Achievements

[av_heading heading=’All Achievements’ tag=’h3′ link=” link_target=” style=” size=” subheading_active=” subheading_size=’15’ margin=” padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” custom_class=” id=” admin_preview_bg=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=”][/av_heading]

[av_toggle_container initial=’0′ mode=’accordion’ sort=” styling=” colors=” font_color=” background_color=” border_color=” colors_current=” font_color_current=” background_current=” background_color_current=” background_gradient_current_color1=” background_gradient_current_color2=” background_gradient_current_direction=’vertical’ hover_colors=” hover_background_color=” hover_font_color=” alb_description=” id=” custom_class=” av_uid=’av-1985ll’]
[av_toggle title=’2019′ tags=” custom_id=”]

Congratulations to all our 2020 competition winners!

In our flagship competitions this season, Lindfield A broke the five-year dominance of Northbridge in the Women’s Premier League, while Willoughby Dalleys secured their first Men’s Premier League title since 2014.

Northbridge and Lindfield finished with ten premierships each, followed by North Sydney United with seven.

Junior Girls Competition Winners

• G12/2 – Northbridge C
• G14/2 – Northbridge B

Women’s Competition Winners

• WAA2 – Northbridge B

Junior Mixed Competition Winners

• U12/6 – Northbridge F
• U13/Super League – Northbridge A
• U15/Super League – Northbridge A
• U18/2 – Northbridge B

Men’s Competition Winners

• M35/2 – Northbridge
• M45/2 – Northbridge

2019

MAA Div PL

On behalf of the NSFA I wanted to congratulate you and your squad and Northbridge FC for your maiden win in the Senior Mixed Premier League competition, sealed last Saturday afternoon.

It has been a long time coming. 2019 is your 15^th season in Premier League, albeit in 6 different spells. (1988,1995-2001,2003,2009-2011,2016,2018-2019). However, you have dominated the competition this season with one of the best squads I have seen in almost 40 years refereeing and watching Premier League.

G18A Div 1

Our girls G18A had a huge win today in the G18 Shield Final, defeating Lindfield by 10-0. The first team to win back-to-back Shield finals, having also won it last year. WELL DONE

G16 A Academy Remarkable Season

The Northbridge U16 Red Academy team capped off a remarkable season with a dominant 7-1 victory against Bonnyrigg FC in the Champion of Champions Grand Final at Valentine Park on Sunday.

The Northbridge Academy team of the year rose to the challenge of the big occasion and while the result was one sided, the red and white had to work hard against a skillful and determined opposition. 

But it was the Northbridge passing game driven from midfield that ultimately the champions of Southern Districts had no answer for, as the Academy team time and time again shifted the ball around the park with unbroken sequences of up to 13 passes opening up Bonnyrigg time after time.  Every player contributed in a true team performance.

Northbridge’s forwards were clinical and ruthless, and the scoreline made amends for results that flattered some opposition earlier in the campaign.  Team captain Liv Kearney led the line and scored five, with Arabella Ohlsson and Arabella Hendricks also finding the net.

While there were plenty of goals scored, special mention must be made of the Northbridge defence.  During the NSFA season the ‘Great Wall of Northbridge’ conceded just seven goals.  They were even more miserly in the Champion of Champions competition, conceding just two goals in five games against the very best NSW community teams.

Congratulations to all players  and team officials for a stellar season  A special mention must be made to coach Ciaran McCabe who has worked with this group of players for many years and built an outstanding team who have impressed all with their skill, determination and sportsmanship, and shown themselves to be at the pinnacle of youth community football in NSW.

From all at Northbridge FC – congratulations on your hard work being rewarded with this result and we are proud of you all.

By Malcolm Wells

COMPETITION WINNERS

Congratulations to all our 2019 competition winners!

In our flagship competitions this season, Northbridge secured their first ever Men’s Premier League title and a fifth successive Women’s Premier League – further improving upon their record set last season.

Overall it was Lindfield who produced the highest number of competition winners with 13, followed by Northbridge (nine) and North Sydney United (seven).

Junior Mixed Competition Winners

U14/3 – Northbridge B
U18/4 – Northbridge B

Men’s Competition Winners

Men’s Premier League – Northbridge
MAA4R – Northbridge

Junior Girls Competition Winners

G12/2 – Northbridge Hot Chillies
G12/3 – Northbridge NPS Tigers
G16/Diamond League – Northbridge Red
G18/1 – Northbridge B

Women’s Competition Winners

Women’s Premier League – Northbridge A

FINAL SERIES

Northbridge secured the Men’s Premier League and final series double at Northbridge Oval with a 3-0 win over Willoughby Dalleys FC. Women’s Premier League champions Northbridge A were shocked in the final as North Sydney United secured a 2-1 win.

