2024 NPL Women's

[Aegon]

Time for the 2024 thread as we are already in pre-season for some clubs.

[late_to_the_game]

Rumors of movement of good players from Maitland to Magic? Anyone actually know for sure?

While we are - predictions for the year?

[onlooker]

Rumors of movement of good players from Maitland to Magic? Anyone actually know for sure?

While we are - predictions for the year?

I have heard of one player making that change was a first grader season just gone. But wouldn?t surprise me if there were more as the new magic coach was at Maitland in their first year.

[onlooker]

Have had it confirmed 3 Maitland 1st graders have joined Magic. Any other known transfers? The only teams I have seen posted is Warners Bay and Olympic Youth.

Why don?t clubs post more of these things on their socials? I coach in the Maitland system and have no idea who else has left or who has come into replace them. I understand keeping it quiet whilst still trying to get the moves over the line but let people know when you pull off a good transfer and name squads so everyone knows the squads.

[Taffy]

Have had it confirmed 3 Maitland 1st graders have joined Magic. Any other known transfers? The only teams I have seen posted is Warners Bay and Olympic Youth.

Why don?t clubs post more of these things on their socials? I coach in the Maitland system and have no idea who else has left or who has come into replace them. I understand keeping it quiet whilst still trying to get the moves over the line but let people know when you pull off a good transfer and name squads so everyone knows the squads.

It would be beneficial to announce your signings and get some promotion. The men's leagues do it

[MCG_1997]

Is there any trial match coming up?

[onlooker]

Some must only be doing the preseason cup games as trials, as I?ve seen nothing other then magic at the Maso cup.

[SAPDADDY]

It would be beneficial to announce your signings and get some promotion. The men's leagues do it

The league is dead

[onlooker]

The league is dead

I wouldn?t go as far as saying it?s dead, last season we had 5/6 competitive teams that?s probably been the best yet. But I would suggest a face lift is needed, maybe a consideration to merger with the central coast top division needs to be looked at. Now I know very little about that comp but a comp of more then 8 teams would be nice.

[MCG_1997]

Broadmeadow played Emerging Jets today at Magic Park. It was an entertaining game. Jets won 5-2.

[MCG_1997]

Is there any game this weekend? Might go watch if I am too bored.

[SAPDADDY]

Is there any game this weekend? Might go watch if I am too bored.

Seems like lots of Olympic players are now at Maitland.. do they play each other in a trial??

Who are the coaches getting around this year? Haven?t seen anyone posted..

[onlooker]

Seems like lots of Olympic players are now at Maitland.. do they play each other in a trial??

Who are the coaches getting around this year? Haven?t seen anyone posted..

Coaches for 2024

Maitland - Keelan Hamilton
Magic - Nima Nikfarjam
Adamstown- Martin Slade
Mid Coast- Mandi Langlar
Olympic- Craig Atkins ( I believe)
Charlestown- Not sure
New Lambton - Not sure
Warners Bay- Ryan Swinkels

[Kickandgiggle]

Only a few weeks till the season begins, is there a reason why it is so early this year?

Any trial news?
Maitland had a big win over Warners bay.

Charlestown lost 3-2 to Sydney Uni

Magic continued collecting silverware winning the maso cup

[Taffy]

Only a few weeks till the season begins, is there a reason why it is so early this year?

Northern won't both NPL leagues to kick off the same weekend and they want the NPL grand final to be the final game played in the year. Some comps need to start earlier to ensure this can happen

[straightred88]

Coaches for 2024

Maitland - Keelan Hamilton
Magic - Nima Nikfarjam
Adamstown- Martin Slade
Mid Coast- Mandi Langlar
Olympic- Craig Atkins ( I believe)
Charlestown- Not sure
New Lambton - Not sure
Warners Bay- Ryan Swinkels

What happend to the Hollywood actor who was at New Lambton who came from Cardiff ZPL ?

[onlooker]

What happend to the Hollywood actor who was at New Lambton who came from Cardiff ZPL ?
I have no idea who the have announced as head coach since Greg Lowe left and went back to the Jets academy. I had a look through there socials of Facebook but found nothing or didn?t look far enough back.

[I know nothing]

Aaron from Belswans is who I heard went to New Lambton as first grade coach.
Warners Bay gave Adamstown a run for their money on the weekend in a trial match. Stuck my head in for a look, you could tell Warners Bay don?t want to come last again.
Not many teams have put too much information out yet about their teams. They all must be trying to keep things quiet for some reason.

[Not4theluv]

Good pick up by NL with Steadman coming in as caretaker coach until the Jets ALW season is over.
Lots of players still unavailable for most teams due to holidays or work so hard to gauge trial form.
I was at the Bay v Adamstown game for the Second half. Wasn't a great game but it was refreshing to see two teams trying to play and improve with the players that they have as opposed to the " Big 3" clubs happy to pay overs for not just first graders but Reserve graders just to guarantee success again, new year same thing, just becomes boring.

[MCG_1997]

Statement from Johan Cruyff:
"Why couldn't you beat a richer club?
I have never seen a bag of money score a goal".
I think clubs will need to find the right coach to begin with. Then trust the decision he/she makes and give enough time to develop their players. Depends on the quality of the players they have, it may take a season or two to have decent squad. Otherwise, buy developed players and don't worry about future

[Not4theluv]

Thanks for that Johan
Maybe Adamstown have found that coach you mention - I heard they played a 2-2 draw with Magic with both sides close to full strength, can anyone confirm?

[MCG_1997]

That's correct. I've heard that too. Adamstown lost many players to the Jets academy and the new coach is doing a great job rebuilding the team. Despite being a trial match, it was a good result especially they were leading 2-1.

[Game Leader]

Biggest season for player movement ?
Olympic, New Lambton, Bay and Mid Coast bottom four is my prediction.

[Taffy]

Ladder Prediction

Magic
Maitland
Azzurri
Olympic
Adamstown
New Lambton
Warners Bay
Mid Coast

[MCG_1997]

1. Magic
2. Maitland
3. Azzurri
4. Adamstown
5. Olympic
6. New Lambton
7. Middy
8. Warners Bay

[sideline88]

i think everyone going to be very similar across the board prediction wise for this this season! bring on round 1 this weekend

1. Maitland
2. Magic
3. Adamstown
4. Azzuri
5. Olympic
6. New Lambton
7. Warners Bay
8. Middies

[Yato]

1. Magic
2. Maitland
3. Azzurri
4. Olympic
5. New Lambton
6. Adamstown
7. Middies
8. Warners Bay

Reserves:- Olympic
17's:- Maitland
15's:- Magic
13's:- Magic

[onlooker]

Mid coast not running a res grade team this year. Already a small amount of teams and now there is a bye in that grade. Wonder if this could be the beginning of the women?s program going the same way as the men?s where they don?t run senior teams. This comp can?t afford to lose a team hopefully northern are being proactive and working on a solution.

