportunity to assess our progress. In 2018 Sydney University set the benchmark, so that is one game we are looking forward to. At this stage our focus is on the FNSW Institute fixture in Round 1 this weekend.

First Five Rounds

Round 1 vs Football NSW Institute: Sunday March 10, 3pm, Valentine Sports Park
Round 2 vs Macarthur Rams: Sunday March 17, 5pm, Lynwood Park
Round 3 vs Blacktown Spartans: Sunday March 24, 3:30pm, NTRA
Round 4 vs NWS Koalas: Sunday March 31, 3:30pm, NTRA
Round 5 vs Manly United: Sunday April 7, 3:30pm, NTRA

2019 Season Streaming: You can now stream ALL Women’s First Grade matches for the upcoming season! On game day simply head to either the NPL NSW Facebook page or the Football NSW YouTube channel to catch the action.

Click here to view all fixtures.

2019 Squad List

Player – 2018 Team

Daisy Arrowsmith – North Shore Mariners
Madeleine Bart – North Shore Mariners
Danielle Bartels – Nepean FC
Michelle Brown – NWS Koalas/Northern Tigers
Ellie Brush – Northern Tigers
Eliza Campbell – Northern Tigers/Perth Glory
Erica Di Sciascio – Northern Tigers
Isabella Foletta – Football West NTC/Perth Glory
Ella Gibson – Northern Tigers
Shayna Killey – Northern Tigers
Hannah Mcnulty – Northern Tigers
Aimee Phillips – TSV Jena (Germany)
Amanda Skellern – Northern Tigers
Emma Smith – Northern Tigers
Malia Steinmetz – Northern Lights (New Zealand)
Kajal Todd – North Shore Mariners
Servet Uzunlar – Northern Tigers/Western Sydney Wanderers
Emma Watkins – Northern Tigers
Josie Wilson – Northern Tigers

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.

2019 Development Squads Launched

Northern Tigers FC launched the 2019 Development Squads on Friday at both North Turramurra Recreation Area and Charles Bean Oval, Lindfield.

The Development Squads are designed to underpin the existing SAP and NPL programs offered by the club, offering local NSFA players an additional training session per week to supplement their in-club commitments.

Sessions are delivered by accredited coaches from within the Northern Tigers set-up, utilising their experience with representative-level players to further develop the skills of participants.

Click here for more information and to register your interest for our 2019 Development Squads.

2019 Development Squad coaches:

Karim Moursi – Northern Tigers Youth NPL coach and Men’s First Grade player

Ally Brown – Northern Tigers Mixed SAP coach and Men’s First Grade player

Malia Steinmetz – Northern Tigers Girls SAP coach and Women’s First Grade player

Hannah McNulty – Northern Tigers Girls SAP coach and Women’s First Grade player

Dan Febo – Northern Tigers Mixed SAP coach

Raphael Blanchon – Northern Tigers Youth NPL coach

Rich Byrne – Northern Tigers Men’s NPL coach

Phillips joins Tigers

Northern Tigers FC are delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand international Aimee Phillips for the 2019 season.

The 27-year-old attacker becomes the second Football Fern to sign for the club for the new NPL campaign alongside Malia Steinmetz and will be targeting a place in the squad at next year’s Women’s World Cup.

Phillips is currently playing for FF USV Jena in the German second division, previously playing for Cardiff Met in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and for  ZFK Spartak Subotica in Serbia.

Tigers first grade co-coaches Jason Eagar and Pat O’Sullivan said “We are very pleased that a player with Aimee’s skill and experience will be playing for Tigers in 2019 and strengthens an already excellent squad that we have for the 2019 season.”

Phillips will join the squad in early February, and will assist in coaching Girls SAP teams throughout the season in conjunction with her playing commitments.

Photo credit – FF USV Jena.

Kids Go Free with Central Coast

Central Coast Mariners are offering FREE junior tickets* to members of NSFA and Northern Tigers for this Saturday’s match against Sydney FC at Central Coast Stadium!

By entering the code NSFACCM through Ticketek, you can redeem up to four FREE junior tickets with any Adult ticket purchase.

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/NSFACCM

*Adult ticket must be purchased in order to redeem free junior tickets. Junior tickets cover children aged 4 – 16 years inclusive. This offer applies to general admission and reserved seating categories.

Steinmetz Signs On for 2019

Northern Tigers FC are delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand international Malia Steinmetz for the 2019 Women’s NPL season.

The 19-year-old midfielder is currently in New Caledonia competing in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup for the Football Ferns as they look to qualify for next year’s Women’s World Cup.

Steinmetz, who turns 20 in January, has played at three under-age world cups for New Zealand, including captaining her team at this year’s Under-20 World Cup in France.

Women’s First Grade co-coaches Jason Eagar and Pat O’Sullivan said “We have some new faces already in the 2019 squad which has added strength in key areas and we are confident Malia’s skills and experience will add further value to the squad for the 2019 season.”

Steinmetz is currently playing club football in Auckland for the Northern Lights in the NZ Women’s National League.

As well as playing, she will be sharing her skills coaching Girls SAP teams throughout the season.

Uzunlar to Captain Wanderers

Northern Tigers FC would like to congratulate Women’s First Grade player Servet Uzunlar, after the 29-year-old was named as the Western Sydney Wanderers FC captain for the upcoming Westfield W-League season earlier today.

Uzunlar has been a key figure in the Northern Tigers set-up since joining the club in mid-2017, making 19 appearances and scoring five goals for First Grade during the 2018 NPL season.

The Wanderers kick off their campaign on Thursday night against Sydney FC at Marconi Stadium – 7:30pm kick-off.

Visit wswanderersfc.com.au for more information.

State Titles – Met Far North

Last week we had 22 players representing Met Far North in the Football NSW State Titles at Valentine Sports Park in the Girls Under 14, Girls Under 12 and Boys Under 12 age groups.

The Girls Under 14’s finished third overall, a fantastic achievement! Thanks to Michele Wilson and Ian Chan for providing photos from the week.

The Girls Under 12 and Boys Under 12 age groups played non-competition fixtures in line with the FNSW SAP structure.

Congratulations once again to the following players who were selected for their respective age groups: Eliza Brown, Jaide Brown, Chloe Callaghan, Kaitlyn Chan, Lucy Fien, Monique Hore, Ruth Hosie, Imogen Hungerford, Claudia Johnston, Tom Kalogerou, Lani Killick, Keely Macgregor, Grace Perring, Phoebe Riley, Lilli Spanton, Gabriella Stone, Kota Toyooka, Lucy Wartmann, Tara Watson, Ella Wilson, Laura Wilson, Isla Witham.

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