Junior Mixed Final Series Winners

U12/3 – Northbridge C
U12/4 – Northbridge D
U14/3 – Northbridge B

Men’s Final Series Winners

Men’s Premier League – Northbridge
Men’s Premier League Reserves – Northbridge
MAA5 – Northbridge
M35/2 – Northbridge

Junior Girls Competition Winners

G12/3 – Northbridge NPS Tigers
G16/Diamond League – Northbridge Red
G18/1 – Northbridge B
[/av_toggle]
[av_toggle title=’2018′ tags=” av_uid=’av-124mix’ custom_id=”]

Special mention Women’s All-Age Division 1 winners Northbridge A, who have secured their fourth successive league titles. Northbridge A have now set a record for most consecutive titles in WAA1

[/av_toggle]
[av_toggle title=’2017′ tags=” av_uid=’av-z2o6x’ custom_id=”]

2017 NFSA GALA DAY WEEKEND – GROUP WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP

Age Group – Winner – Runner-Up
Under 12 Group 1 – Lindfield FC A – Northbridge Football Club A
Under 12 Group 3 – Wahroonga Football Club B – Northbridge G
Under 14 Group 1 – Hornsby Heights Football Club A – Northbridge C
Under 15 Group 1 – Northbridge – Lindfield B
GU14 Group 2 – Chatswood Rangers Sports Club A – Northbridge C
GU16 Group 1 – Northbridge A – Northbridge C

[/av_toggle]
[av_toggle title=’2015′ tags=” av_uid=’av-pr2eh’ custom_id=”]
2015 Milestones & Highlights. The Wrap!

The Club continued to grow, the last count was over 2,600 players. This growth was never by design; the Club doesn’t even promote itself. We believe it has a lot to do with the Club’s development programs, player retention and the broadening appeal of football with both boys and girls on the North Shore.

Joe Haywood’s FNSW Men won everything! The Premiership and Championship. The Club Men in turn were promoted in to the FNSW Premier League, which in turn meant we could offer SAP to our Junior Players in 2016.

Guy Watson’s NSFA Women didn’t lose a game and went on to become our first ever NSFA Division One Premiers. Hopefully the Men won’t be far behind after Stuart Mather won promotion into NSFA Division One with his Squad this year.

The Club took a record 27 teams to the Kanga Cup in Canberra this year. The 5 day event attracts teams from around Australia and Asia.

Both the Under12 and Under15 Boys FNSW Regional Youth League Teams took their titles this Season. The 15s went on to win the Grand Final and the Cross Over Final.

Popular Club Head Coach Joe Haywood was appointed as Head Coach of the Central Coast Mariners National Youth League Team this summer.

Our NSFA Under 12 Girls won the State Cup, also know as the Cheryl Salisbury Cup. This is the 3rd time in 4 years we have won this NSW wide competition, results that show the development programs in place a are working pretty well.

The Under 13 NSFA Boys and Under 14 NSFA Girls both had great seasons winning their way into the State Wide Champion of Champions knock out competition where both teams reached the final series.

The FNSW Under 15 girls had a great season with coach Billy Pappas. The girls came in second, just behind the FNSW Institute team, but they went onto win their Grand Final.

Our FNSW Women Reserves won their title but missed out in the Grand Final.
As for grounds, headway was made with the opening of the new Thompson Park facility with its synthetic pitch, but we still have a long way to go to meet the needs and expectations of the growing football population.

Summer Football was a great example of how synthetic fields come into their own. Each Friday evening over 700 juniors would play in the Summer Competition at Northbridge Oval – don’t try that on a grass field.

On that note, Summer Football once again grew and it is clear that this is another area that will need to be considered when designing facilities for the future.

When it comes to the top football educators the Club has this season attracted two of the best with Wayne ‘Sully’ O’Sullivan and Spencer Prior.

A special thanks to all our volunteers. Well done to Duncan Sanby for being awarded Volunteer of the Year and Martin Dickey who was Clubman of the Year.

Thanks to all our sponsors including Rebel Sports, Link Market Services, The Planning Room, BlueStar Printing, the Willoughby Hotel and AMP Northbridge Plaza.

Also thanks to gun Sports and Event photographer, Lachie Murnaghan for his brilliant shots.
Northbridge FC continues to be Australia’s biggest club, girls, boys, men and women. The Club also has Australia’s largest Development Academy, we have already played our part in developing a number of players for the world stage, we look to increase this over the coming years with our Central Coast Mariners A League and W League pathways.

Enjoy the New Year and let’s see everyone safely back again in 2016.

North Shore Mariners take on The Central Coast Mariners

The North Shore lads had a great run against the Central Coast Mariners up at the new Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence.

Not bad when you can have a practice game against the best when you are about to start a Final’s Campaign.

Highlight for the North Shore Team was a cracking 40 metre chip over the Keeper for a goal from local legend, Lee Jones.

North Shore Mariners win State League One Grand Final

Reduced to 10 players in the second half the Mariners managed to defend well and play out an exciting 4 -3 win over a very gallant Hills Brumbies Team.

Lee Jones also grabbed Goal of The Day and Man of The Match. Bad luck to the Mariners State League One Under 18s who went down in a penalty shootout in their Grand Final

RYL U15’s NSM Achievements

The boys did really well this year. NSM U15’s achieved the following:

• Regional Youth League 15’s Premiers
• Regional Youth League 15’s Champions
• Regional Cross over 15’s Champions

They only lost 1 game and drew 1 game all season. They were premiers by 9 points and then won the 2 Grand Finals for the championships.

Under 15s beat the FNSW Institute team to take the Grand Final

The girls gave coach Billy Papas a great send off with a brilliant 2-0 win over the fancied Institute team.

It had been a great competition between these top two teams all season. The Institute took out the Premiership so it was nice that the girls got one back in the Grand Final.

Well done to Billy and all the girls.

Mayor joins the party

Great to see Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles- Gidney enjoying the action down at Northbridge Oval on Sunday.

Gail was also on hand to present the 2015 Football NSW State League One Premier’s Trophy to the team.