[onlooker]

Coaches for 2024

Maitland - Keelan Hamilton
Magic - Nima Nikfarjam
Adamstown- Martin Slade
Mid Coast- Mandi Langlar
Olympic- Craig Atkins ( I believe)
Charlestown- Not sure
New Lambton - Not sure
Warners Bay- Ryan Swinkels

Charlestown- Heath Whyte

[Not4theluv]

why is it some of these teams don't have coaches named when R1 is a matter of days away. Maybe NNSW need to relax the rules for the level of qualifications required to coach at this level which I believe is currently a B licence? I wonder if the coaches who have been named have the required qualifications and the unnamed ones do not.
Good luck to all the teams on the weekend especially the battlers!

[I know nothing]

Good luck to all teams for the first round. Let?s hope the underdogs can win a few and make the competition a lot better than last year. I personally think New Lambton might come last going off the trial matches they played, only time will tell. It would be real nice though to see Mid Coast and Warners Bay win a few after last year, their first match might be a good one but so will Adamstown Vs Olympic. Which game will you be watching ?

[MCG_1997]

Hopefully we don't see the scorelines we saw last year, where double digit was a normal occurrence.
I will be watching Charlestown v Maitland. I think Charlestown will have a surprise for Maitland.

[Bremsstrahlung]

Are posts getting deleted or am I going crazy?

[ForeverRed]

Hopefully we don't see the scorelines we saw last year, where double digit was a normal occurrence.
I will be watching Charlestown v Maitland. I think Charlestown will have a surprise for Maitland.

Maybe instead of increasing the prize money it could have went to better coaching, improving the standard

[Alton]

Maybe instead of increasing the prize money it could have went to better coaching, improving the standard

Spot on Red, big call with the prize money

[sideline88]

Which game will you be watching ? i think Azzurri v Maitland and Buds V Olympic will be the 2 to watch this weekend!

[onlooker]

I think there will be a clear top 4 and bottom. Hopefully I?m wrong but the player incomings to the outgoings haven?t made me think teams have got stronger, except Maitland.

I think the top 4 will be
Maitland
Azzurri
Olympic
Magic

Can?t see Bay and Middies challenging, with Adamstown and New Lambton trying to be the best of the rest.

[MCG_1997]

Let's start with Rnd1 predictions:

Azzurri 3-3 Maitland
Magic 5-2 New Lambton
Adamstown 3-2 Olympic
Warners Bay 2-2 Middy

[onlooker]

Azzurri 2-3 Maitland
Magic 3-0 New Lambton
Adamstown 1-3 Olympic
Warners 2-1 Middies

[onlooker]

Azzurri V Maitland OFF

[MCG_1997]

Magic 3-2 New Lambton.
Reserve grade got called off.

[onlooker]

Well the opening weekend did nothing to change my thoughts it will be a clear top and bottom 4. The lack of talent in the first grade in my opinion stems from the win at all cost philosophy some clubs have in their youth system and not having the main focus on developing their players into good footballers which will still go along way to winning football games.

I also think there needs to be a salary cap to stop teams buying the comp in both men and women?s the prize money is less then the out lay on players and let?s be honest the cost is not worth the product currently on show.

[Alton]

Well the opening weekend did nothing to change my thoughts it will be a clear top and bottom 4. The lack of talent in the first grade in my opinion stems from the win at all cost philosophy some clubs have in their youth system and not having the main focus on developing their players into good footballers which will still go along way to winning football games.

I also think there needs to be a salary cap to stop teams buying the comp in both men and women?s the prize money is less then the out lay on players and let?s be honest the cost is not worth the product currently on show.

And with additional prize money it is going to become a 2 to 3 team competition year in year out

[matjpacker]

Unfortunately, at this level, a salary cap only moves payments to the car park?as will the professional contracts coming in next season, suddenly players will only be getting $50 a game on the books, with the rest coming in a brown paper bag or via ?employment? at a major sponsor.

[Undertaker]

Well the opening weekend did nothing to change my thoughts it will be a clear top and bottom 4. The lack of talent in the first grade in my opinion stems from the win at all cost philosophy some clubs have in their youth system and not having the main focus on developing their players into good footballers which will still go along way to winning football games.

I also think there needs to be a salary cap to stop teams buying the comp in both men and women?s the prize money is less then the out lay on players and let?s be honest the cost is not worth the product currently on show.

Magic just scrapped past a New Lambton team with only one of their marquee signings/Jets girls in the 91st minute? Not sure how nothing has changed when New Lambton have shown they will be close to that top 4 or Magic won?t cut it with the other 3

[onlooker]

Magic just scrapped past a New Lambton team with only one of their marquee signings/Jets girls in the 91st minute? Not sure how nothing has changed when New Lambton have shown they will be close to that top 4 or Magic won?t cut it with the other 3

Did you watch the game or just go off the score? Because I watched it and Magic controlled the game from start to finish. Should have had more than 3 goals but looked a bit rushed and unsure in the final third but knowing their coach that will change. New Lambton scored their goals from a silly foul, the GK stood on the far post and Andrew?s only had to get the shot on target, then the second was from a misplaced pass on the 18 yard box. I didn?t see anything that showed me they will be close to the top 4. For the sake of the competition I really hope I am wrong and will happily admit it if I am.

[onlooker]

Rnd 2 starts tonight

Magic 1-3 Maitland
Bay 2-4 New Lambton
Azzurri 6-0 Adamstown
Olympic 10-0 Middies

[MCG_1997]

Round 3 predictions:
Magic 2-1 Azzurri
Buds 5-1 Middies
WB 1-7 Maitland
NL 2-3 Olympic

[MCG_1997]

The page has been quite. Let's start it with round 4 prediction:
Magic 4-0 Adamstown
Olympic 2-2 Maitland
Middies 2-4 New Lambton
Azzurri 7-1 WB

[I know nothing]

Magic 4-0 Adamstown
Olympic 2-2 Maitland
Middies 0-5 New Lambton
Charlestown 4-2 Warners Bay

Olympic v Maitland should be a good game to watch.
Charlestown v Warners Bay could also be a good game. 2 main girls for the Bay playing the team they left early last season.

[I know nothing]

Let?s see what happens this weekend

Olympic 4-2 Azzuri
Maitland 15-0 MidCoast
Adamstown 2-4 NewLambton
WarnersBay 0-10 Magic

I really hope I am wrong.
These scores are terrible.

[MCG_1997]

Olympic 3-3 Azzuri
Maitland 12-1 Middies
Adamstown 2-5 New Lambton
Warners Bay 0-8 Magic

[MCG_1997]

Seen in the Herald News that Adriana Konjarski is retiring after this weekend's game vs WB. Magic is going to be in a bit of trouble against Olympic and Maitland who recruited more players.

[late_to_the_game]

Didn't AJ get a second yellow for dissent against Azzurri?

[MCG_1997]

Sure did and missed Adamstown game.

[MCG_1997]

League Cup
Magic v New Lambton
Res: 3-1
1st: 5-2

[onlooker]

With results in the league cup games and the half time score between Warners Bay and Adamstown (4-5). Do any teams actually work on defence because it?s starting to become ridiculous with these scores.

