Capital Football https://capitalfootball.com.au/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:17:53 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.4 TRIO OF CLUBS CROWNED SOCIAL FUTSAL CHAMPIONS https://capitalfootball.com.au/trio-of-clubs-crowned-social-futsal-champions/ Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:03:51 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11964

Capital Futsal congratulates the winners of the Senior Futsal League Monday Division 1 and Division 2 Men’s Competition Finals as well as the Monday Division 1 Women’s Competition Finals. Monday Night saw three Grand Finals being played to conclude the 2023/24 season. The first match of the night was the Women’s Division 1 Final between […]

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Capital Futsal congratulates the winners of the Senior Futsal League Monday Division 1 and Division 2 Men’s Competition Finals as well as the Monday Division 1 Women’s Competition Finals.

Monday Night saw three Grand Finals being played to conclude the 2023/24 season. The first match of the night was the Women’s Division 1 Final between FSU and Sliced Bread. Both teams came into this match with tough fought semi-final wins which meant it would be first vs third in this Grand Final match.

This was a match that was entertaining from start to finish with both teams trading blows throughout the night. It would be FSU who would take the lead into the half time break going 2-1 up after being the more clinical with their opportunities.  The second half was almost a mirror image of the first with both teams creating chances but this time it was Sliced Bread who would capitalise and after a fast paced tough 40 minutes the scores were locked at 4-4 at full-time.

Extra time saw no breakthrough for wither side meaning that penalties would be needed to decide the outcome. The quality in both teams saw the first three penalties from both teams netted but then on the 4th substitute goalkeeper for Sliced Bread Ayla Robertson made a crucial save which led them to win the penalty shootout 5-4.

The second match of the night saw the Men’s Division 1 Final between Guzman FC and Gunners. There was no love lost in this fiery encounter with the second placed Gunners looking to beat fourth placed Guzman FC who has several of the CFL winning UC Stars members in their roster and what a physical battle this was.

Both teams looked to show their dominance on the court, but a reckless challenge led to Gunners having a man sent off after only just six minutes. Guzman FC were able to take advantage of the extra player and didn’t take long to establish a lead with two goals in the first half, extending that to three eight minutes after the restart. Gunners had several chances of their own but were unable to convert.

From that point on the game turned into a stop-start game with fouls being committed by both teams but at the end it was Guzman FC who held on for a hard fought 3-0 victory to be crowned Division 1 champions.

The last match of the evening saw the Men’s Division 2 Final between NCU and Bamboozlers FC.  With both teams in fine form and with the previous result between the two being 6-5 where two goals were scored late to see NCU take the victory a close encounter was expected.

It proved just that in the first half where if it wasn’t for outstanding performances in goals by Jakob Rathouski for Bamboozlers FC and Ray Moon for NCU the scorelines could have gotten out of hand, but because of the efforts of both keepers the half time score was 1-1.

NCU took an early lead in the second half and scored two more goals after to lead 4-1. Bamboozlers tried their best to find a way past Ray Moon in goal for NCU with even Rathouski having a keeper run himself but ultimately NCU showed their quality defensively and were crowned Division 2 Champions.

CHAMPIONS

SFL Monday Div 1 – Guzman FC

SFL Monday Div 2 – NCU

SFL Monday Div 1 Women’s – Sliced Bread

RUNNERS-UP

SFL Monday Div 1 – Gunners

SFL Monday Div 2 – Bamboozlers FC

SFL Monday Div 1 Women’s – FSU

Team Nominations are now open for the Winter Futsal season. You can nominate your team here.

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SIX CAPITAL FOOTBALL CLUBS RECIEVE FUNDING UNDER GROWING FOOTBALL COMMUNITY GRANTS https://capitalfootball.com.au/six-capital-football-clubs-recieve-funding-under-growing-football-community-grants/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:53:34 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11962

Football Australia is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Growing Football Fund’s Community Grants, generously supported by CommBank with six Capital Football clubs receiving funding. ANU WFC, Burns FC, Majura FC, South Canberra FC, UC Stars, and Yarabi FC have all benefitted under this fund. Capital Football congratulates the 1 Star Club Changer’ […]

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Football Australia is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Growing Football Fund’s Community Grants, generously supported by CommBank with six Capital Football clubs receiving funding. ANU WFC, Burns FC, Majura FC, South Canberra FC, UC Stars, and Yarabi FC have all benefitted under this fund.

Capital Football congratulates the 1 Star Club Changer’ clubs who have been awarded funding from the ‘Growing Football Fund’ grant program. Their grant submission focused on their commitment to grow their women’s and girls offerings in the Canberra community.

