Squads named for Westfield W-League 2017 Finals Series Week 1

Perth Glory's Sam Kerr strikes against Sydney FC in Round 6.

Friday, 3 February 2017

Staff Writer
The squads have been announced for this weekend’s semi-finals, headlined by the return of Perth Glory skipper Sam Kerr.

Saturday, 4 February 2017
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-Off: 3:30PM (Local) (6:30PM (AEDT))

Referee: Casey Reibelt
Assistant Referee 1: Avrol Beecham
Assistant Referee 2: Delfina Dimoski
Fourth Official: Lara Lee

TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 506 from 6.30pm (AEDT), Live coverage on ABC TV in WA from 3.30pm (AWST) and ABC TV in other states from 10.55pm (AEDT)

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #WLeague #BeReal

To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets

Perth Glory squad: 1.Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Alyssa MAUTZ, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6.Carla BENNETT, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rosie SUTTON, 10.Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 12.Roisin CONNOLLY, 13.JAYMEE GIBBONS, 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 17.Natasha RIGBY, 18.Gabby DAL BUSCO, 20.Samantha KERR, (gk), 22.Arianna ROMERO **one to be omitted**

Ins: 7.Nicole STANTON (returns from suspension), 20.Samantha KERR (returns from suspension)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: Nil

Sydney FC squad: 2.Teresa POLIAS (c), 3.Remy SIEMSEN, 4.Elizabeth RALSTON, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Nicola BOLGER, 8.Amy HARRISON, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 10.Francisca ORDEGA, 11.Natalie TOBIN, 12.Olivia PRICE, 13.Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 14.Alanna KENNDY, 15.Sarah EASTHOPE (gk), 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 20.Princess IBINI, 22.Claire COELHO (gk). **one to be omitted**

Ins: 11.Natalie TOBIN (promoted), 20.Princess IBINI (promoted), 22.Claire COELHO (gk) (new signing)

Outs: 1.Sham KHAMIS (gk) (concussion – 1 week)

Unavailable: Nil

Sunday, 5 February 2017
Canberra United v Melbourne City FC
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-Off: 8:00PM (Local) (8:00PM (AEDT))

Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Ho
Assistant Referee 2: Nia Southwell
Fourth Official: Rachel Mitchenson

TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 and delayed coverage on ABC TV (Check local guides for details)

Radio Broadcast: ABC Radio Canberra, Grandstand Digital Canberra, Online & via the ABC Radio Mobile App – A-league Live.

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #WLeague #BeReal

To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets

Canberra United squad: 1.Trudy BURKE (gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 4.Clare HUNT, 5.Jenna McCORMICK, 7.Ellie BRUSH, 8.Hayley RASO, 9.Jasmyne SPENCER, 10.Grace MAHER, 12.Hannah BREWER, 13.Celeste BOUREILLE, 14.Ashley SYKES, 15.Emma CHECKER, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18.Kahlia HOGG, 19.Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20.Georgia BORIC (gk), 22.Stephanie OCHS, 32.Lisa DE VANNA **two to be omitted**

Ins: 4.Clare HUNT (promoted), 18.Kahlia HOGG (promoted), 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN (promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 11.Michelle HEYMAN (ankle – 1-2 weeks)

Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Lauren BARNES, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY (c), 10.Jessica FISHLOCK, 11.Erika TYMRAK, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Melina AYRES, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Beverly YANEZ, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 20.Emily SHIELDS (gk)

Ins: 18.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI (promoted), 19.Tyla Jay VLAJNIC (promoted)

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 9.Larissa CRUMMER (foot – season)

 

Football Federation Australia

Hyundai A-League breaks all-time membership record

The Hyundai A-League has set a new membership record for a single season.

The Hyundai A-League has set a new membership record for a single season.

In another sign of the growing popularity of the Hyundai A-League, the competition has broken the all-time club membership record.

The record was previously 114,544 in the 2014/15 Season but now the membership number across the league is at an all-time high of 114, 739.

It’s further proof that the Hyundai A-League is capturing the imagination of fans across Australia and New Zealand.

So, we’d like to thank all our fantastic members for their contribution to what has been a wonderful 2016/17 Season.

Besart Berisha is congratulated by Victory's travelling fans at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.And there’s so much more to come this season.

