Photo credit: Dan Ullman – Aptitude Photography
For Josie Wilson, her football journey has been defined by loyalty, growth, and a deep connection to the club she has called home since she was just 10 years old. Starting out at Lindfield Football Club at the age of five, her love for the game quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment, leading her through the ranks of Northern Tigers Football Club and all the way to the Women’s A-League with the Newcastle Jets.
Josie reflects on her 15-year journey with the Northern Tigers Football Club and what the future holds for women’s football in the region.
Where did your football journey begin?
My football journey began when I was 5 years old, playing for Lindfield Football Club.
Please talk us through your football career before joining the Northern Tigers including where and how you started playing NPL football.
I started playing for Lindfield Football Club when I was 5 years old and played there until I was 11 years old. When I was 10, in 2010, I trialled for the Northern Tigers Development Squad (what it was called back then) and made the team. I’ve been at Northern Tigers ever since!
What attracted you to join the Northern Tigers?
Northern Tigers was my local representative club. I loved football and wanted to challenge myself, so that’s why I joined Northern Tigers!
When did you join the Northern Tigers and how many seasons have you played for the Northern Tigers?
I played my first proper season in 2011, for the u12’s. This is my 15th year playing for Northern Tigers.
How many years have you been in the Senior Women’s squad for the Northern Tigers?
I started playing in the Senior Women’s squad for Northern Tigers when I was 15. This was back when the Women were in NPL2, so there was a group of us that would play in the U16s team and then stay back to play in the Reserve Grade or First Grade team a few hours later!
The Women’s team have had some great success over the past couple of years including winning the Sapphire Cup last year. What do you put the success of the Senior Women’s squad to and what aspirations do the team have for the season?
We have had some great success over the past few years, including winning the Sapphire Cup last year, making the Sapphire Cup final two years ago, and making two NPL1 Grand Finals in recent years. I’d say the main thing that has contributed to our success over the years is the supportive and inclusive environment at the club. Northern Tigers is different because it prioritises creating a team of people that are playing for each other, instead of a bunch of individuals playing for themselves. That sort of environment is unique and is why I think we have been so successful over the years.
You have enjoyed personal success over the past couple of years playing for the Newcastle Jets in the Women’s A-League. What has that experience been like?
Stepping up into A League has been an awesome experience. It has definitely been challenging at times, training at a high level of intensity every day was quite a big jump at first, and the level of competition to get minutes on the field is tough. But I’ve been very grateful for the experience, I feel I have improved a lot as a player and have loved the challenge.
How important is the Northern Tigers as a pathway for local female aspiring players?
Northern Tigers is hugely important for local female aspiring players! It’s a competitive environment that provides a pathway for players to advance. Northern Tigers has incredible coaches that work together to support each other and the players, and the club fosters a great environment for players to grow and learn.
I had played at Northern Tigers for my whole career, and progressed through every age group, before making the A-League. Without Northern Tigers I wouldn’t have been seen by the A-League coach who brought me in!
What would completion of the Home of Football mean to the Northern Tigers Senior Women’s squad?
The completion of the Home of Football would mean a lot to the Senior Women’s squad, and to the whole club. There has been talks of Northern Tigers having proper facilities and seating for probably over a decade now. Right now, I think we are the only NPL1 club without proper seating.
As NSFA is one of the biggest football associations in NSW, and football is one of the most popular sports, it’s important that we can have the facilities to support the growth of the sport and the development of the younger players coming through. Having a proper place for spectators to sit and watch comfortably, along with having better facilities, would give us the professional environment that we deserve as an NPL1 team.
What characteristics are Northern Tigers teams known for amongst their opponents?
We are known for having a really great team environment – we work hard, have fun, and play for each other and the club.