This is in line with their commitment to ‘Club Changer’ Club Development program, if you are keen to get your club involved please reach out to our Club Development Manager – Dylan at dylan.dj@capitalfootball.com.au

The Growing Football Fund’s Community Grants is a testament towards Football Australia’s and CommBank’s joint commitment to empower, support, and encourage women and girls across the nation to actively participate in the game. A diverse group of 121 clubs and associations from across the country have been selected to receive funding. These grants will support a range of initiatives aimed at:

  • Driving Participation: Creating new opportunities for engagement through come-and-try events
  • Enhancing Experience: Investing in coach development to improve the participant experience
  • Promoting Body Confidence: Removing white playing shorts to promote body confidence
  • Reducing Barriers: Proving fee subsidies to women and girls who are experiencing financial hardship

The collective impact of these initiatives will significantly contribute to Football Australia and CommBank’s shared goal of advancing gender equity and creating quality environments for women and girls within football.

Sarah Walsh, Head of Women’s Football, World Cup Legacy, and Inclusion at Football Australia, “We are delighted to recognise the outstanding efforts of our grant recipients in championing initiatives to drive the attraction and retention of women and girls in football.

“Their innovative approach to supporting our game plays a vital role in Football Australia’s chasing its ambitious goal of attracting and retaining 50,000 female participants across Australia over the next two years.”

James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, added, “The Growing Football Fund Community Grants represent a significant step forward in our efforts to make football the most inclusive and accessible sport in Australia. By supporting clubs and associations at the grassroots level, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for women’s football in our country.”

Dianne Everett, General Manager, Brand and Creative at CommBank said, “We are thrilled to see the first round of grant recipients take to the field and change the game for girls and women across the nation. Grassroots sport is a cornerstone of many communities, and supporting equal participation in sport will ensure a brighter future for communities across Australia.

“We are proud to partner with Football Australia to help play our part in forming the CommBank Matildas of tomorrow.”

At the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier featuring the CommBank Bank Matildas and Uzbekistan, two Victorian-based community football clubs – Kyneton District Soccer Club and Upfield Soccer Club – received special recognition during the half-time break.

Ron Cole, President of Kyneton District Soccer Club, highlighted the importance of the investment via the Growing Football Fund Community Grant into coach development, with 35 of their coaches being supported through training opportunities.

Wally Hanna, President of Upfield Soccer Club, shared his gratitude to CommBank and Football Australia for the funding that will assist 50 young women from refugee backgrounds through a fee subsidy for new players, stating, “This funding will support local families in relieving financial hardship and also help young refugee arrivals feel connected to their community, which is vital during the early stages of their settlement.”

Football Australia is excited to announce that another round of the Growing Football Fund Community Grants will be open for clubs and associations to apply for later this year.

CLICK HERE to view a full list of CommBank Growing Football Fund Community Grant recipients and more information on how to apply during the next round.

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CAPITAL FUTSAL CROWN CHAMPIONS OF FRIDAY DIV 4 AND 5, PLUS SUNDAY DIV 5 https://capitalfootball.com.au/capital-futsal-crown-champions-of-friday-div-4-and-5-plus-sunday-div-5/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:36:07 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11952

Congratulations to the winners of the Senior Futsal League Friday Div 4 and Div 5 Competition Finals as well as the Sunday Div 5 Competition Finals.   SFL Friday Div 4 Champions – Friday Night L SFL Friday Div 5 Champions – Spaghetti Soccer SFL Sunday Div 5 Champions – G.I.Joses   Friday night saw […]

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Congratulations to the winners of the Senior Futsal League Friday Div 4 and Div 5 Competition Finals as well as the Sunday Div 5 Competition Finals.
 
SFL Friday Div 4 Champions – Friday Night L
SFL Friday Div 5 Champions – Spaghetti Soccer
SFL Sunday Div 5 Champions – G.I.Joses
 
Friday night saw two Grand Final matches being played. First up was the div 4 competition saw “Friday Night L” take on “Big Chungus” for the championship. It was all one-way traffic in the first half with Friday night L taking advantage of some quick counter attacks to give them a big lead heading into the break. Second half started and it was Big Chungus who got a foot hold of the game, scoring three times in as many minutes to reduce the deficit. In the end it was Friday night L who came out on top with a 7-5 victory.
 
The second match of the night saw Spaghetti Soccer take on AL Many Men for the championship. The match was a close encounter with both teams displaying their talents. However, it was Spaghetti Soccer who showed their class in key moments of this tight match, crowning themselves as the champions for the 23/24 Season with a 5-3 Victory.
 
