Sutherland Shire Football on the hunt for more silverware
One of the most successful football associations in Australia is once again bound for glory at Football NSW’s State Cup finals held at Valentine Sports Park this Sunday.
The Sutherland Shire Football Association (SSFA) will be represented by five different clubs at Football NSW’s Home of Football, Valentine Sports Park across 4 finals matches.
SSFA General Manager Jeff Stewart is full of praise for the five clubs, who are set to showcase the best of the Sutherland Shire’s football talent.
“We are the largest association in the country. We have a huge talent pool in our boys competitions… you can see that in the older boy’s age groups, we’re pretty dominant. So now we’re hoping that our juniors can emulate that.”
Stewart has been impressed by the Lilli Pilli FC 2 outfit, who will fight for the All Age Men’s Bill Cullinan Cup on Sunday.
“They won the under 21 Champion of Champions a few years ago, so the nucleus of that team and the coaching staff are the same… it’s a successful team.”
In a sign of the SSFA dominance, two teams from the association will face off in the 21 Men’s Robertson Cup final, with Menai Hawks taking on Barden Ridgebacks.
“Menai won the under 21 State Cup last year, so it’s the same team contesting the title again,” says Jeff. “They’re currently leading the table in their local competition as well, which is pretty good to be able to keep yourself in the State Cup and stay on top of the table.
“Barden Ridgebacks are also a team that have been together for these last few years, they’re currently 4th in that same competition with Menai.”
Wrapping up the Shire’s list of representative teams are Gymea and Georges River, who will contest the under 17s and under 18s finals respectively.
And it’s the talented players in these younger age groups that are starting to catch the eye of some of the largest football clubs in Australia.
The SSFA has a distinguished history in Australian football, with strong connections to the Hyundai A-League clubs through former local players like Blake Powell, Troy Danaskos, Chris Naumoff, Marc Warren, Alex Gersbach and Michael Neil.
One of Australia’s most distinguished football identities and current Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold also plied his trade in the SSFA.
Stewart has high hopes for the five teams on Sunday, and believes they will all represent the Association with distinction.
“I’d like to congratulate the guys for all the hard work in getting to the Finals and best of luck to them. Hope they bring home a trophy!”
During the State Cup Finals, Football NSW will make use of balls supplied by Deploy Football. An Official Ball Sponsor of Football NSW, Deploy Football product can be purchased online through The Football Corner website. Football NSW would like to thank Deploy Football for their ongoing support of our beautiful game in New South Wales.
-By Harry Easton