Also nice to have Team sponsor Phillip Muhlbauer from Link Market Services there as well.

North Shore Mariners invited to trial with Central Coast Mariners

Northbridge / North Shore Mariners players Lee Jones and Tom Bentham are enjoying the Central Coast Mariners Camp.

The lads also were part of the starting 11 in the first trial game in Canberra. Tom heading home a goal and Lee chipping in with a nice assist.

6 teams reach Kanga Finals

Northbridge took a record 27 teams to the Kanga Cup in Canberra over the holiday break.

It was a great week of football and 6 of the teams made it through to their age group Grand Final.

Under 11 A and B Girls. Under 12 Girls. Under 14 Girls. Under 15 Boys. Under 10 Boys.

The Under 10 Bears and the Under 11 Girls both went onto win their Finals.

Under12 Girls Win Cheryl Salisbury Cup [FNSW State Cup]

For the second year in a row Northbridge girls have won this prestigious Trophy.

The Final was in fact an all NSFA affair, with the Willoughby Girls up against the very strong Hornsby Heights Team.

Having two local teams playing off in the final is a reflection of the strength of the local competition.

FNSW State League One 2015 Title Winners

Joe Haywood and the North Shore Mariners have won the title with 4 rounds still to play. The Northbridge based team have gone the who season undefeated. Next goal will be to wrap up the Club Championship. Well done to Joe, Ricky and the whole Team.

NSFA All Age Women Win the Division One Title

This is a first for Northbridge. We have never won either the Men’s or Women’s All Age Division One Title before.

The girls did it with one round still to play. Well done to the whole squad and to coach Guy Watson. May this be the first of many for the Club.

Joe Haywood and the North Shore Mariners have won the title with 4 rounds still to play. The Northbridge based teamhave gone the who season undefeated. Next goal will be to wrap up the Club Championship.

Well done to Joe, Ricky and the whole Team. This is a first for Northbridge. We have never won either the Men’s or Women’s All Age Division One Title before. The girls did it with one round still to play. Well done to the whole squad and to coach Guy Watson. May this be the first of many for the Club.
[/av_toggle]
[av_toggle title=’2014′ tags=” av_uid=’av-jzqo1′ custom_id=”]
Under12 Girls win FNSW Champion of Champions.

A 3-1 win against AC United this morning gave the Northbridge girls representing the NSFA the Champion of Champions Title.

Coming from a goal down the girls played a highly skilled game to fight back with 3 goals of their own.
This completes a unique double for the team by winning both the FNSW State Cup and the Champion of Champions both in the same season.

Northbridge Under 8 Academy at Castle Hill Gala Day

As we awoke on Sunday to the 5 degree morning cold, all I could think was thankfully it was sunny so at least it would warm up for a great footballing day. The Castle Hill Gala Day (CastleHaven Cup) last year was a great day and this year was much the same.

Academy were runners up last year and they had so much fun that this year we took our Under 8 Academy White Squad (with a couple of the Under 9s) out to Caterson Park. We weren’t overly optimistic at the beginning of the day but once again our boys showed they are made of stern stuff and as the day rolled on, trickles of hope turned into streams of confidence, and then into rivers of belief as our team knocked over some big Under 9 teams to give the competition a real shake – but unfortunately we missed out on going into the Quarter finals by the narrowest of margins.

U12G undefeated winners of Div 6

Castle Cove Public School based friendship had a cracker of a season winning all 14 games. Rock on Semis…

Saturday Coach Tim Warren and the team (Back row: Jack Lawrence, Alex Coney, Omar Marouk, Ethan Malolakis, Ben Mansfield, Arthur Wong, Hamish Grant, Sascha Debney-Matixzik. Front row: Jake Handley, Angus Warren, Nicholas Meagher, Laurian Le Loc’H, Charlie Stevens. Nic Opie missing)

U8 Academy Teams at Rockdale Suns Gala Day

Northbridge U8 White and Red Academy teams participated in this well organised tournament that was remarkably competitive for what was billed as a “non-competitive” Gala Day.

Overall we should be very proud of our boys. We scored 22 goals and only conceded 2 (neither from the boot of the opposition – both unlucky own goals).

Our boys played very well against good competition and if we had managed to get over St George and IFS (who are probably two of the best U8 teams in the state) and progressed past our pool then I think we were a good shot at winning the whole thing. These tournaments are good at exposing the boys to different styles of play and they also got to play on a Premier League ground.

14C Minor Premiers

Congratulations boys, hold your heads high, you are Minor Premiers!! Not 1st at any stage during the season until the business end when it mattered.The boys were fabulous today, passing, calling, running into space to constantly turn Berowa around and give their goalie a tough day out at the office.
The starring plays of the day kept coming from the left side when deft passes from Steven & Patrick found Spencer & Robert (1st goal of season) well placed and unmarked as they slotted in goals, before Steven found his mojo to slot 2 through traffic for a 4-0 half time.

The left hand dominance continued in the second half as a sweet pass from Brendan found an unmarked Adam to slot through his first goal of the season. Needing a 6 goal margin to claim the Minor Premiership it fell to Sahil to take a patient penalty shot to establish that score much to the delight of all the boys!! Sahil then sealed the deal with a running double to give a trifecta for the day before Steven wrapped it up with one more for a trifecta of his own.