The Sunday Division 5 match saw another entertaining battle with the G.I.Joses taking on No Clue. The first half was dominated by G.I.Joses, who took full advantage of the chances they created. No Clue had chances of their own in the first half but were unable to capitalize. With a 4-0 scoreline at the break, No Clue needed to dig deep in the second half and get themselves back into the game, however it would be the G.I.Joses who would go on and win the championship with a 6-2 scoreline.
EOI’s are open for the Winter Futsal season, follow the link below.

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AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING: WANDERERS SET UP RIVERINA DERBY https://capitalfootball.com.au/australia-cup-qualifying-wanderers-set-up-riverina-derby/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:44:26 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11948

Wagga City Wanderers booked their passage into Round 4 of the Australia Cup Qualifying tournament, and a home tie with National Premier League Yoogali SC, following a 2-1 success over Brindabella Blues at Melrose Synthetic. In a match that featured eleven cards, both teams were reduced to ten men in the closing stages as Blues […]

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Wagga City Wanderers booked their passage into Round 4 of the Australia Cup Qualifying tournament, and a home tie with National Premier League Yoogali SC, following a 2-1 success over Brindabella Blues at Melrose Synthetic.

In a match that featured eleven cards, both teams were reduced to ten men in the closing stages as Blues goalscorer, Jamie Ward, and Wanderers defender Jackson Hunter, both saw red after a fracas developed immediately after Ward had reduced the deficit from close range.

The Brindabella substitute had steered home an Isaac Weekly cross with six minutes remaining to breathe life into the tie that had been sailing inexorably in favour of the visiting team who had taken control of proceedings in an excellent cup-tie.

Wanderers hit the front after twenty-six minutes when their lively front pairing of Jacob Ochieng and Morris Kadzola combined for a sweetly taken goal. Ochieng sent over an accurate cross from the left flank for Kadzola, sneaking in front of his marker, volleyed into the net.

Chances were rare in the opening half, but the game sprang into life after the break as Wanderers went back in front. Natheer Al-Hassan rather scuffed his shot at goal three minutes into the second-half, but the ball rebounded kindly for Ochieng who squeezed it home from an acute angle.

Shortly afterwards it was almost three, Blues goalkeeper Rhys Flissinger saving superbly from a rising drive struck at goal by Wanderers winger Zac Steele, the custodian palming over the bar in magnificent style.

There was drama at the death though as the Blues felt they had forced extra-time with an equalising goal in the 96th minute. A shot came back off the base of the post and ricocheted off the arm of midfielder Deng Aleer Deng, falling kindly for substitute Cuneyt Caglar to scramble it home.

After consultation with his Assistant, Referee Nathan Shakespear disallowed the goal for handball, much to the disappointment of the locals, but undoubtedly the correct call under the interpretation of the handball law.

It was a tough pill for Brindabella to swallow, but few could argue that the Wanderers, with their outstanding midfield duo of Nashwan Kheder and Max Prest in the ascendancy throughout, deserved to progress.

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING

Round 3

Saturday 16 March

Brindabella Blues 1 (Ward 84’) Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Kadzola 26’, Ochieng 48’)

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AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING: BLUE DEVILS OVERTURN THREE-GOAL DEFICIT https://capitalfootball.com.au/australia-cup-qualifying-blue-devils-overturn-three-goal-deficit/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 22:22:35 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11945

Belconnen United eased into the Australia Cup Qualifying Round 4 with a 6-3 victory over White Eagles at a sodden Kambah 2 after coming from 0-3 down after thirteen minutes to secure a home tie with national Premier League Gungahlin United. It was an astonishing turnaround by the Blue Devils whose Cup aspirations appeared on […]

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Belconnen United eased into the Australia Cup Qualifying Round 4 with a 6-3 victory over White Eagles at a sodden Kambah 2 after coming from 0-3 down after thirteen minutes to secure a home tie with national Premier League Gungahlin United.

It was an astonishing turnaround by the Blue Devils whose Cup aspirations appeared on the ropes after a sensational start to proceedings by White Eagles, who shook the former Cup winners to their very core with a three-goal blast that stunned the large crowd that had gathered despite the promise of inclement conditions.

Eagles struck early, Liam Vickers raced in behind the Belconnen defence and lifted a sublime finish over the advancing Jamie-Lee Guo, to send the home support into raptures, and they were on their feet again just three minutes later as Mohammed Ziae scored from a similar position, Vickers providing the astute pass to free the winger who finished accurately.