[MCG_1997]

Apparently their best defensive strategy is to attack. Just saying haha

[onlooker]

Apparently their best defensive strategy is to attack. Just saying haha

It was 4-4 after 14mins ( or so like that) 8-5 at full time.
Honestly if you?re a talented footballer in this area your only chance to have a chance of doing anything with it is to travel to Sydney. The Jets academy is a joke at the moment. 14?s 15?s and 16?s compete most weeks. 18?s/res every so often but 1st grade are lambs to the slaughter every week.

[MCG_1997]

If Jets stay in Newey and play in our NPL, that will surely strengthen our competition. That will also reduce travel time, rego fee, etc for the parents.

[onlooker]

If Jets stay in Newey and play in our NPL, that will surely strengthen our competition. That will also reduce travel time, rego fee, etc for the parents.
Can honestly say if the Jets Academy were not playing their football in Sydney, I wouldn?t have my daughter in the program currently. The only benefit is the level of competition there isn?t much else that is attractive about the Academy.

[MCG_1997]

Does anyone know how Northern select "Match of the Round"?
This weekend, Maitland is hosting Magic which is the battle of 2nd and 1st place; however, match of the round is New Lambton v Warners Bay.

[Jim]

Can honestly say if the Jets Academy were not playing their football in Sydney, I wouldn?t have my daughter in the program currently. The only benefit is the level of competition there isn?t much else that is attractive about the Academy.

Pretty much

[I know nothing]

I guess not everyone wants Magic or Maitland to be round of the week every week? Does it really matter anyway.

[MCG_1997]

No, it doesn't. I was just curious to know how they pick these games. That's all.

[onlooker]

Depending on who is doing commentary sometimes it?s better if your team isn?t match of the round. I know I preferred it last year when Maitland wasn?t.

[MCG_1997]

Entertaining game at Cook Square Park where Maitland outplayed Magic in the majority of the game. They were up 4-0 by half time and Magic only improved their poor performance slightly in the 2nd half losing 1-5 in the end.

[onlooker]

Well that was another entertaining match between Maitland and Broadmeadow. 3 goals in the last 10 minutes to Maitland including a howler from the new GK who arrived from Warners Bay.

[MCG_1997]

A very surprising results.
New Lambton 3-2 Maitland.
This result will make the remaining of the season more interesting. Perhaps Magic and Olympic are cheering from tonight's result.

[evolution]

Warners Bay out, Lake Macquarie in next season

[onlooker]

Warners Bay out, Lake Macquarie in next season
Its been a long time coming. Just in time for Lake Macquarie to have a second division mens team and make the women their highest division team.

[Jardelsimage]

Its been a long time coming. Just in time for Lake Macquarie to have a second division mens team and make the women their highest division team.

what are Lakes current womens/girls teams looking like currently, numbers wise?

Warners Bay were generally well numbered as they could bring juniors up from community to fill holes, will Lakes have to start from scratch?

[I know nothing]

You would think being just around the corner Lakes would be taking all, if not most, of the Warners Bay girls. ?

[Game Leader]

Perhaps it may attract some newer players to the club now that its attached to a bigger club ? I still think there is 1 too many senior clubs in Newcastle for now. The youth is ok giving the numbers a space to develop, but it doesn't seem to be filtering through to the seniors. I am hearing rumors though that a few of the locals in the academy will be coming back as they are not a fan of a certain Head coach there that came from Adamstown.

[onlooker]

what are Lakes current womens/girls teams looking like currently, numbers wise?

Warners Bay were generally well numbered as they could bring juniors up from community to fill holes, will Lakes have to start from scratch?

They have set up a girls academy kind of thing this year so they seem ready for the transition I believe.

[onlooker]

Perhaps it may attract some newer players to the club now that its attached to a bigger club ? I still think there is 1 too many senior clubs in Newcastle for now. The youth is ok giving the numbers a space to develop, but it doesn't seem to be filtering through to the seniors. I am hearing rumors though that a few of the locals in the academy will be coming back as they are not a fan of a certain Head coach there that came from Adamstown.
Yep heard rumours myself that a number will be looking else where at end of season. Also heard a fresh one last weekend that said coach may be moved on.

[prawnhead]

Yep heard rumours myself that a number will be looking else where at end of season. Also heard a fresh one last weekend that said coach may be moved on.

Gotta love a good rumour - watch this space.

[Meggsy]

Yep heard rumours myself that a number will be looking else where at end of season. Also heard a fresh one last weekend that said coach may be moved on.

He's not going anywhere. He's firmly entrenched at the Jets (ALW and academy)

[Taffy]

Its been a long time coming. Just in time for Lake Macquarie to have a second division mens team and make the women their highest division team.

Just as the Roosters won't able to call themselves an NPL club they found a way to keep that title.

[onlooker]

Not 100% NPLW but the 2 NNSW girls teams playing in the National Championships in Victoria have both made the Semi finals 15?s lost on Penalties and play Victoria in 3rd V 4th play off and 16?s kickoff their semi final in a few minutes playing Victoria to make the GF.

[SAPDADDY]

He's not going anywhere. He's firmly entrenched at the Jets (ALW and academy)

Push comes to shove they will be out

[Taffy]

Not 100% NPLW but the 2 NNSW girls teams playing in the National Championships in Victoria have both made the Semi finals 15?s lost on Penalties and play Victoria in 3rd V 4th play off and 16?s kickoff their semi final in a few minutes playing Victoria to make the GF.

U16s finished 2nd and U15 finished 4th. Shows we do have the girls but currently don't have enough of them to make a viable competition.

[Taffy]

State Cup on this weekend? Early predictions?

[KITZ]

Push comes to shove they will be out

With the results in ALW last season I doubt it..... It's not just the academy, and the girls that leave will be replaced, just like always. People think they have the power when they move on, but nothing really changes.

[onlooker]

U16s finished 2nd and U15 finished 4th. Shows we do have the girls but currently don't have enough of them to make a viable competition.

Certainly do have the talent, both teams played some awesome football over the week, 15?s very unlucky losing both the Semi and playoff off on penalties. And 16?s whilst the score for their semi was 5-1 it was a much tougher game then that and you could see that in the final they were a bit leggy. But still a great achievement for all. Would Ike to see 16?s coach Greg Brown around and involved in the area more often even with the Jets Academy he was brilliant with the team.

[MCG_1997]

State Cup on this weekend? Early predictions?

Maitland and Azzuri are sending a good enough squad to win it again. Magic apparently has their reseve and 17's as they have their annual Ball tonight and Senior girls didn't want to play in the cup.

[Alton]

Maitland and Azzuri are sending a good enough squad to win it again. Magic apparently has their reseve and 17's as they have their annual Ball tonight and Senior girls didn't want to play in the cup.
Poor planning

[onlooker]

Heard today that Mid Coast won?t have a seniors team in the comp next year and will basically be the same as the boys in a sense they have youth but nothing higher, anyone else heard this?
Will NNSW be looking to bring in another club to fill the senior spot and potentially get them over time to build their youth up, or take the easy option and just have 7 teams which makes it an 18 match season. Also this will most likely mean a separation of youth and seniors next year.

[KITZ]

Heard today that Mid Coast won?t have a seniors team in the comp next year and will basically be the same as the boys in a sense they have youth but nothing higher, anyone else heard this?
Will NNSW be looking to bring in another club to fill the senior spot and potentially get them over time to build their youth up, or take the easy option and just have 7 teams which makes it an 18 match season. Also this will most likely mean a separation of youth and seniors next year.

