Southern Districts Soccer FA run successful inaugural Catherine Cannuli Cup
The female game is alive and well in the Southern Districts Soccer Football Association (SDSFA) after it hosted it’s first ever Catherine Cannuli Cup at Cirillo Reserve, home of female football in the SDSFA.
Recognizing and honouring one of the area’s finest female footballers, Cannuli represented the Matildas as well as played in the A-League Women’s competition for the likes of Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Post the 36-year-old’s footballing career, Cannuli took up coaching where she managed the SD Raiders as well as the Western Sydney Wanderers and has been the main female ambassador as the SDSFA’s Women’s Technical Director for the last several seasons.
The Cup itself was established off the great work that the Northern Suburbs Football Association has done with the Skellern Cup with the SDSFA hoping that this tournament will inspire many more young females to play the world game.
The Gala Day itself was heralded a huge success as junior school teams from Years 3 and 4 and senior school teams from Years 5 and 6 competed in the inaugural cup competition.
Local public schools such as Cecil Hills, Mamre Anglican School, Hinchinbrook, Miller, Ashcroft, Bonnyrigg Heights and King Park all took part in what was a memorable day for the women’s game.
It was the Hinchinbrook girls that stole the headlines taking out the junior tournament while Cecil Hills celebrated winning the seniors category.
“The support from everyone was just overwhelming,” Cannuli stated to Football NSW.
“It was such a great day to see over 100 young females enjoying their football and having an overall memorable experience which was amazing to see.
“I am really glad we were able to get the Cup up and running as this has been in the pipeline for a few years but the last two COVID affected seasons pushed this back.
“We are looking forward to many more years of this Cup as we look towards expanding it next year and beyond.”
Football NSW’s Head of Women’s & Schools Football Hayley Todd praised Cannuli and the SDSFA’s efforts in growing the female game.
“Congratulations to Catherine Cannuli, this was a fantastic day.
“Thanks for having us be a part of the inaugural Catherine Cannuli Cup.
“I look forward to watching the Catherine Cannuli Cup grow over the next few years.”