And it was dreamtime for Eagles after thirteen minutes. A back-header from Stefan Avric looped over his own goalkeeper and hit the base of the post allowing Panos Morogiannis with perhaps the easiest goal of his career, the forward following up to tap in from almost on the line.

Shaken into action, Belconnen responded accordingly, and Jayde James-Ward danced his way into the area to slam a low shot past Mahmoud Halawani at his near post. The Eagles ‘keeper then saved bravely from James-Ward but could nothing to prevent the same plyer reducing the deficit six minutes from the break.

Harry Billington made inroads down the right flank, and his precise cutback was turned past Halawani by James-Ward stationed close to the penalty spot. Unbelievably the game was level three minutes later, Avric atoning for his defensive lapse by slamming home a loose ball inside the box after Halawani had made a smart save.

From that point on it looked likely to be Belconnen’s night, and they completed a memorable turnaround when James-Ward notched his hat-trick just past the hour-mark turning Eagles’ early dreams into a nightmare. As the torrential rain cascaded down, Dan Nguyen flighted over a pinpoint centre that James-Ward, on the bounce, nodded into the net.

Halawani was later credited with an own goal, Alex Ogbonna’s header coming back off the post and rebounding into the net off the back of the stranded goalkeeper, before Luke Vallone got the goal his industrious work deserved, arriving at the far post to volley in and complete a night of cup drama.

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING

Round 3

Thursday 14 March

White Eagles 3 (Vickers 6’. Ziae 9’, Morogiannis 13’) Belconnen United 6 (James-Ward 18’, 39’, 62’, Avric 42’, Halawani 71’ (og), Vallone 86’)

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SUBWAY SOCCEROOS SQUAD FOR LEBANON WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS REVEALED https://capitalfootball.com.au/subway-socceroos-squad-for-lebanon-world-cup-qualifiers-revealed/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:38 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11942

Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold has named an extended 25-man squad for Australia’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers against Lebanon. The Subway Socceroos are set to face Lebanon at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Thursday, 21 March before travelling to GIO Stadium, Canberra for a match on Tuesday, 26 March. The qualifier at GIO […]

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Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold has named an extended 25-man squad for Australia’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers against Lebanon.

The Subway Socceroos are set to face Lebanon at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Thursday, 21 March before travelling to GIO Stadium, Canberra for a match on Tuesday, 26 March.

The qualifier at GIO Stadium will be designated as a home game for Lebanon, who have opted to play in Australia due to the current circumstances in the Middle East, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) requesting this fixture be played in a neutral territory.

The March FIFA Men’s International Window sees the resumption of the Second Round of qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026™, following the recent AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ in which Australia made the Quarter Finals.

Ajdin Hrustic (Heracles Almelo) has been named in a Subway Socceroos’ squad for the first time since June 2023, following a successful move to the Eredivisie (Netherlands) during the January transfer window.

Adam Taggart (Perth Glory FC) also returns to the national team off the back of strong form in the Isuzu UTE A-League, also joined by Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers FC) following his recovery from an ankle injury and Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory FC).

Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth FC) returns to Australia off the back of a brace against Burton in EFL League One on Tuesday evening, while Riley McGree (Middlesborough FC) was also in the goals this week in the EFL Championship ahead of his call up.

Patrick Yazbek (Viking FK) – originally named for the Subway Olyroos’ squad for a tournament in Saudi Arabia during the upcoming window – has been called up to the senior team as a result of several players being currently unavailable.

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ squad members Aziz Behich (calf), Martin Boyle (concussion), Aiden O’Neill (suspension/ankle) and Marco Tilio (hamstring) have all been ruled out of the upcoming qualifiers against Lebanon.

Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold said his side’s full focus was now on their journey to international football’s showpiece event being held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“As a group we took a lot away from our time in Qatar and I’ve got no doubt that we’ll be better for the experience as we work towards World Cup qualification,” Arnold said.

“We selected a number of younger, inexperienced players for the Asian Cup with the view of giving them more opportunities at international level as well as exposing them to tournament conditions.

“It’s part of our continued regeneration of the senior national team squad, ensuring that in two years’ time we have the depth and experience required to succeed on international football’s biggest stage.”

Arnold added that while injury forced him into some changes, he had largely looked to reward those players who had been part of Australia’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ campaign.

“We’ve gone with a similar squad to the one we took to the Asian Cup, and they’ll be prepared to face a side in Lebanon that have a lot to play for,” added Arnold.

“It’ll be a great test for the group and one I know they’re very much looking forward to,” Arnold concluded.

To find out all the latest information on fixtures, results and Second Round Qualification updates please click here.