That is sad, wonder if North Coast will look to bring in girls. Would be why all the clubs without girls are circling like crows and starting JDL programs.

[sideline88]

the clubs without girls are circling like crows and starting JDL programs.

In what world does NNSW think the current girls space needs the addition of another 2 JDL girls clubs in 2025 and possibly another 2-3 community clubs jumping into the mix in 2026 with no agreed pathway for those clubs to move forward into PYLG/NPLW

[Taffy]

Same with boys, all these community clubs starting JDL with no clear pathway to remain at the club. At least with girls JDL there could be a pathway into WPL clubs which will eventually help strengthen the comp

[sideline88]

Same with boys, all these community clubs starting JDL with no clear pathway to remain at the club. At least with girls JDL there could be a pathway into WPL clubs which will eventually help strengthen the comp

Is it the right move though to add clubs and look to grow the competition to a 10-12 team comp with only 5 grades or do we first look to fill the gaps in age groups at the current 8 clubs with the introduction of 14s and 16s to the competition over the next few years first?

its no doubt female participation is on the rise and something needs to be done, but without the correct approach and more Quality coaches and coach education we will just see another lot of clubs added and a rise in the number of games with massive scorelines

[onlooker]

I personally think the first thing that needs to happen in the youth space is a change in the age groups to 14/16/18 currently every second year you lose a huge chunk of the 13?s because they only get one year to translate their small sided football into the full size field. It?s a big ask some kids pick it up from the start some start to get it at the end of the season then are lost to clubs because it could be the year where the 15?s have most players eligible to stay. Not going to completely solve the problem as I don?t think you can until it goes up by 1 year instead of 2 but it?s a good start.

[I know nothing]

My daughter has been offered a position in ?the academy? at Lake Macquarie where we have to pay a deposit the same as the NPLW but it?s not the NPLW. Just asking if any other clubs offer this ?academy? as well? My understanding is that the academy teams this year are not even playing in A grade in the community and it?s all starting to feel like a big cash grab.
Honestly looking for some feedback or opinions, as a family we are quite new to all of this and right now feeling like we are being sold a community team at an NPLW price tag. Frustrated with this process to say the least.

[late_to_the_game]

I believe you are right on the money. Trying to lock girls in before any trials are held.
Better spending the money and time at one of the football schools, they are at least honest about what they are offering.
Several girls I coached in JDL have benefited from this coaching.
My advice has always been go to a team with a good coach. Nothing else is as important.

[sideline88]

Lakes must be shaping up to be the biggest participation club in the region, so many people lately have been offered a position in this community "academy" program :blink:

almost as bad as this Australian International Football "scouts" trawling through NPLW games telling kids they've been selected for $6000 overseas trips.

[WOW2.0]

My advice has always been go to a team with a good coach. Nothing else is as important.

I haven't been involved with the girls side of things, but this is absolutely correct, and the conclusion I drew to through the period of my boys SAP/JDL and YNPL.

Also, to be careful not to mistake winning for development.

But I do have a question, why is it that the girls NPL doesn't align in age groups to the boys...is it just the difference in participation numbers and available opportunity ratios? (Does anyone know)

[sideline88]

But I do have a question, why is it that the girls NPL doesn't align in age groups to the boys...is it just the difference in participation numbers and available opportunity ratios? (Does anyone know)

In the beginning for the WPL it was definitely a numbers game, but as we see numbers and interest grow its time for Northern to make some adjustments to the age structure.

there was a comment above from onlooker with a suggestion for the need to add in a 14s age group which is a great place to start in filling the gaps the girls currently have

[matjpacker]

With the fairly recent inclusion of JDL Girls licenses being granted to clubs, we will likely see that development and improvement dictate the need for the additional age group as the depth of competition will demand it or we will continue to lose young female footballers altogether.

We saw the initial change when WPL changed to NPLW and we went from it being 14s and 17s (or was it 14 and 16), to 13s, 15s, 17s. I think we are only a season or 2 away from an additional age group.

The challenge then becomes managing a longer game day, or moving to a senior game day where NPLM and NPLW play, with youth only days like we have with the PYLB program, and with that there will be naysayers about the disconnect of 17s with seniors, like we see with 18s boys and seniors.

It?s a great big juggling act with pros and cons everywhere you look.

[WOW2.0]

That natural growth into having a 14s seems like a good place to start

Imagine it's hard to be 13 going into 15s, potentially bouncing out (because you're small, or not aggressive enough) and then trying to get back in when you're older

[onlooker]

That natural growth into having a 14s seems like a good place to start

Imagine it's hard to be 13 going into 15s, potentially bouncing out (because you're small, or not aggressive enough) and then trying to get back in when you're older
Absolutely I?ve been a coach at Maitland 13?s for the last 3 years ( currently have the 12?s and going back to 13?s next season) your asking kids to make the step to the full size field and in one year try to potentially displace players in 15?s who have had 2 maybe 3 years of it. And depending oh your 15?s as I said before every second year you either have a young 15?s so hardly any spots available or an older 15?s so a heap of spots. When it?s the 15?s are young do you drop a girl turning 15 for one of the 13?s coming up do you stick with the girl turning 15 or potentially force a girl into 17?s before she is 100% ready. So yeah either change 13?s to 14?s or add a 14?s in as well as 13?s as the numbers are growing. Then over time add a 16?s and 18?s.

[Taffy]

My daughter has been offered a position in ?the academy? at Lake Macquarie where we have to pay a deposit the same as the NPLW but it?s not the NPLW. Just asking if any other clubs offer this ?academy? as well? My understanding is that the academy teams this year are not even playing in A grade in the community and it?s all starting to feel like a big cash grab.
Honestly looking for some feedback or opinions, as a family we are quite new to all of this and right now feeling like we are being sold a community team at an NPLW price tag. Frustrated with this process to say the least.

If it isn't in the WPL program it is just a cash grab and wanting to sign players up in this so called Academy who will just be playing community anyway. If she wants to play WPL and is of a good quality, I'd be looking at going to all other WPL clubs first and trying out for them.

[ForeverRed]

Magic coach has quit

[MCG_1997]

Apparently his last week's interview with Northern right before Olympic game has annoyed his squad and things went pear shape between him and the players

[Taffy]

From what I've been told quite a few players were already offside with him, his comments were just the last straw.

[Stanley]

Their were some early exits from a number of Olympic officials last night at LMRFF, looks like another party has been put on hold.

[Taffy]

Will lead to an interesting final round though, Olympic should easily beat Warners Bay, Maitland can beat Adamstown but will be a bit shattered after the two losses to New Lambton, one of which a Maitland team official has been accusing New Lambton of cheating by delaying replays until the jets girls came in.

[I know nothing]

I have heard a few clubs saying this about New Lambton. Couldn?t do catch up games while their star jets player was on holidays. This is where Northern should be told and teams made to replay games when the hosting club has the opportunity, not give them to option to say no.

[Taffy]

Congratulations to Maitland for winning the Premiership very close to win on goal difference. Seems New Lambton's Jets girls came too late into the season to get them into finals.