Members are so important to each club, so if you are not yet a member of your favourite club, sign up as there are still plenty of games ahead.

Click here for all membership details http://www.a-league.com.au/membership

As we say, “You’ve Gotta Have A Team”.

 

Football Federation Australia

Johnny Warren Memorial Cup celebrates 20 years

Socceroos legend Johnny Warren.

Socceroos legend Johnny Warren.

Thursday, 2 February 2017

Staff writer

The Johnny Warren Memorial Cup celebrates its 20th anniversary tomorrow and event organisers couldn’t be happier.

The event pays tribute to the late Captain Socceroo Johnny Warren, whose immeasurable contribution to Australian football has inspired so many people to keep raising the bar for the game in this country.

From humble beginnings with six over 35 teams and a small organising committee, the event now comprises of 76 teams with two women’s and three men’s divisions, making it the biggest 7’s football tournament in the country.

The first game kicks off at Kevin Walsh Oval, Jamberoo at 8.30pm on Friday night, with games continuing throughout the day on Saturday.

Event Founder Jamie Warren said “Uncle John was a strong supporter of and a regular attendee at this event in its early days, he continues to inspire and motivate us all twelve years after lung cancer took his life in 2004 at the age of 61 – I know he would be proud of the continued growth and success of this prestigious event.”

This year the Jamberoo Football Club have agreed to become the annual event host. Alan Smith, Jamberoo FC Tournament Director said: “We are extremely honoured to be hosting the Johnny Warren Memorial Cup for the first time.

“With over 760 participants and 132 matches played over two days, we are determined to ensure this festival of football continues to recognise our football idol and friend, that it continues to unite people from all walks of life and that it enables the football family to continue to discuss Johnny’s amazing life story.

Johnny Warren is honoured with the Centennial Medal of honour in 2004.“The Johnny Warren Memorial Cup can also proudly announce Strebre Delovski, one of the Hyundai A-league’s most experienced and well respected referees, who had a long and distinguished career in both the Hyundai A-League and on the international FIFA panel, before his retirement in 2016, will referee the finals of the Men’s Over 35 and Over 45’s divisions.

“In addition, we have also secured the services of prominent Football South Coast Premier League referees Peter Ilcevski and Steve Bozic to assist with the finals series.”

Strebre Delovski said: “I have spoken to Jamie (Warren) on a number of occasions at various events and have advised him I would be willing to help out for this prestigious event if I was available.

“Johnny was a huge supporter and provided a great deal of encouragement to referees and I’m looking forward to participating and continuing to build on Johnny’s legacy.”

The full draw for the 20th Johnny Warren Memorial Cup is available at: www.jwff.com.au

Event Details

What: 20th Johnny Warren Memorial Cup (Fundraiser for the Johnny Warren Football Foundation)

When: Friday and Saturday the 3rd and 4th of February 2017

Where: Kevin Walsh Oval, Allowrie Street, Jamberoo NSW

 

Football Federation Australia

Ruon Tongyik: ‘I always wanted to represent Australia’

Thursday, 2 February 2017

John Greco @Grecs7
Ruon Tongyik says he dreamed about playing football for Australia ever since he arrived in the country as a seven-year-old from war-torn Sudan in 2003.

So you couldn’t wipe the smile off the 20-year-old’s face this week as he took part in the three-day training camp for the Australian U-23 squad on the Central Coast.

Tongyik was part of the 26-player squad that were put through their paces by coach Josep Gombau as they gear up for July’s qualifiers for next year’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

“It’s happened really quick and I’m really blessed with the opportunity,” the Melbourne City defender told www.footballaustralia.com.au this week.

“I’m on a great pathway with great people teaching me and I’m just really happy with how rapid things have happened.

“It’s a privilege to be called up because I’ve always wanted to represent Australia. This is a great opportunity for me now to prove myself.”

Tongyik has already proved he’s a player of immense talent in the six appearances he’s made in the Hyundai A-League in the 2016/17 Season.

Ruon TongyikA physically-strong central defender, Tongyik has impressed with his ability to win one-on-one battles, his distribution and composure.

“It’s just in my nature,” said Tongyik, of his calmness on the pitch.