The Subway Socceroos FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers will be broadcast live thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, 10 Paramount.

MATCH DETAILS

Subway Socceroos v Lebanon

Thursday, 21 March 2024
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta

Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $30 Adult, $80 Family via Ticketek

Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+

Lebanon v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
GIO Stadium, Canberra

Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $25 Adult, and $50 Family via Ticketek

Broadcast: 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+

SUBWAY SOCCEROOS’ SQUAD l MARCH FIFA MEN’S INTERNATIONAL WINDOW

Name Current Club, Country ‘A’ Caps (Goals) Junior Club (Member Federation/Country)
Nathaniel ATKINSON Heart of Midlothian FC, Scotland 12 (0) Riverside Olympic FC / Football Tasmania
Keanu BACCUS St Mirren FC, Scotland 17 (0) Parklea FC / Football New South Wales
Brandon BORRELLO Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia 11 (2) Modbury Jets SC / Football South Australia
Jordy BOS K.V.C Westerlo, Belgium 12 (0) Hoppers Crossing SC / Football Victoria
Cameron BURGESS Ipswich Town FC, England 6 (0) ECU Joondalup / Football West
Thomas DENG Albirex Niigata, Japan 3 (0) Adelaide Blue Eagles / Football South Australia
Mitchell DUKE FC Machida Zelvia, Japan 37 (12) Liverpool Rangers SC / Football New South Wales
Bruno FORNAROLI Melbourne Victory FC, Australia 7 (0) Club Nacional de Football (Uruguay)
Joe GAUCI (Gk) Adelaide United FC, Australia 2 (0) Cumberland United FC / Football South Australia
Thomas GLOVER (Gk) Middlesbrough FC, England 0 Menai Hawks / Football New South Wales
Craig GOODWIN Al Wehda FC, Saudi Arabia 24 (4) Munno Para City FC / Football South Australia
Ajdin HRUSTIC Heracles Almelo, Netherlands 24 (3) Heatherton United SC / Football Victoria
John IREDALE SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Germany 0 West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook / Football New South Wales
Jackson IRVINE FC St Pauli, Germany 66 (11) Ringwood City SC / Football Victoria
Gethin JONES Bolton Wanderers FC, England 4 (0) Wrexham FC (Youth), Wales
Riley MCGREE Middlesbrough FC, England 24 (1) Gawler Eagles FC / Football South Australia
Connor METCALFE FC St. Pauli, Germany 19 (0) South Cardiff FC / Northern NSW Football
Lewis MILLER Hibernian FC, Scotland 6 (0) Pittwater RSL FC / Football New South Wales
Kye ROWLES Heart of Midlothian FC, Scotland 18 (0) Palm Beach SC / Football Queensland
Mathew RYAN (Gk) (C) AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands 91 (0) Blacktown City FC / Football New South Wales
Sam SILVERA Middlesbrough FC, England 5 (0) Blacktown City FC / Football New South Wales
Harry SOUTTAR Leicester City FC, England 27 (11) Brechin City Boys Club (Scotland)
Adam TAGGART Perth Glory FC, Australia 17 (6) ECU Joondalup / Football West
Patrick YAZBEK Viking FK, Norway 0 Austral Soccer Club / Football New South Wales
Kusini YENGI Portsmouth FC, England 4 (0) Fulham United FC / Football South Australia

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2024 NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUES AND DATES ANNOUNCED https://capitalfootball.com.au/2024-national-youth-championships-venues-and-dates-announced/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 03:00:32 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11937

Football Australia is pleased to announce that the 2024 National Youth Championships will be held in Melbourne and across Wollongong throughout the month of July. Taking place over 12 days, this year’s National Youth Championships will be held at the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Melbourne for the Under 15 and […]

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Football Australia is pleased to announce that the 2024 National Youth Championships will be held in Melbourne and across Wollongong throughout the month of July.

Taking place over 12 days, this year’s National Youth Championships will be held at the Home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Melbourne for the Under 15 and 16 Girls (3 – 8 July), and WIN Stadium, JJ Kelly Park and Ian McLennan Park in Wollongong for the Under 15 and 16 Boys (16 – 21 July).

The National Youth Championships are the flagship youth event in the Australian football calendar, with teams from Football Australia’s nine State and Territory Member Federations competing not only to claim the coveted national title, but to impress attending national team technical staff.

Embedded within Football Australia’s talent identification scheme, the National Youth Championships serves as a crucial stepping-stone for young players with many of today’s CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos tracing their beginnings to the tournament.