I am expecting a Maitland/Olympic grand final.

[onlooker]

Congratulations to Maitland for winning the Premiership very close to win on goal difference. Seems New Lambton's Jets girls came too late into the season to get them into finals.

I am expecting a Maitland/Olympic grand final.

Maitland took the Premiership in res and 17?s also. It was a very good year for the older female teams at Maitland this year.

[MCG_1997]

Maitland was the most consistent team this year, and deserved the Premiership.
I think they will be the favourite to win the GF too.
Magic finished for the year and I think the GF will be between Azzurri and Maitland.

[Stanley]

Maitland was the most consistent team this year, and deserved the Premiership.
I think they will be the favourite to win the GF too.
Magic finished for the year and I think the GF will be between Azzurri and Maitland.

Maitland and Azzurri are the best two teams in the comp. with New Lambton up there for the second half of the season

[MurderOnZidanesFloor]

Maitland and Azzurri are the best two teams in the comp. with New Lambton up there for the second half of the season

Don?t fancy Olympic?

[onlooker]

Don?t fancy Olympic?
Olympic along with Maitland are the best two teams, my guess is after today they will meet again in the GF. Only thing that could hinder Olympic is they have had horrible luck with GK?s and have an out field player in goals ( mind you she does go alright). As a Maitland fan I?m hoping it plays a part.


Just on keepers the depth in that position is really shallow, out of the 7 teams that have both senior grades I think only Charlestown have two keepers that can both be considered first grade keepers ( but neither would rank in top 4 at start of season) 5 others had great first choice keepers but if they got injured they were in trouble ( as Olympic and Magic found out).

There are some good young keepers coming through but how much work is being done with them training wise? Some clubs are really good at it some clubs are not so good, considering how key a good keeper can be in this competition I would think more cubs would be making sure to do all they can to improve their current crop.

[MCG_1997]

Well done to Charlestown. They had two solid performance in the semi finals v Magic and Maitland. Their massive defensive improvement secured them GF.

[Taffy]

Maitland shitting the bed is a surprise.

[SAPDADDY]

Well done to Charlestown. They had two solid performance in the semi finals v Magic and Maitland. Their massive defensive improvement secured them GF.

Charlestown beat them with a bloke on the field. Not much to be proud of.

[Taffy]

So what's the deal with Kahibah putting out EoIs for girls teams to play in the competition next year? Is the competition expanding? I thought there was a review happening first or has this been finalised?

[MCG_1997]

I've got a feeling that Mid North Coast might have pulled the pin. I could be wrong and maybe, Northern wants to increase the teams to 9 teams.

[northern_swan]

I've got a feeling that Mid North Coast might have pulled the pin. I could be wrong and maybe, Northern wants to increase the teams to 9 teams.

I believe Valentine are running girls JDL as well, so that would be 10?

[Taffy]

I believe Valentine are running girls JDL as well, so that would be 10?

Valentine used to have girls and got rid of them but I did hear they had girls JDL. Haven't seen them advertise for WPL girls though unlike Kahibah.

[Taffy]

I've got a feeling that Mid North Coast might have pulled the pin. I could be wrong and maybe, Northern wants to increase the teams to 9 teams.

Were any bids put out? There's already a lack of good talent at the moment, is putting Kahibah (right next to Charlestown) a good idea? Surely speaking to a club to still try and capture some of the southern mid coast girls would be better.

Has North Coast Football ever been spoken to?

[onlooker]

From what I am aware Northern have given out more licenses for clubs to run a JDL program with no need to have a pathway into the NPLW Youth program so Valo and Kahibah have joined in, just means the girls aging out at 12 have to trial elsewhere with no pathway to flow into. The same thing has happened in the boys side aswell i believe. I was told earlier in the year that Mid Coast would not have a team but they have recently been advertising for both coaches and players for all squads so they must still be trying to cover all grades for next season.

[SAPDADDY]

Were any bids put out? There's already a lack of good talent at the moment, is putting Kahibah (right next to Charlestown) a good idea? Surely speaking to a club to still try and capture some of the southern mid coast girls would be better.

Has North Coast Football ever been spoken to?

Plenty of blocks can change there name and play! We will be right for talent

[matjpacker]

Think of it like a sales funnel, the more leads (players) that go into the funnel (pathway) the more sales (developed players) you make.

In 24-36 months we start to build out the numbers, that leads to being able to have the depth to have the additional age groups come into the PYLG / NPLW competition streams.

[Taffy]

Plenty of blocks can change there name and play! We will be right for talent

We being Kahibah?

[Alton]

Looks like Olympic turned off the lights when Azzuri were getting photos

[ForeverRed]

REMOVED
We need to be careful, northern has no policy on this so no one has done anything wrong, if someone is transitioning they need support, who are we to make accusations we know nothing about, put yourself in their situation, their mental
toughness must be enormous

[SAPDADDY]

We need to be careful, northern has no policy on this so no one has done anything wrong, if someone is transitioning they need support, who are we to make accusations we know nothing about, put yourself in their situation, their mental
toughness must be enormous

Left Sydney due to football NSW requiring regular hormone level testing this season.
A young born female misses out on a gf run this season as she can?t compete with someone who is genetically stronger, faster and has more cardiovascular endurance. We need to be careful alright.
Men run women?s sport and men don?t care about men playing in women?s teams.

[ForeverRed]

Left Sydney due to football NSW requiring regular hormone level testing this season.
A young born female misses out on a gf run this season as she can?t compete with someone who is genetically stronger, faster and has more cardiovascular endurance. We need to be careful alright.
Men run women?s sport and men don?t care about men playing in women?s teams.
Until northern have a policy on this nothing will change, nobody missed out, the coach picked his best team, you can?t blame anyone here, when northern create a policy then you can question it, what would your argument be if said person passed the hormone test, do some research before throwing mud, people do transition and would be an extremely hard life to live in at no body?s fault, like I said, be careful

[Taffy]

Northern not having a policy is what is being questioned. Though why hasn't Football Australia got one is the bigger question, most other national governing bodies in Australia have one.

[Texas Ranger]

Northern's policy surely is in the name, Women's NPL. Allowing non women to play should not be optional. Therefore it comes down to proof of being a woman and who determines the proof and criteria if exemptions are to be made.
The fear of a few pretentious people calling Northern "transphobic" should not determine policy.

[SAPDADDY]

Northern not having a policy is what is being questioned. Though why hasn't Football Australia got one is the bigger question, most other national governing bodies in Australia have one.

No federation has to follow football aus rules? Notthern make there own up. I know Sydney NPL did a survey for all players and the outcomes of that survey was the regular testing.. player safety is a huge concern

[MCG_1997]

Isn't the regular testing is to check for testosterone level? How about the bone density of a male born player, and potentially larger muscle mass?
Female born players have reduced bone strength when compared with the more robust bones of men. This is the science and our body physiologies are different.

[ForeverRed]

No federation has to follow football aus rules? Notthern make there own up. I know Sydney NPL did a survey for all players and the outcomes of that survey was the regular testing.. player safety is a huge concern
Northern don?t have a policy due to no need until now

[SAPDADDY]

Northern don?t have a policy due to no need until now

Glad you agree a policy is needed.

