Chernoukha eyes Championship prize
SD Raiders FC’s Womens & Girls Football Operations Manager Julia Chernoukha has played an integral role in getting her side into this year’s 2025 League One Women’s Grand Final.
Chernoukha has been a staple around women’s football circles for 25 and is helping to impart that wisdom on the SD Raiders FC side.
Her work alongside coach Bojan Radmilo and fellow assistant Zakaria Abboud have got them to the big dance this season.
“There is an amazing culture at the club which is built by good communication and keeping the girls as calm as possible.” said Chernoukha.
Nothing displays that more than SD Raiders FC’s 3-2 extra time win over Central Coast Mariners FC in the semi-final.
They conceded late but kept themselves calm and scored a 120th minute winner to book their spot for Sunday.
“We just got the girls to reset and remain patient which led to us eventually scoring the goal we needed.
“That summed up our season, it has been an up and down second half but we’ve taken the lessons from them.”
Chernoukha has enjoyed her three seasons at SD Raiders FC and it feels like one huge family at the club.
“I’ve been here three seasons, but it feels like ten honestly, It is so enjoyable at the club and it is built from the top down starting with TD Catherine Cannuli.
“Our culture and the players come first for us and that allows us to set huge goals for ourselves which we hope to achieve because we’re one big family.”
SD Raiders FC should be confident headed into this game being the only side that hasn’t been defeated by Premiers Hills United FC.
She labels their Round 18, 3-2 win against Hills United FC as one of the favourite moments of the season.
“It was a big result for us because we were in a rough patch before that and did the work and it felt like a Grand Final.”
Looking forward to Sunday, Chernoukha and the coaching staff are ready for the big occasion which awaits them.
“If the girls keep the same mentality from last week, we should be fine and we haven’t lost to them all season which is good for us.
“Grand Finals are full of raw emotions and it is a big occasion for us, We have prepared well mentally and train like we play so we’re ready.
“We congratulate Hills United FC on their success, they are a good footballing side and I can’t think of a better side to come up against.”
The Grand Final will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel with the commentary team of “The Filipino Flyer’ Eric Subijano and David Feeney.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
