Female Football Champions: Players
Throughout 2023 Female Football Week, Football NSW is highlighting the contributions of various members of our football community. Players Loredana Carlino, Hayley Sheen, Neve Woodstone, Nikea Richardson-Bell and Jessie Nguyen have been nominated by their local representatives for their service to the game!
Loredana Carlino – AC United
Loredana is 16 years old and is the youngest member of our M-League Ladies squad. She attends school at Bossley Park High School which is where some of her football knowledge and love for the game was obtained being part of their Talented Football Program (TFP). Loredana started playing football when she was 10 years old at AC United in the U10s girls team. After playing at AC for 2 years in the U10s and U12s teams, she trialed for Marconi in 2018 for the girls SAP program. Loredana then played for Marconi in the U12s, U13s, U 14s and also helped in their U15s Youth League Team (NPL2).
Loredana then decided to take her football journey elsewhere and played for Mount Druitt Town Rangers in their Conference League team and eventually in their U16s NPL 2 team.
Loredana then came back to AC United this year playing in the M-League team. So what made Loredana come back to AC United? Loredana explains:
The reason I came back to AC United is that I still wanted to play football, just not at NPL level. I knew that AC was a local team that had a good foundation, with experienced and quality coaches, managers and players so I decided to trial for their M-League team and continue my football journey at the roots of my love for football. My whole football career has created many opportunities on and off the field, learning curves, memories and great friends and coaches. I love playing football because as a young kid I tried every sport, whether it was dancing, tennis or swimming I never enjoyed it. It wasn’t until I played football that I found the sport for me. One coach in particular in my early years of football, also inspired me and made me love the game of football.
Hayley Sheen – The Entrance-Bateau Bay FC
Her name is Hayley but everyone in soccer across the coast calls her Hedge. Not only a dedicated and passionate player (fighting back from serious injuries over her 30 years of playing) this legend has spent many years working for female football on the Central Coast. She has performed many roles – player, coach, manager, committee member and general team recruiter, organiser and motivator – one of her many strengths is her support for up and coming talent and her capacity to inspire team work.
Hedge has given so much to female football and is adored by all those lucky enough to play or serve beside her. After years spent playing in the central coast premier league comp, she currently plays for The Entrance football club in their AA1 team and has unfortunately just injured her knee in what will potentially be a career ending injury. We would love to see her recognised for the amazing work she has done over many years – she is truly the heart and soul of every team she is involved with.
Neve Woodstone – Kiama JFC
Neve has played soccer since she was 7 years old and has never missed a season. When she was in U11s, Neve was accepted into the Stingray’s talent development squad however she chose to stay with Kiama Junior Football Club in her mixed team. Even though she has been playing mixed, Neve has been graded into the A team for Kiama every year. In U13s she was the Team Captain of her mixed team and in u14A second highest goal scorer of the season. Neve continues to play in a primarily male division, and holds her own in terms of speed and tackling ability. She also has the respect of her team members, and Coach and is a true example of equality within the sport.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023 Neve played in the Corpus Christi girls years 7-9 side in the Bill Turner Cup. In 2022 the team made it to the NSW grand final and lost to Loretto Kirribilli. Neve is also in her second year of refereeing and is doing an amazing job as Center referee and lines woman on a variety of games.
Neve has shown her dedication to our sport and our club and continues to do so in a male dominated team. Go Neve!
Nikea Richardson-Bell – Macquarie United FC
From the early ages of life Nikea grew up with a passion for football in the Western NSW town of Dubbo, growing up playing in the backyard with her three brothers to the most recent achievements of playing for her culture in the Australian First Nations side playing over in New Zealand. Nikea played the majority of football within male dominated competitions in junior ranks before hitting senior levels with Women’s First Grade in Dubbo having captained her local side Macquarie United to multiple premierships. Her level of football never goes unnoticed on the field on and also off the field she is a strong reason why women’s football is exceeding in the Dubbo area. Nikea deserves the recognition in what she continues to do for women wanting to play the game of football
Jessie Nguyen – Arncliffe Aurora
Jessie wears many hats at Arncliffe Aurora, including as a player and manager of our All Age Women’s team. She is a dedicated leader on and off the field.
Jessie’s fitness, speed and ability to use both feet makes her an effective left wing, but she has also shown her versatility as someone who has played as a left back, forward, centre mid, and sweeper for this team over the years.
She has proactively built positive relationships with Football St George staff, referees, and opposition teams. Jessie is always encourages her team mates and always has the best interest of her team at heart. Jessie is a valuable asset to our club. Arncliffe Aurora FC would like to thank Jessie for all her hard work and commitment to her local community club.
Female Football Week Events
Community clubs and associations across the state are running an array of events during FFW including Come and Try events, Coaching Courses, Gala Days and more.
Check out the full event list on our website to see what’s on near you!