[ForeverRed]

What would be the policy? A birth certificate? Hey foreverred do you have a daughter? I do so I?m worried if Charlestown sign her does she get her own shed or does my daughter have to get changed and shower in same sheds? Serious question.
You?ll need to ask Charlestown, besides as far I know there?s no men playing at Charlestown, maybe they have someone transitioning which is another kettle of fish, remember you are dealing with humans here, put yourself in their boots, they?ve done nothing wrong, maybe get in touch with northern and let us know what they say.

[Texas Ranger]

You?ll need to ask Charlestown, besides as far I know there?s no men playing at Charlestown, maybe they have someone transitioning which is another kettle of fish, remember you are dealing with humans here, put yourself in their boots, they?ve done nothing wrong, maybe get in touch with northern and let us know what they say.
If born a male, with male genitalia and XY chromosomes, - nothing stops them playing in men's comp.
Why have different competitions based on sex, age or physical impairments if you don't have to meet those criteria and can just choose the comp you feel like playing in.
Only the men's competitions are truly open to all, although many wouldn't be capable to play in them safely.

[ForeverRed]

If born a male, with male genitalia and XY chromosomes, - nothing stops them playing in men's comp.
Why have different competitions based on sex, age or physical impairments if you don't have to meet those criteria and can just choose the comp you feel like playing in.
Only the men's competitions are truly open to all, although many wouldn't be capable to play in them safely.
That?s where you are wrong, if you are transitioning then it means your body doesn?t want to be male which is why they wish to play in the woman?s comp, show some compassion, it?s not about genitalia , I don?t have the answers but we need to think about people?s mental health and leave the decision up to the experts

[Texas Ranger]

That?s where you are wrong, if you are transitioning then it means your body doesn?t want to be male which is why they wish to play in the woman?s comp, show some compassion, it?s not about genitalia , I don?t have the answers but we need to think about people?s mental health and leave the decision up to the experts
And ignore the physical well-beings of girls? Happy to leave it to the experts, but try and find one that is prepared to define a woman. Suddenly "read the science" doesn't apply.
When the transition finishes with growing a womb it will be easier to clarify.

[late_to_the_game]

So any news on 1st grade coaches for next year?
Lake Mac have not named any coaches for any age group yet.

[onlooker]

So any news on 1st grade coaches for next year?
Lake Mac have not named any coaches for any age group yet.

Half the clubs you will have to wait till week 1 to find out the others you will have to do a deep dive through the socials to see who is coaching what grade.

I see better social media presence from the lower zone league clubs than I do from most NPL/NPLW clubs.

[BlackPanther]

There is a review in todays Herald confirming coaches.

Maitland - Joe Wright (Keelan's Assistant)
New Lambton - Aaron Steadman
Azzurri - Heath Whyte
Magic - Jason Konjarski
Olympic - Craig Atkins
Adamstown - Martin Slade
Mid Coast - ??
Lakes - new coach to be announced next week

[Taffy]

Where is Keelan going?

[late_to_the_game]

Thanks for that!

[BlackPanther]

Where is Keelan going?

"Stepping down to spend time with his young family"

[MCG_1997]

As expected read this on the Facebook:
Northern NSW Football has confirmed that Mid Coast Football Club will not enter teams in its NPL Women?s NNSW first and reserve grade competitions from next season.
Read more here: https://nnswf.au/z48abs

[Taffy]

“This working group will investigate the viability, structure and format for a second division that will underpin the NPLW competition as well as consider the possibility of a promotion/relegation structure.

There's barely enough quality now for 7 teams, what makes them think they are going to be able to have two divisions?

[Meggsy]

There is a review in todays Herald confirming coaches.

Maitland - Joe Wright (Keelan's Assistant)
New Lambton - Aaron Steadman
Azzurri - Heath Whyte
Magic - Jason Konjarski
Olympic - Craig Atkins
Adamstown - Martin Slade
Mid Coast - ??
Lakes - new coach to be announced next week

Is that the same "Joseph" Wright that is the Talent Development Coordinator at NNSW

[BlackPanther]

Is that the same "Joseph" Wright that is the Talent Development Coordinator at NNSW

I believe it so.

[I know nothing]

What is the big secret with Lakes and their new HIGH PROFILE COACH they keep bragging about but yet no one has heard a whisper about. Day by day Lakes are getting more and more untrustworthy. Seriously feels sorry for the girls and parents that have somehow been sucked in by them.
Hope they prove me wrong next year. Bring on 2025.

[sideline88]

What is the big secret with Lakes and their new HIGH PROFILE COACH they keep bragging about but yet no one has heard a whisper about. Day by day Lakes are getting more and more untrustworthy. Seriously feels sorry for the girls and parents that have somehow been sucked in by them.
Hope they prove me wrong next year. Bring on 2025.
Well the announcement was a little underwhelming??

[MCG_1997]

I saw the news on LMFC Facebook page. Perhaps, a few Central Coast based players will be coming this way to play for them, the same as their men program.

[I know nothing]

Underwhelming to say the least! I am glad they gave her back ground or no one in Newcastle would know who she was, not the High Profile they were making her out to be. Wish her the best of luck though, she is going to need it, not so much with the girls, just the rest of the club.

[sideline88]

I saw the news on LMFC Facebook page. Perhaps, a few Central Coast based players will be coming this way to play for them, the same as their men program.

i think the club would need to prove themselves to be competitive and produce a good program and style of play before you ll see a mass exodus of female players leaving mariners academy?

[Taffy]

Pete Preston's influence again, he knows a lot of people down on the Central Coast and is able to bring them up. And while she may not bring up players from the Mariners academy she will be able to bring in some girls from Terrigal.

[onlooker]

When are Lake Macquarie going to add the word Mariners to their name, they have closer ties to CCM then the Jets with their coaching recruitment?s..

[Game_over]

Pete Preston's influence again, he knows a lot of people down on the Central Coast and is able to bring them up. And while she may not bring up players from the Mariners academy she will be able to bring in some girls from Terrigal.

That definately helped the men this year :roflz:

[prawnhead]

Pete Preston's influence again, he knows a lot of people down on the Central Coast and is able to bring them up. And while she may not bring up players from the Mariners academy she will be able to bring in some girls from Terrigal.

Academy coaches Taffy - have all the C, B, A then maybe a pro licence, but in senior football it takes a bit more than that.

Believe in the process though.

[Taffy]

That definately helped the men this year :roflz:

Not even Ange could've prevented Lakes from relegation.

[Game_over]

Not even Ange could've prevented Lakes from relegation.

:thumbsup: Ageed

[Taffy]

Sounds like Lakes are splashing the cash around, have brought up quite a few players from the coast and have been targeting quality 1st grade indigenous players from Newcastle clubs and haven't been afraid to offer them above what they are getting at their current club including a couple from Newcastle Olympic and Azzuri.

Apparently they want to make a statement in 2025 and be competing for the Premiership

[onlooker]

So it?s going the way of the men?s competition, over paying players for sub par quality football.