Players like Jordan Bos (Football VIC), Ellie Carpenter (Football NSW) Caitlin Foord (Football NSW), Rhyan Grant (Football NSW), Sam Kerr (Football West), Harry Kewell (Football NSW), Mark Milligan (Football NSW), Lucas Neill (Football NSW), Hayley Raso (Football QLD) and Cortnee Vine (Football QLD) have all progressed through the National Youth Championships pathway just to name a few.

The Girls’ tournament will feature up to 24 teams from across Australia, while the Boys’ tournament will feature 32 teams from across Australia, an increase of six from last year’s tournament.

The annual National Youth Championships not only provide an opportunity for aspiring young players to showcase their skills, but also coaches, officials and technical staff a chance to learn and grow in their respective fields.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said: “We are very excited to once again hold the National Youth Championships and witness the rise of the next generation of Australian Football in both the Boys’ and Girls’ tournaments.”

“The National Youth Championships are more than just a tournament; they are the pinnacle of youth competitions on the Australian football calendar. The National Youth Championships are renowned as the breeding grounds where future Subway Socceroos and CommBank Matildas are forged and nurtured, showcasing the bright future of Australian football.

“We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the NSW Government and Victorian Government for their ongoing support of Australian football and our elite pathways,” Johnson concluded.

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “We’re proud to support women’s football, from grassroots to the elite, and look forward to hosting teams from around the country right here in Victoria – the sports capital of Australia.”

“Events like this provide pathways for our star players of the future, and our investment in the Home of the Matildas will help bring out the best from our nation’s young athletes.”

The National Youth Championships will deliver strong economic benefits to the local economy, while competitors will experience some of New South Wales’ best regional sporting facilities when the Illawarra hosts the Boys’ event.

Destination Wollongong’s General Manager Mark Sleigh said: “We are excited to welcome the nation’s most talented up-and-coming footballers back to Wollongong, this time for the 2024 National Youth Championships Boys’ tournament.

“A proven pathways event for junior players who will showcase Wollongong’s premier football fields and seaside stadium. This six-day event will also have a significant economic boost to the visitor economy during our winter season.”

2024 National Youth Championships – Girls

Venue: Home of the Matildas, Bundoora, Victoria

Dates: 3 – 8 July 2024

2024 National Youth Championships – Boys

Venues: WIN Stadium, JJ Kelly Park and Ian McLennan Park, Wollongong, NSW

Dates: 16 – 21 July 2024

Fixtures and further information will be communicated in the coming months.

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FOOTBALL PEOPLE: NICO ABOT, THE FOOTBALL BACKPACKER https://capitalfootball.com.au/football-people-nico-abot-the-football-backpacker/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:50:25 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11931

While most footballers aspire to reach their own targeted career heights, there is another route that is scarcely heard of in the modern game, where a player uses their ability as a means to travel the world. In the case of Queanbeyan City’s Nico Abot, even the most well-documented football journeymen look amateurish in comparison […]

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While most footballers aspire to reach their own targeted career heights, there is another route that is scarcely heard of in the modern game, where a player uses their ability as a means to travel the world.

In the case of Queanbeyan City’s Nico Abot, even the most well-documented football journeymen look amateurish in comparison to the Argentine’s career trajectory, having played in 14 different countries, across 35 senior clubs, and due to this, being dubbed the ‘Football Backpacker.’

Although the 38-year-old has been all over the world, there’s something about playing in Canberra that always seems to bring out the best in his game.

“In Australia, I always feel better here, I don’t know why but I always score a lot of goals,” Abot said.

Having grown up in the small Argentinian city Mar del Plata, Abot was always bound to catch the football bug, a love for the game that is collectively shared nationwide.

“In Argentina, every kid wants [to] be a football player,” he explained. “You play for a club, you play in school, you play on the street, if you watch TV; football, radio football, people in the bar talking about football, it’s life…it’s like a fire for us, like a passion.

“I started to play football at five years old…I don’t really know when I made this click, to know I wanted to be a professional, because I was always working in the moment to be better next year.”

Starting off his career at his local city side Racing Club de Lamadrid, Abot finally made the big move to a professional club, Club Olimpo, where he played for around four years in the second team.                     

“When I started at Olimpo I felt very well because for two years I was with professional football players,” he recalled. “I played for example with Carlos Roa, he played in the 1998 World Cup as a goalkeeper, when Argentina beat England, he stopped a penalty.

“For me, I was there training penalties with a keeper who played in the World Cup…it’s nice because when you meet some player like this, you try to look a lot at what they do, because they are experienced.”