Christian, Isaac and Lachlan toiled away at the back to ensure the few Berowa breaks were shut down ensuring that they stayed at Nil but the running defence of Robert that turned on the left side attacking raids stole the show to claim the Man of the Match prize. Bring on the finals!!

Kanga Cup 2014 Breakthrough

Congratulations to the Northbridge G10 White Flames on their Grand Final victory at the U10 Female Cup at this year’s Kanga Cup.

Northbridge have been keen supporters of the week long Kanga Cup that is played each season in the mid year school holidays.

Northbridge have over the years worked their way into the Finals but never actually won any of the age groups. Last week saw the Girls U10 White Flames, Girls U11A and the U9 Academy White (aka Barcelona) all head into the Finals, all with a chance of snagging that elusive trophy.

As the G11s and U9s fell in high standard, extremely competitive games the G10s held on and won their title. It was certainly not easy, they were up against a very talented Brindabella team who pushed them all the way. Nil all after full time, the game got down to a penalty shootout. The girls went through undefeated and won the final with a tense penalty shoot out after extra time against the Brindabella Blues Little Divas.

With the side lines full of nervous parents the girls on both teams took up the challenge and delivered World Cup style excitement. The Northbridge Girls got there 3-2 much to the relief of the large contingent of supporters, who had travelled down from Willoughby. Their coach for the week, Bryany Parker, and manager Leanne Taylor did a fantastic job leading the girls through a week of tough games, team dinners and cold weather of Canberra.

Congratulations to the girls and all involved.

Northbridge Girls State Cup Success

Congratulations to coach Ry Hardy and his G12 Academy A team on their Cheryl Salisbury Cup (G12 State Cup) victory.

The State Cup is a FA Cup style knock out competition. Any team can register to compete and it attracts the best teams from all over Sydney and around the State.

This year Northbridge entered girls in the Under12, 14 and 16 age groups. Both the 14s and 16s did well but didn’t make the Finals.

The Under12s, however, went through to the Grand Final without conceding one goal. But they were up against a very strong Pagewood Botany side. ”We knew that Pagewood were good, they had just beaten us in the Kanga Cup 3 days earlier.”

The game was a showcase for girls football with both teams showing great ball control and accurate passing. Northbridge played an attacking game and were rewarded with a great goal late in the first half.

The second half had the supporters on the edge of their seats as Pagewood pressed hard for the equaliser. But gun Northbridge Goalkeeper Lucinda Singhi held onto everything and the game was Northbridge’s.

Local Derby attracts Mayor

Newly elected Mayor of Willoughby Gail Giles- Gidney was on the sidelines to enjoy the Mother’s Day local Derby between Lindfield and Northbridge.

Lindfield and Northbridge Girls and Women have had a great history of close hard fought games. On this occasion the A and B games were again very tight with Lindfield getting the points. Nice to have Gail there to present the Player of the Match Award.
[/av_toggle]
[av_toggle title=’2013′ tags=” av_uid=’av-euell’ custom_id=”]
Northbridge FC Girls GU6-GU10

For the first time U6 & U7 girls can now play in an all girl competition which will be played on Saturday during the normal mixed competition. Girls in Kindergarten and Year 1 still have the choice of playing in mixed teams from their class groups etc but the all girl competition will only involve girls v girls. The all girl competition for GU8-GU10s is played on Sundays.
Dates for trials in March will be updated shortly.
Interested players can contact Martin Dickey on martin@genesistax.com.au or 0408 466 754 for more information.

2013/2014 6-A-Side Summer Comp

After an exciting Finals Round, Liquorice Allsorts won the inaugural Women’s Grand Final beating the Devils in a tight 4-3 game.  The team is shown above brandishing the Pat Reilly Memorial Trophy.
The Men’s Div 2 was won by the Thin Blue Line and Div 1 by Dalleys for the second season running.

Northbridge FC host international

New Zealand Schoolgirls took on the Australian Schoolgirls in an event hosted by Northbridge FC and the Willoughby Council on Wednesday the 2nd of October, at Bicentennial Oval in Willoughby.
Great to hear the New Zealand girls sing their national anthem before the game. A good crowd turned out to watch an exciting game in perfect conditions. New Zealand started brightly and dominated the early exchanges and took the lead after 15 minutes. Australia fought back strongly with 3 goals before half time. The game changed after half time with New Zealand fighting back with two more goals before Australia sealed the game with late goals of their own, eventually running out 5-3 winners.
It was a great exhibition of girl’s football and we look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.

New Zealand seen here in their white strip while Australia wore the NSW strip.

