Tsoupis pushing for Grand Final glory

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Lifting the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Women’s title on Sunday would make for a fairytale ending for Sydney Olympic FC co-captain Kalista Tsoupis.

Kalista Tsoupis has been around the Sydney Olympic FC women’s program since it started in 2011.

She has seen program evolve from State League Women’s to playing in the PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s grand final this weekend.

Sydney Olympic FC has swept all before them in the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Women’s competition, collecting the premiership with a round to spare. Now they aim to add the championship to do the double this season.

The team started the season slow, but once they built up momentum they became unbeatable finishing the season in strong fashion which enabled them to rest players in the lead up to the grand final.

As the co-captain alongside Kate Halaska – the midfielder has become the heart of the Olympic FC women’s program and hailed the atmosphere that has developed at the club.

“We [Sydney Olympic FC] have created a big family spirit across the whole club, all the teams hang out with each other usually at the Canterbury Hotel and it makes going to training more enjoyable.”

Women’s football has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few years and Olympic has been no different as they try to put women’s football at the forefront of their plan.

“This year we had our first major sponsor in Special K, they made us feel special through their support and raising awareness for women’s football. I think it has really put us in focus.

“Word of my mouth is important for us, so creating a family spirit around the club has helped us attract players with some coming down from the top tier to join the family.”

Taking a leadership role, Tsoupis has encouraged the younger members of her team to enjoy themselves headed into the Grand Final this weekend.

“I tell them just to go out and have fun. Go out onto the field, do your best and really take each week as it comes.”

Fun has been a big part of Tsoupis’ philosophy on the game and her final season pulling on the boots has truly been one of her favourites.

“I have told the girls across the whole season that this has been my favourite year across my 17-year career. I have got to play with some of my closest friends and had fun which has made it special.”

Looking forward to this weekend and her final match, Tsoupis looks to sail off into the sunset with one more piece of silverware.

“I have won plenty of grand finals in my career but there is a special bond here at Sydney Olympic, so to lift the trophy with Kate on Sunday night would be the perfect fairytale ending.”

-By Justin Davies