Coming from a small city in Argentina, Abot knew that if he wasn’t going to play in his home nation, travelling abroad would be his only chance of securing a football career, rather than working at home in another occupation.

“I worked hard to have an opportunity, but for other players with agents, they scored less goals than me but they played, and there I understood, football is business,” he said. “I said, ‘I need to go away because I will not play here’.

“It was very sad for me, but it was a good moment to understand,” he said. “I said, ‘I don’t care if these people don’t do business with me, I will continue to try to live my dream, and that is when I started to travel.”

With one clear goal in mind, to play football for a living, he headed overseas, starting in Costa Rica and Ecuador, before returning to Argentina, where he achieved his first minutes of his senior career in the third and fourth tiers.

However, in 2009, Abot’s career took a steep upward trajectory when he signed with Venezuelan side Zamora FC, a club that at the time were competing in the Copa Sudamericana, a competition he had always dreamed of playing in. Following a 17-minute cameo off the bench in a First Round match, Abot’s ambition was fulfilled, still very early in his football journey.

“It was amazing because the stadium was full…maybe 35 000 people or something like that,” he recalled. “When you’re running to the line, waiting for the referee to make the substitution, you say now is the moment, you have worked for a long time to be there, try to enjoy it.

“Sometimes it is difficult in the moment because you’re just thinking about playing, but after you know, I said I made this dream, and I need to continue.”

The match was made even more special for Abot, as it was broadcast back home.

“They put the match on Fox Sports, and in Argentina, they could watch my game, I knew my family would be watching the game,” he said. “In that moment, a big channel [putting] the match on, I felt like they [were] close to me.”

Succeeding this accomplishment, Abot’s ensuing years of travel each brought with them their own memorable moments, from working in the Latvian top tier under Russian legend Andrei Kanchelskis, to appearing for Bolivian powerhouses Blooming.

As to how these moves came about, there is one key factor that has allowed Abot to follow his dream.

“Connections with people,” he said. “Now because I’m older, some friends who played with me 10 years ago, they are coaches now.

“Many times I call people… I’m not shy, if I need to call 10 teams and say, ‘[do] you need a striker?’, no worries, because it’s my life.

“For that I always say in life you must be a good person, if you are a good person, it doesn’t matter if you score 10 goals or not, in the end you have some connection, for me that is more important.”

Through these relationships he’s made, the Argentine has been afforded these opportunities in many prominent football nations, while moves to more obscure leagues have also featured in Abot’s career path, none more so than his stint in the Gozo Football League, a competition played on an island off Malta.

“In this situation my friend was playing there and said, ‘Nico, the coach told me he is looking for a striker, do you want to come?’” he commented, when questioned on how the move came about. “I said, Malta is a beautiful country near Italy…first division, why not?”

Being a football backpacker, it was only a matter of time before the Argentine landed on Australian shores, signing for Tigers FC ahead of the 2016 NPL season.

“The coach Gabriel Wilk was from Argentina,” Abot explained. “It was nice because in Australia we play only 6 months a year, but in that moment, the championship finished in September and I moved straight away to play in New Zealand, [where] they play from September to March.”

After three seasons with Tigers FC, and one with Gungahlin United, the forward has found a new home at Queanbeyan City, where he is gearing up for the 2024 Capital Premier League (CPL) campaign, off the back of his most productive goal-scoring season yet. Abot attributes his 21-goal haul in 2023 to the belief exhibited by coach and former teammate Goran Josifovski, off the back of a serious injury.

“I was so happy because they called me when I broke my Achilles in Gungahlin, before my surgery,” he said. “When somebody calls you and trusts you before you have a big operation at 37 years old, it must be a big responsibility to say yes, and recover faster.

“I remember a few matches I was unfit for sure, and careful of my Achilles, but because the coach knew me and gave me the confidence, after you [could] see I started to score.”

Although Abot has lived his dream, a career dominated by constant change has often brought with it many challenges that were and remain significantly prevalent throughout his journey.

“It’s hard because you always miss your family, your friends, [for] some important date you are far away,” he said. “But because I decided to have this style of life, I’m not thinking too much about that.

“What I’m always thinking is, my friends and my family are there…and when you go to another country, another city, you make new friends for life, and I think about positive things.”

Nearing the end of his incredible career, Abot has his sights set on potential history.

“I need to play in Africa, because if I score in Africa… maybe I will be the first person to score a goal in every continent,” he said. “Maybe it can be a record, but I need to do it before I retire, to make this dream come true, like a gift for my career.

“Every year I say one more year, and when I finish, I finish, but I need to be sure I gave 100%.”