2013 was a successful season for State League Men and Boys

The season has drawn to a close and it has been one of the most successful in the Men/Boys  Northbridge FC’s  State League history. It has also been a very long season starting from mid January and continuing until the end of September  with some teams playing more than 30 matches.
How does one measure success ? If one compares where the teams were at the start of the season and the quality of the football played by all the teams at the end of the season, there was significant development in skill and team work by all the teams.
We also came FIRST IN THE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, where the points from all the teams (except u16) are aggregated on a formula to determine the ultimate club winner.  If we include the u16’s on the table with the normal points system, we won that too by an even bigger margin. So whichever way one cuts the ladders we won.
Congratulations to all the teams with the Men winning their division, the u20’s coming second, , the u18’s coming third and the u16’s second.
We also were successful off the field where our teams were recognised as playing and winning with skill.   Our travelling parents and supporters were also recognised as being fair minded and friendly.
It was total commitment by all the men and boys to continually keep focus and play with skill and determination. This was shown all the way through until the last weekend against Gladesville where we won games coming back from behind.
It has been a long season and lets thank all the coaches for what was total commitment by them. They have all put in a significant effort and contribution to help the boys achieve what they did. They provided the men/boys with the tools to develop and were always there to assist with determination when the teams were down.
A big thank you to our managers who have toiled unpaid and contributed a significant portion of their free time and lives to the team and the club. Without these people, we would not have a club. The managers we have are some of the nicest people I have ever worked with.
A big thank you to our sponsors STATE  CUSTODIANS  Mortgage Company who contributed a sizeable amount to reducing our deficit and also all the people from Northbridge FC who toiled behind the scenes making it all happen.  If you need a mortgage or are re financing, please give State Custodians a call and check their competitive rates.
This Friday night is the awards night at Football NSW where we will receive our trophies and their will be a sizeable troop of players and coaches attending who will taste some of their success and enjoy their kudos.
These trophies will be awarded again on the 26th October WHERE YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO OUR END OF SEASON DINNER/AWARDS EVENING.  It is going to be a great night and a rewarding end to the season. All boys will receive an award so it will be nice to see all of them there.
Finally, to the 2014 season. It will be good to see all the boys return and lets try and make the teams even stronger for next year.
Kind regards,
Mark Nicholaeff

Northbridge FC – 2013 State League One Premiership winners

What a final day of football in the 2013 State League One competition, with Northbridge taking advantage of Dully’s slip up at Bensons Lane to snatch the Premiership via a last gasp injury time winner at Gladesville. Elsewhere, Hakoah Sydney City East and Granville Rage both consolidated their semi final positions with comfortable home victories over Nepean and Camden respectively, Inter Lions jumped to 8^th spot with a win over Prospect at Concord Oval, whilst WNSW Mariners avoided the dreaded wooden spoon courtesy of their 3-1 triumph over Balmain Tigers. Our focus this week was at Magdala Park where both Gladesville Ryde Magic and Northbridge had plenty to play for, the attention also spreading across the State as all Round 22 and final matches of the season were being played simultaneously.