Don?t get me wrong happy to have another senior team being competitive, hopefully will have 7 competitive teams next season. But the out lay of money for what is being produced don?t seem right.

[I know nothing]

Have not been afraid to offer these players above what they are getting at their current club. Seriously! Most of these players are not worth more than their current club is offering, The amount of money some of these clubs are starting to push around is ridiculous and probably why Warners Bay gave up their license in the first place. If this keeps going the whole NPLW will fold within a couple of years. Who wants to spend $130K on players just to win a competition that you receive $5K to win! Makes no sense at all

[anfield]

$200 a game for anyone that starts WNPL First Grade at Lakes is alot of money overall to be spending.

Not very sustainable, I don't think parents of Lakes JDL and PYL players would be happy how much they are paying. Considering the money the club is spending in WNPL.

[Kickandgiggle]

Lakes offering $200 a game seems on par for what is happening in the competition.
21 rounds, $200 a week you?re looking at a $46k spend across the season. Say 60 by the time you pay the bench.

Not saying it?s right, but if that what Lakes spends I would suggest they are spending a lot less than other clubs.

No different to the men?s where it?s not uncommon for players to get sign on bonuses worth thousands. The problem is systematic across football in Australia.

[namwob99]

$200 a game for anyone that starts WNPL First Grade at Lakes is alot of money overall to be spending.

Not very sustainable, I don't think parents of Lakes JDL and PYL players would be happy how much they are paying. Considering the money the club is spending in WNPL.

Could repeat this quote for basically every club in NPL, both men and women?

[Taffy]

Lakes offering $200 a game seems on par for what is happening in the competition.
21 rounds, $200 a week you?re looking at a $46k spend across the season. Say 60 by the time you pay the bench.

Thats $200 minimum, i.e. the players who are getting a standard senior contract and playing reserves if they get called up to start First Grade they will get $200, their big signings are on a lot more than that at least double



No different to the men?s where it?s not uncommon for players to get sign on bonuses worth thousands. The problem is systematic across football in Australia.

That's true

[KITZ]

Have not been afraid to offer these players above what they are getting at their current club. Seriously! Most of these players are not worth more than their current club is offering, The amount of money some of these clubs are starting to push around is ridiculous and probably why Warners Bay gave up their license in the first place. If this keeps going the whole NPLW will fold within a couple of years. Who wants to spend $130K on players just to win a competition that you receive $5K to win! Makes no sense at all

Over your last few posts you are really taking it personally what lakes are doing - don't happen to be the head coach that they didn't want to bring from warners bay by any chance...

They aren't doing anything any other club aren't doing, and are actually taking their women's program as seriously as their men's - there is nothing there a few other clubs couldn't get on board to do right now frankly.

[anfield]

I thought $200 a game was good money for a new WNPL club. I realise Lakes have had a WNPL before.

I mainly meant I'm surprised first year in the outlay considering you can?t get relegated.

[The Magician]

I thought $200 a game was good money for a new WNPL club. I realise Lakes have had a WNPL before.

I mainly meant I'm surprised first year in the outlay considering you can?t get relegated.

The fact is there aint enough "first grade" standard players to go around. Mid Coast was a reserve grade team, so was Warners Bay, not being disrepectful at all but they were decent young girls probably 2-3 years off their actual first grade debuts. Adamstown is filled with promising players, athletic young players that would struggle to break into the first grade at the top 4 clubs. Those top clubs have reserve grade girls better than some of the first graders outside the top 4.

Middies leaving the comp aint help things here in newie as those better girls aint making the trip to newie until they leave school and possibly go uni in newcastle or move here for work. New Lambton become competitive when the 3 jets girls make the transition, before that they are battlers.

Lakes are offering Reserve Grade players from around the comp silly money, good luck to them, there is a real desperation in the women's football in Newcastle, and these Central Coast connections have not bore fruit yet to improve the player pool from a wider area. Lakes will be cheering with he extra 88 nearly $2k regos coming in to get the boys promoted ASAP. Its a players market at the moment, some of the money getting thrown around honestly is quite embarrasing. 400,500, 600+ dollar offers to play, but remember girls, only if you start, will be interesting what actually gets paid out at the end of the season.

There will be 2 teams pushing for the premiership next season, Azzurri and Olympic, then a big gap to the rest, until the A-League girls return to create a few upsets and collect their mortage repayments.

What a time to be alive, one team less next season will help with the deductions, but the comp will be much less competitive?

[Not4theluv]

agree with all of the above - but also wondering what constitutes a top club? is it for example Charlestown because they are offering the best players from other clubs double what they are on at their current club to transfer to them?
is it the clubs using the budget from youth and jdl parents fees and paying overs for players and signing more first graders than the club actually needs so they aren't available for other clubs that in turn makes the rest of the competition weaker?
can't really blame warners bay and midcoast giving it away as they were outside of the top (clubs)spenders/recruiters whatever you want to call them?

[I know nothing]

Over your last few posts you are really taking it personally what lakes are doing - don't happen to be the head coach that they didn't want to bring from warners bay by any chance...

They aren't doing anything any other club aren't doing, and are actually taking their women's program as seriously as their men's - there is nothing there a few other clubs couldn't get on board to do right now frankly.

I am not taking anything personally but any club that gets away with charging 32 youth players $1700-$2000 ea to play community and gets away with it is ridiculous. They can put big words like Academy in their emails but all it means is they are playing community.
As for the Warners Bay head coach I am sure he has been coaching down with Mariners for months. Not sure if he is still there or not but he has nothing to do with me.

[Taffy]

I am not taking anything personally but any club that gets away with charging 32 youth players $1700-$2000 ea to play community and gets away with it is ridiculous.

Come on, they aren't charging $1,700 for their community teams?

[I know nothing]

Come on, they aren't charging $1,700 for their community teams?
No but they are charging $1700 for their ?Academy? teams who play community.

[Taffy]

No but they are charging $1700 for their ?Academy? teams who play community.

There's always one, probably told them the only way they will get selected for Jets is if they play for Lakes, like they have been telling the boys for the past 2 years.

[KITZ]

I am not taking anything personally but any club that gets away with charging 32 youth players $1700-$2000 ea to play community and gets away with it is ridiculous. They can put big words like Academy in their emails but all it means is they are playing community.
As for the Warners Bay head coach I am sure he has been coaching down with Mariners for months. Not sure if he is still there or not but he has nothing to do with me.

You mean like magic who charge their NPL girls $1400 PLUS CLOTHING (around $300), plus costs for wet weather training on top for two nights of training for an hour at a time?

The lakes girls are already back training now 2 nights a week at Speers, they all train together as a group. They are trying to find a solution to NOT lose girls to the game in the in-between age groups and keep them developing at a level equal with those girls in NPL.

BTW Adamstown are charging $1000 for players to train with the squad in each age groups only for a season when they missed out on selection - no playing time at all.

You can take it out on lakes all you want but at least they are trying to keep girls in the game - I can't speak that any other club is advocating to fix what's desperately needed in the girls space in this area for the growth of the sport.

