Football West News

Players from all eight teams of the new NPLW WA comeptition, including Curtin University's Natarsha Smith (third right) and Judy Connolly of Hyundai NTC (second right)

There’ll be no shortage of cheers and likely a few tumbles as Curtin University and Football West Hyundai NTC play the opening match of the new NPLW WA competition under lights on Friday (kick-off 8.30pm).

And if the action on the pitch is as much fun as the scheduled half-time entertainment then the first game in the Women’s NPL should live up to its billing.

Curtin University are going all out to bring “a college vibe” to their home games at Edinburgh Oval, including having the university’s own Cheer Squad to perform at the interval.

Players from the club’s other teams are also being encouraged to lend their support as Curtin bid to create an immediate impression.

Curtin head coach Morrison Deane said: “We’re expecting a good crowd. We’ve contacted all of our men’s teams to come and watch and our Curtin University Cheer Squad will be doing a number at half-time.

“We want to bring a college vibe to our games. We had a meeting with them and were sorting out what songs to play on the PA system. Hopefully we’ll make it a regular thing for home games.”

The new competition, which was delayed three months due to COVID-19, will be live streamed on the Football West Facebook and YouTube channels.

“It’s awesome having it live streamed and it’s good for playback and to be able to show the girls,” Deane said.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the team, also a lot of nerves. Some of the girls haven’t played at this level before, so it’s a step up. I think they will relish it. NTC will be a test for us and we have been working hard on our structure.”

Deane is in his fourth year as a coach at Curtin, having previously coached the State League and Metro women’s sides at the same time.

Now he has one team to look after and he believes they can at least punch their weight.

“Being the new kid on the block, we are about creating a new base for years to come. We have a good cohesive group and want to build the foundation for the next few years,” he said.

“I would love for us to push the top four this season and take a couple of big scalps.

“The current squad is fairly youthful, the average age of the squad is 23, 24. Our captain is Natarsha Smith, who is uber consistent, She is a former NTC player who sets the standards and brings good habits to the squad.”

The Hyundai NTC are an Under 19 side whose players are in the National Training Centre program, the Elite Development Pathway for girls in WA.

The likes of Leticia McKenna and Hana Lowry have W-League experience with Perth Glory, while they and others such as Isabella Wallhead, Tijan McKenna, Abbey Green, Taneesha Baker and keeper Miranda Templeman have represented Australia at Young Matildas or Junior Matildas level.

It is a squad brimming with potential and one which will be overseen by head coach Ben Anderton, who led Queens Park to the Premier Division title in 2018 without losing a match.

“After COVID, it was fun getting back with the girls,” Anderton said. “It’s good seeing the girls getting better each week.”

NTC recently had two run-out against Forrestfield United and Bayswater City U15 Boys NPL WA sides.

“Although they lost both games 5-1, it wasn’t reflective on their performance,” Anderton said of the NTC girls. “It was great preparation as the boys are a lot faster.

“We’ve got to be confident, there’s no reason the girls can’t have a good year.

“It’s always said the NTC girls are a development side but for me winning is just as important. You need to develop a winning mentality they will need to have in the W-League or if they go elsewhere in the NPL.”

The remaining NPLW WA Round One matches will take place on Sunday.

Night Series winners Fremantle City are at Perth SC, 2019 State Premier Division champions Northern Redbacks host Subiaco at Kingsway Reserve, while Murdoch University Melville are at home to Balcatta.

FIXTURES

Friday, 3 July

NPLW WA
Curtin University v Football West Hyundai NTC (Edinburgh Oval, 8.30pm)
 
Sunday, 5 July

NPLW WA
Perth SC v Fremantle City (Dorrien Gardens, 1pm)
Northern Redbacks v Subiaco (Kingsway Reserve, 3pm)
Murdoch University Melville v Balcatta (Murdoch Uni Synthetic, 3pm)