Gladesville Ryde Magic – Northbridge FC 2-3

Northbridge FC scored an injury time winner at Magdala Park against Gladesville Ryde Magic to hurdle previous league leaders, Dulwich Hill, and snatch the 2013 State League One Premiership  in a remarkable final day of the season.A warm and sunny afternoon greeted both teams to Magdala Park, the match crucial for the home side who were in need of a win foremost, and then hoping for two other results in other games to go their way in a bid to sneak into the semi-finals and extend their season by at least one more week.The visitors, similarly, needed a win and prayed for results in two other games to go against both Dulwich Hill and Balmain FC in a bid to snatch the ultimate Premiership prize on the last day of the season proper.As the results of other games filtered through, coach Joe Hayward made some telling late tactical changes to give Northbridge added direction, and his charges delivered the knockout blow and win the title. However, it was Gladesville that started the better in the opening minutes with captain Johnny Martinez forcing Northbridge keeper, Sean Mulhern, to touch a dipping free kick over the bar after Majid Eslami was fouled during a twisting run into the penalty box. Magic were at it again in the 9^th minute with striker, Mitchell Smith, racing through the defence and squeezing off a shot from 8 metres that Mulhern just managed to push around the near post. For their part Northbridge were looking to utilize the undoubted abilities of their target man up front, Tom Bentham, with balls to feet and support options in the form of hard-working Ry Hardy, Michael Cole and Paul Orgad. It took until the 25^th minute for Northbridge to expose the Gladesville defence and it took an incisive through ball from Bentham in midfield to release Hardy down the left channel. The speedy winger expertly rounded his defender but blasted his shot well over the bar from 8 metres much to the dismay of the travelling fans. However, it was only minutes later that Northbridge struck their first goal of the afternoon when energetic fullback, Lee Jones, ripped in a curling cross to a crowded penalty area. Michael Cole got the slightest of touches with his head on the near post and the ball flew into the 6-yard box where a charging Bentham side-footed the ball into the net, 1-0 Northbridge. Neither side were able to create any further opportunities in the first half, and referee, the experienced Tom Diakos, blew for drinks right on cue as scores started to come in front around the grounds. Both sides started the second half with purpose on the ball and passion in the tackle. Courage and desperation was on show for all to see in the 56^th minute when Northbridge’s Lee Jones hit a piledriver of a shot from 35 metres that Gladesville captain Johnny Martinez blocked with his head on the edge of the penalty area. The ball flew into touch as Martinez received attention from the medic and applause for his bravery from the assembled crowd. Later in the half Sean Mulhern, the Northbridge keeper, also required attention for a head wound after colliding with the upright as he desperately dove backwards to clear the ball after a dangerous cross. Jones was in the thick of the action again in the 60^th minute when he beat his man out wide during a customary overlapping run, delivering the ball to the feet of Bentham in the 6-yard box. The big striker turned his marker and tapped the ball goal bound but was denied by the feet of Gladesville keeper Kiriakos Tohouroglo as he spread himself to divert the ball to safety. Opportunities were traded equally in the ensuing minutes with Gladesville looking almost certain to score in the 65^th minute when Smith and Yavuz Ekinci combined to set Eslami through on goal. The elusive striker lobbed the ball past an outstretched Mulhern only to see it cleared off the line by the retreating defence. Northbridge were next to threaten on 67 minutes when Jones pushed a curling free kick beyond the wall and the goal from the edge of the area after Hardy had been fouled on the edge of the box. Magic almost stole an equaliser shortly afterwards, when some casual passing in defence by Northbridge saw substitute Peter Yannopolous intercept the ball just 12 metres from goal. The young striker moved at pace toward goal but keeper Mulhern did well to close the space and get down low to block the eventual shot. Gladesville eventually levelled the scores in the 69^th minute when Cameron Newton launched a tantalizing freekick from the right side of the Northbridge penalty area that beat everyone except Eslami who charged in from the far post to bundle the ball over the line from 2 metres. Northbridge were stunned but were not about to let this game slip from their grasp. From the kick-off and without Gladesville touching the ball a series of quick one-two’s released captain Ricky Woodward on the edge of the area. The hard-working midfielder calmly rounded an on-rushing Tohouroglou to regain the lead for his team with a side foot into the empty net.As legs became tired and challenges more desperate chances at both ends fired up the assembled crowd over the last 10 minutes. Firstly Ekinci launched a teasing cross that bounced off the far upright in the 80^thminute, whilst almost immediately, Hardy for Northbridge at the other end sped into the box, drew the cover defence before squaring the ball to an unmarked Bentham who mishit his first time, left foot effort, allowing Tohouroglou to nullify the opportunity. Gladesville’s Yannopolous had been creating some havoc for the Northbridge defence since coming on as substitute. In the 87^th minute Smith released him down the right channel where he sped into the box, drilling a low hard shot across the face of goal that beat Mulhern before hitting the inside of the far post and re-bounding into play. However, it was in the 90^th minute that Gladesville would eventually conjure another equalizer for the match. Northbridge’s substitute Mitchell Lensink caused an unnecessary and hotly disputed foul on the edge of the box that allowed Ekinci to launch another freekick towards the Northbridge goal. The flight of the ball deceived all players before hitting the inside of the post, rebounding across the goal line and being hammered home by Eslami. In the dying minutes it was Gladesville who threw caution to the wind as they were determined to finish the season on a high. Pushing forward at a tired Northbridge defence it was Gladesville’s Smith who closed in on goal and drove from 12 metres. Northbridge were glad to have a keeper of  Mulhern’s quality when it counts and the custodian managed to launch himself at full stretch to push the ball away to safety and deny Smith a possible winner. However, Northbridge were not to denied, and with whispers of a possible Premiership title within reach as scores filtered through from other grounds, it was that man Lensink who emerged as a saviour for his club. Three minutes earlier it was Lensink who had fouled to give Gladesville the opportunity to equalize. Villain one minute, hero the next, as now, in the 93^rd minute, he was released down the rightside channel where he sped into the box and slammed a drive from 9 metres into the net, delivering a Premiership title to his club in the process. For the home side, Gladesville Ryde Magic relinquish their 2012 title with their heads held high. A poor start by their own standards, Magic recovered to slowly climb the ladder, point by point, rung by rung, where they kept the top five honest by still being in with a chance for finals football until the final moments of the final day of the season. Northbridge FC can duly celebrate, having themselves recovered from an average start to 2013, turning their season around with some committed displays as they arm wrestled for the Premiership over the final weeks with both Dulwich Hill and Balmain. Hats off to Joe Hayward and his merry men from Northbridge, they take out the first piece of silverware in State League One, and now have the first week of the finals to put their feet up and rest as the top five commence their assault on the Grand Final trophy.

Northbridge prepare to defend their World Masters Gold Medal

Members of the Northbridge Over 35s are heading to Torino in Italy to defend the Gold Medal they won at the Sydney 40+ World Masters in 2009. The team certainly didn’t have it easy last time, knocking over a team of former Socceroos including Yankos, Tobin and Wade in the Final. Competition is expected to be even harder this time round so the boys will be working hard to keep away from too much Peroni and Pizza prior to the Competition. We wish the boys, nick named the Master Class, all the best.

Northbridge FC Womens Premier League Victory

Matildas head coach Hesterine de Reus was a special guest alongside FIFAs first Australian representative Moya Dodd who  both took in the sights and sounds of what was an enthralling round 11 action packed match between Northbridge FC and
the Illawarra Stingrays on the 9th June 2013. The home side took full advantage on what was a memorable victory for Northbridge FC at Northbridge Oval as they defeated top of the table side Illawarra Stingrays 2-1. At the conclusion of the match de Reus took the time out in chatting to the Northbridge FC squad and also got an official photo taken with the head Matildas coach. The Dutch born coach stated at this year’s Premier League launch that she was keen on watching as many Womens Premier League matches as possible with the hope of unearthing new future Matildas internationals.
-By Mark Stavroulakis More details visit www.northshorefootballblog.com.au
[/av_toggle]
[av_toggle title=’2012′ tags=” av_uid=’av-quzt’ custom_id=”]
Northbridge FC Over35s Grand Fianl Winners

CONGRATULATIONS Northbridge O35 – Winner of the Grand Final of the FNSW Champion of Champions tournament.

The Grand Final was the culmination of an incredible season for the squad as champions of NSFA (KDSA) and also winning the FNSW State Cup for the second time in 3 years.

Over 35 Men: Northbridge overpower Engadine Eagles 4-3 in seven goal thriller.