Sydney comp runs JDL 10 to 13s then 14s, 15s, 16s 18s and two senior groups. Then people sit here complaining there's not enough players in the senior space it's because we LOSE them to the game at barely 13 years of age then again at 15. They don't even get a chance to develop before they are outed from the sport in mass numbers. If you are going to have a whinge, have one for the right reasons and its not at a club who can see how many girls WANT to be playing at the best level they can and aren't even remotely getting the opportunity to get themselves there.

[onlooker]

You mean like magic who charge their NPL girls $1400 PLUS CLOTHING (around $300), plus costs for wet weather training on top for two nights of training for an hour at a time?

The lakes girls are already back training now 2 nights a week at Speers, they all train together as a group. They are trying to find a solution to NOT lose girls to the game in the in-between age groups and keep them developing at a level equal with those girls in NPL.

BTW Adamstown are charging $1000 for players to train with the squad in each age groups only for a season when they missed out on selection - no playing time at all.

You can take it out on lakes all you want but at least they are trying to keep girls in the game - I can't speak that any other club is advocating to fix what's desperately needed in the girls space in this area for the growth of the sport.

Sydney comp runs JDL 10 to 13s then 14s, 15s, 16s 18s and two senior groups. Then people sit here complaining there's not enough players in the senior space it's because we LOSE them to the game at barely 13 years of age then again at 15. They don't even get a chance to develop before they are outed from the sport in mass numbers. If you are going to have a whinge, have one for the right reasons and its not at a club who can see how many girls WANT to be playing at the best level they can and aren't even remotely getting the opportunity to get themselves there.

As the coach of Maitland FC U/13?s for 2025 ( and all others except this year) I can say we have always invited players from outside the club to train free of charge we have had girls train all season long and we have bought in groups of girls at different stages of the year for weeks at a time. In season 25 I will have 13 girls from the team age out to 15?s and will still be bringing in more players throughout the year to try and create a bigger pool for selection the following season. We also have some of the girls turning 14 who didn?t make the squad training with the 15?s, again for a bigger pool of players to select from.

[I know nothing]

You mean like magic who charge their NPL girls $1400 PLUS CLOTHING (around $300), plus costs for wet weather training on top for two nights of training for an hour at a time?

The lakes girls are already back training now 2 nights a week at Speers, they all train together as a group. They are trying to find a solution to NOT lose girls to the game in the in-between age groups and keep them developing at a level equal with those girls in NPL.

BTW Adamstown are charging $1000 for players to train with the squad in each age groups only for a season when they missed out on selection - no playing time at all.

You can take it out on lakes all you want but at least they are trying to keep girls in the game - I can't speak that any other club is advocating to fix what's desperately needed in the girls space in this area for the growth of the sport.

Sydney comp runs JDL 10 to 13s then 14s, 15s, 16s 18s and two senior groups. Then people sit here complaining there's not enough players in the senior space it's because we LOSE them to the game at barely 13 years of age then again at 15. They don't even get a chance to develop before they are outed from the sport in mass numbers. If you are going to have a whinge, have one for the right reasons and its not at a club who can see how many girls WANT to be playing at the best level they can and aren't even remotely getting the opportunity to get themselves there.

Your point about Magic has nothing to do with a club charging girls that amount of money only to play Community. In looking at the Adamstown offers of $1000 to train, the girls still play community, at any club, but train with Adamstown to further develop. The cost of that is still 700 dollars cheaper. I am not taking anything out on Lakes, I wanted people to know they were charging a LOT of money only for the girls to play COMMUNITY, this is what I do not agree with and it shouldn?t be allowed.

[Not4theluv]

$1000 for a full years training with a club that has a proven track record of developing youth female footballers sounds like a good deal - compared to some of the other offers mentioned or even the cash that parents are prepared to pay for so called private group coaching sessions available around the traps.

[Bremsstrahlung]

I was browsing reddit the other day and came across somebody from Sydney posting.

Their daughter was 17, had aspirations of playing ALW.

They had an agent approach them and asked for $10K to help manage her career.

The girl played community. Not in ALW academy. Not even NPL. They were genuinely interested if that was a good investment in their daughter’s football career.


That is the state that football is in and how poorly educated some parents are about the whole thing.
While parents pay, clubs can charge whatever they like.

[Taffy]

You mean like magic who charge their NPL girls $1400 PLUS CLOTHING (around $300), plus costs for wet weather training on top for two nights of training for an hour at a time?

No they don't mean like Magic who are charging $1,700 fow WNPL, they are talking about charging for a community competition.



BTW Adamstown are charging $1000 for players to train with the squad in each age groups only for a season when they missed out on selection - no playing time at all.

Another rort.


You can take it out on lakes all you want but at least they are trying to keep girls in the game

This would be more believable, if it is for those age groups that do struggle to get in like U14s and U16s but it isn't. Would also be a bit more believable if they weren't charging nearly $2,000 for it.

It's not about trying to keep girls in the game at all, it is about making money.

[WOW2.0]

I was browsing reddit the other day and came across somebody from Sydney posting.

Their daughter was 17, had aspirations of playing ALW.

They had an agent approach them and asked for $10K to help manage her career.


You see so many of these agent scams on FB too...my favourite is the one where they claim they have taken kids overseas and into European academies through their agency

I keep asking how they get passed FIFA Article 19 (that prevents u18s joining football systems in foreign countries) I keep getting blocked though. :-P

(3 exceptions do exist, i.e. the distance between the two national borders, distance between their residence and the academy they will train at, and if your parents move to that country for unrelated work purposes)

[Meggsy]

BTW Adamstown are charging $1000 for players to train with the squad in each age groups only for a season when they missed out on selection - no playing time at all.

Another rort.


Buds are on a serious money grab! My daughter is in their 13s this season having come up through the JDL ranks. There are 20 registered players in that age group alone plus the "train on" players mentioned above. It is a rort.

[Not4theluv]

but you are happy to be involved in a so called rort, haha

[sideline88]

but you are happy to be involved in a so called rort, haha

you'd think if parents felt so strongly about it they just take the kids out and move them onto another club in another program...... surely all the programs offered in the girls space are of a similar quality? :wink:

[I know nothing]

BTW Adamstown are charging $1000 for players to train with the squad in each age groups only for a season when they missed out on selection - no playing time at all.

Another rort.


Buds are on a serious money grab! My daughter is in their 13s this season having come up through the JDL ranks. There are 20 registered players in that age group alone plus the "train on" players mentioned above. It is a rort.

Would much prefer $1000 to $1700.
Parents want to give their kids the best opportunity they can to be good at the sport they love. To a certain extent there is nothing wrong with that, but the money is absolutely ridiculous!!
if you don?t like it pull your daughter out and move on so someone else can get picked.
I don?t agree with any of it but that?s all you can do.

[Addios]

Would much prefer $1000 to $1700.
Parents want to give their kids the best opportunity they can to be good at the sport they love. To a certain extent there is nothing wrong with that, but the money is absolutely ridiculous!!
if you don?t like it pull your daughter out and move on so someone else can get picked.
I don?t agree with any of it but that?s all you can do.

Depending on what the training is like and how many. a $1000 for the year might be ok, eg 40 weeks, 3 times a week gives 120 sessions is 8.50 asession.

Wonder how Maitland does it for free?