Words: Sam Watson

 

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Knights’ Write More Club History with Maiden Charity Shield Victory https://capitalfootball.com.au/knights-write-more-club-history-with-maiden-charity-shield-victory/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:30:11 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11926

O’Connor Knights have won back bragging rights in the Derby against Canberra Croatia, with their Charity Shield victory signalling the potential continuation of another successful season in 2024. The Knights eased to victory thanks to goals from Micheal Adams, from the penalty spot, and Aisosa Ihegie. O’Connor Assistant Coach Nick Tither spoke on the importance […]

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O’Connor Knights have won back bragging rights in the Derby against Canberra Croatia, with their Charity Shield victory signalling the potential continuation of another successful season in 2024.

The Knights eased to victory thanks to goals from Micheal Adams, from the penalty spot, and Aisosa Ihegie.

O’Connor Assistant Coach Nick Tither spoke on the importance of starting their season with silverware.

“We are delighted to win a trophy,” he said. “Obviously it is the first trophy of the season, so it is important to get off to a good start, we had a good year last year, but it does not really count for much this year.

“To get off to a good start means the lads have worked hard in preseason so it’s a good foundation to build on.”

Echoing head coach Miro Trninic’s sentiment that a victory would set O’Connor up well for the impending NPL season, Tither indicated the club’s ambitions to enhance their dominance in the top tier of ACT football.

“I think winning trophies and being successful is a bit of a culture you’re trying to build,” he explained. “The more that you can be successful, the more that it helps you. It is a self-fulfilling culture that you are trying to create.

“It’s a game against Canberra Croatia, at Deakin, it’s an important game in itself, and obviously it’s a trophy so it sets us up well for the season.”

After such a successful 2023, the Knights’ decision to retain their core squad, played a significant role in their Charity Shield success, while Tither also indicates the lessons learned and the experience collected within the squad has equally strengthened the side.

“We had a very strong squad last year and we were very successful,” he said. “We lost the Grand Final in a penalty shootout, so for us we did not need an overhaul.

“I think that the squad today is getting more and more experienced, and they would’ve learned from last year, so as well as the camaraderie, I think they’ve learnt some lessons in terms of the Grand Final losses, so today’s an opportunity to right what happened last year, put the record straight.

“It’s a good start, obviously helped the camaraderie, but at the same time it’s a good competitive squad and they want to build on last year’s success.”

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Olympic’s Charity Shield Victory a Sign of Things to Come Under Cachia https://capitalfootball.com.au/olympics-charity-shield-victory-a-sign-of-things-to-come-under-cachia/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:00:52 +0000 https://capitalfootball.com.au/?p=11923

Frank Cachia’s reign at Canberra Olympic has begun on a positive note, overseeing the league champion’s first trophy of 2024 with a Charity Shield victory at Deakin Stadium. Taking on his first role in women’s football, the former Olympic men’s coach did not relay any burdens on his side to claim silverware, rather focusing on […]

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Frank Cachia’s reign at Canberra Olympic has begun on a positive note, overseeing the league champion’s first trophy of 2024 with a Charity Shield victory at Deakin Stadium.

Taking on his first role in women’s football, the former Olympic men’s coach did not relay any burdens on his side to claim silverware, rather focusing on the performance.

“Before the game it was like, we can’t say it’s the end of the world if we lose it, and we can’t say it’s season-defining if we win it,” he said. “It’s nice, and it’s great that we’ve got some silverware in the cabinet already.”

Having only worked with the squad for a limited amount of time, Cachia’s presence on the sideline is already showing signs of promise, as his side’s late set-piece unlocked the Belconnen United defence through a pinpoint Alexandra Cook delivery, finding Ella Brown to clinch the victory.

“We do work on set pieces,” he insisted. “Just before Ally [Cook] took it, I said to Ella [Brown], attack this, and she just put it in the most perfect spot for Ella to attack it and she finished it off.

“I’m really pleased for both girls because Ally’s obviously been here for a number of years, and for Ella, this is her first time coming across to play for Olympic competitively…so I’m really pleased for both of them.”

Off the back of a gritty win, Cachia spoke on how his side’s outing indicated signs of another potentially successful season to come.

“I think that’s the main thing,” he said. “We know that we can compete against Belconnen, we know that we can grind out a result if we need to, I think for our own sake I think the most positive thing is that we know we’ve got players still to come in, and the more we play together, the better we’ll get.

“I think it is one of those things where you play a final that sometimes it is scrappy, sometimes it’s about just making sure that you get the result, look can we play better, I’m sure we can…is it exactly how we want to play? No, but it is a nice kick start for the season.”

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