Northbridge overpowered Engadine Eagles 4-3 in a seven goal thriller that was decided in golden goal in the Over 35 Mens EA SPORTS Champions of Champions final.

Northbridge looked the goods and were cruising along at 3-0 up with 25’ minutes left on the clock, but a massive fight back by Engadine Eagles sent the game into extra-time with former Socceroo Jason Van Blerk scoring the winner in golden goal.

Northbridge carved out the first real chance of the game as Rory Collins delivered a tantalising cross into the box finding Shaun Kendrigan, but his grounded shot was no trouble for Glenn Hickey after 10’ minutes of play.

Jason Van Blerk won his side a penalty on 26’ minutes after being brought down in the box, and converted with a powerful low left footed drive to put Northbridge up 1-0.

Engadine Eagles were struggling to combat Northbridge’s passing game in the early stages but almost equalised as Matt Yim gave the ball away in his own area, with Michael Payne intercepting the wayward pass only for Brett Hatherall to smother up his shot from close range.

Ex-Socceroo Jason Van Blerk turned provider in the 40’ minute with an in-swinging corner that was powerfully headed into the back of the net by Craig Moffitt which put Northbridge in a commanding position.

Northbridge’s Chris Charlton almost pulled off a spectacular just before half-time with a magnificent half-volley that bounced off the crossbar.

Following the break, Northbridge had a great chance to stretch their lead even further as Gavin Dennis delivered a cross met by Scott Moffitt, but he couldn’t control his shot.

Northbridge didn’t have to wait long though as Chris Charlton showed great control to bring the ball down and cross, finding the head of Gavin Dennis who cleverly directed his header into the top corner to make it 3-0 after 54’ minutes.

Engadine failed to give up and pulled a goal back in the 66’ minute as Damon Emanuel sent a high ball into the box that was miss-headed by Craig Moffitt into his own net.

Some nice footwork by Michael Payne saw him brought down on the edge of the area in the 78’ minute with the Eagles punishing Northbridge’s ill-discipline as Edward Kralj smashed the loose ball past Brett Hatherall to make things interesting with roughly 10’ minutes on the clock.

Engadine Eagles were truly alive having come back from 3-0 down just a few minutes later after Klete Loveday equalised with a stunning strike from 25 yards out on 81’ minutes to make it 3-3.

Engadine’s late three goal flurry ensured the game would go to extra-time, but it was none other than Jason Van Blerk who decided the result with a well-taken free kick from 20 yards out that finished in the top corner in the first half of golden goal.

Match Stats

Northbridge FC 4 (J Van Blerk 26/96’ C Moffitt 40’ G Dennis 66’)

Engadine Eagles 3 (C Moffitt OG 66’ E Kralj 78’ K Loveday 81’)

Sunday October 21^st, 2012 Valentine Park, Glenwood

Northbridge FC: GK.B.Hatherall; 4.C.Charlton, 5.C.Moffitt, 6.M.Yim, 9.R.Collins, 10.R.Mathews, 11.S.Kendrigan, 12.P.Brockington, 13.J.Koch, 14.J.Van Blerk, 17.A.Townsend, 20.D.Fleming, 21.D.Segreto, 22.S.Moffitt, 27.G.Dennis, 28.G.Lee, 29.D.Tuddenham, 35.M.Minor

Engadine Eagles: GK.G.Hickey; 2.R.Bennison, 4.S.Clinch, 5.K.Loveday, 6.A.Bryett, 7.M.McKinnon, 8.M.Fielding, 9.M.Payne, 10.P.Burke, 13.E.Kralj, 14.D.Wilson, 16.B.Johnston, 17.B.Anderson, 19.W.Turner, 20.D.Emanuel, 27.G.Lerond, 31.G.Brosens

WPL Awarded FNSW Fair Play Award 2012 

Northbridge FC’s Women’s Premier League teams were awarded the 2012 Football NSW PL Fair Play Award at the annual Platinum Medal Dinner Awards Ceremony at Club Marconi.

WPL Girls U12 – 2012 Season Wrap

By WPL12 Coach Neale Muston
The season is now over and it has been a long and successful journey for our WPL12 girls which began back in October last year. Many returned from the 2011 premiership winning WSL12 team and we found ourselves promoted into the top league.

Working hard on fitness and positional play pre-season, the girls quickly learned to value possession and build their attack down the flanks. The results were immediately apparent as the team notched up several early wins and began to play some attractive football. We developed individual skills and team tactics during the course of the season and remained in the top third of the table.

Possibly the highlight of the season was the amazing victory at the Cheryl Salisbury Cup, a challenge of the best Premier and Super League under 12 teams.  The girls won 5 games while conceding no goals and Emma McKellar was awarded defender of the tournament.

Defence continued to be a key focus of team development and the backline were outstanding in achieving the second best defensive record in the league while the strikers gave the crowd some magical moments including 24 goals from Maddy Kennedy. She scored 3 hat tricks with Hannah Young bagging another.

Our captain Antonia Beckett showed what a fine player and outstanding leader she has become with many performances of grit and determination in midfield while upholding the fair play values of Northbridge Football Club.

Every player has made significant progress towards self-improvement at State league level and this was best displayed with an exciting last-round draw against the competition leaders. The team took some great end of season form into the semi finals and delivered a strong victory first up but the campaign ended the following week in a thrilling game that was decided in the final minute of extra time.

From a coach’s perspective, it has been an absolute delight working each week with the players. Their focus and enthusiasm at training has been exemplary while each has relished the challenges and expectations laid before them. We have discovered a wonderful camaraderie between the girls and this is reflected in a very proud parent group whose support and positive reinforcement has been remarkable. Many thanks also to Marielle Ewington who has been a tireless manager and worked beyond the call of duty to organise kit, functions, player statistics and rosters.

Finally, congratulations to the many players selected to compete in the State title competition at Dubbo in September. Do us all proud!

Premier League U12 Girls Cheryl Salisbury Cup Champions

ongratulations to Coach Neale Muston and his team.  What a fabulous effort!
Unbeaten, no goals conceded, a fantastic result by our girls. Great individual performances and strong team effort.
Emma McKellar awarded Defender of the Tournament.  Tahlia Macri Coach’s Player of the Tournament.

Northbridge Jerseys Make It To All Parts Of Cambodia

“My name is Joe, and I’m working for Sister Denise Coghlan at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) on the landmine campaign in Siem Reap . I thought Northbridge FC would like to see that their jerseys make it to all parts of Cambodia.” On the weekend of August 4-5, JRS will be hosting a soccer match between Cambodian de-miners from CMAC, the army (RCAF), suvivors of landmines and landmine campaigners in Battambang. This is an initiative of the Cambodia Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions, to encourage support for Cambodia to sign the Convention banning Cluster Munitions.

Northbridge FC helps Cambodian National Teams

Seen here is the Under13 Cambodian National team in the Northbridge strip supplied by the Club.
Northbridge FC families also support the Cambodian charity ISF with donations of 100s of pairs of boots each season.

Player Development paying off for our Under12 Girls

Over the past few years Northbridge has started preparing the girls for top level Under12 football two years out . The results of these Development programs can be clearly seen in the recent performances of our Under12 Girls.

Our Under12 State League Girls, playing in the highest level of competition, the Football NSW League, last Sunday accounted for the previously unbeaten Sydney Uni girls 3-1. This moves them into the top 4 of this elite competition. Our Under12 A girls, playing in Division One KDSA Competition, reached the semi finals of the State Cup, an FA Cup style knock out competition featuring all the best Clubs State Wide. This makes them the most successful girl’s team we have ever entered into that Competition.

While all this is happening, our Under12B Girls remain on top and unbeaten in Division One KDSA. Congratulations goes to the girls and their very passionate coaches Neale Muston, Ry Hardy and Paul Ferguson.

Northbridge through to State Cup Finals!

Both Northbridge Under12 A girls and Northbridge Mens Over 35s have made it through to the semi finals of the prestigious Football NSW State Cup.
The girls have scored 10 goals and conceded none as they have progressed through the rounds.  Sunday 17/6 they had enjoyed victory against Lilli Pilli , next week they face Dubbo out at Preston.

The all conquering Over 35 As had a decisive win against Fraser Park ,4 nil. Sunday 1/7 they face the Cronulla Seagulls out at Smithfield.

Northbridge kids helping Aboriginal Football Development

John Moriarty Football*, Craig Foster and SBS would like to thank Northbridge FC juniors for their enthusiastic participation in the filming for our basic skills training segments.

Our Football program for under 10 year old Indigenous children was launched in the community of Borroloola only 7 weeks ago, and while these players have a natural enthusiasm for football and sports generally, they will greatly benefit from the “practice/practice/practice” technical skills demonstrated in these special football skills segments. We appreciate the time that all the players, parents and coaches contributed.

This footage will form part of the four minute segments which will appear on NITV (National Indigenous Television’s Barefoot Sports show) and SBS The World Game. The completed series will also be presented by our John Moriarty Football coaches to the Indigenous junior players who are embracing Football in the Northern Territory.

For Facebook followers, check out Craig Foster’s posting on the JMF / SBS Football skills filming and a photo at this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Craig-Foster/49254748920

*The John Moriarty Football Project is supported by the Australian Government through the Indigenous Sport and Active Recreation Program of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. /www.nangalaproject.org.au/

John Moriarty Football*, Craig Foster and SBS would like to thank Northbridge FC juniors for their enthusiastic participation in the filming for our basic skills training segments.

Nicky Carle Sydney FC star player and our Northbridge Academy kids

We had a visit from Han Berger (FFA National Technical Director) and Nicky Carle (Sydney FC) to present shirts to the kids from the NBFC development academy at Northbridge Oval.

Premier League for Northbridge Girls

The u14s women’s premier league team after their 2-1 defeat of Manly last weekend – they are the first Northbridge team to have a victory in premier league – well done girls. The Girls at their first round of Premier League. Results were 12’s 0-0, 14’s 2-1 win, 16’s 0-3 loss, Reserves 0-2 loss and First Grade 0-6 loss.

Northbridge Red Force train with Chelsea

Saturday 25th Feb the Northbridge Red Force U10 team where amongst a number of Sydney FC Club participants chosen to take part in the Samsung-Chelsea FC Youth Football Camp held at Sydney International Athletic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park. Some of the world’s best youth football coaches ran training clinics as part of an international tour organised by Samsung, sponsors of Chelsea Football Club.

The kids enjoyed being decked out in a Chelsea uniform and experiencing tips and coaching from some of the best youth coaches in the world from the Chelsea FC club. The tour was initiated to foster the next generation of Australian football talent as part of Samsung’s long standing support of football at both a premier and grassroots level.
[/av_toggle]
[/av_toggle_container]