“I’m really relaxed most of the time and I’m glad people really enjoy watching me play.

“It’s just a natural thing. I don’t feel the pressure, I just enjoy it while I can.”

So it should come as no surprise how quickly he’s adapted to professional football, considering how rapid his rise was from simply playing with friends to the elite level.

“I always used to play with my relatives for fun but never had the opportunity to play properly [in South Sudan] because of the war that was going on there,” he explained.

“I only played at school really when I came to Australia and it wasn’t until 2011 that I started playing for a club with West Adelaide.

“From there I went to [Adelaide] Olympic for two years and then the Adelaide United youth team.

Ruon TongyikHe added: “When I came to Australia and started playing soccer with friends, I’ve always had the goal and ambition to play for Australia one day.

“I’m here right now and this is a great stepping stone.”

Being involved with the U-23 squad sees Tongyik reunited with coach Josep Gombau, who he says he “learned so much from” during their time together at the Reds.

“It’s perfect to be back with him,” Tongyik said of Gombau.

“He knows the way I play and I guess he’s happy to bring someone like me to play under him because of the style and philosophy he likes.

He added: “These camps are perfect for us, not just to get away from our clubs but to bond together and get to know the other boys as well.

“We have a great squad at the moment and training has been really good. There’s so much quality so we’ll be confident of qualifying for the tournament.”

 

Football Federation Australia

Football Federation Australia statement following discussions with FIFA in Zurich

FFA Chairman Steven Lowy and CEO David Gallop.

Thursday, 2 February 2017

Staff writer
FFA Chairman Steven Lowy AM and CEO David Gallop AM met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura and senior FIFA officials in Zurich on Wednesday over a full day of meetings to discuss a range of issues relating to the ongoing development of the game in Australia.
  • FFA and FIFA held constructive discussions regarding the process of expanding the membership of its Congress in Australia which would allow for a broader representation of stakeholders. FFA indicated its intention to hold further discussions with stakeholders (including Member Federations, Hyundai A-League clubs and the PFA) in coming weeks with a view to implementing membership changes through an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of its Members by the end of March.  An EGM will need to be held in order that the existing Members can consider a special resolution to amend the Constitution of FFA based on the outcome of the stakeholders consultation process.  As part of this process FFA will continue its discussions with FIFA and AFC.
  • FIFA was briefed by FFA on the commercial status of the game in Australia following the conclusion in December last year of a new broadcast rights agreement.
  • FFA briefed FIFA on the various football development activities it is currently undertaking in support of fellow Member Associations within AFC.

“The day at FIFA was a further reminder of the goodwill and respect that exists between FIFA and FFA,” said Steven Lowy.

“It was important to illustrate the growth and development of the game in Australia and in particular to outline football’s opportunities and challenges in the uniquely competitive environment of Australian sport. We came away confident that we will be able to move quickly to put in place some changes to our structure that will set the game up for further success in the years ahead.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his intention to visit Australia in 2017 with a date to be confirmed.

 

Football Federation Australia

Caltex Socceroos to face Egypt or Cameroon

Cameroon players celebrate scoring against Ghana at the African Cup of Nations.

Thursday, 2 February 2017

Aidan Ormond @AidotheFFAEd
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final will be between Egypt and Cameroon with the winner playing the Caltex Socceroos in the group stage at the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 this June.

The Caltex Socceroos also face Chile and Germany in their group at the Confederations Cup with the African winners the last nation to be decided.

The AFCON final will be played on Monday morning (AEDT) in Gabon.

This morning, Cameroon defeated Ghana 2-0 with a Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui goal after 72 minutes and a second in time added on from Christian Bassogog ensuring victory for Hugo Broos’ men at the Stade de Franceville.

In the first semi final, Egypt saw off a plucky Burkina Faso on penalties (4-3) after the game was locked at 1-1 following extra time.

 

Football Federation Australia

Why this Melbourne Derby is so crucial

Victory forward Besart Berisha and City forward Tim Cahill will go head-to-head at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Melbourne Victory forward Besart Berisha and City forward Tim Cahill will go head-to-head at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Some might argue that all derbies are must-win matches but the importance of Saturday night’s all-Melbourne clash is even greater than usual as a loss could be fatal to Victory and City’s Hyundai A-League championship hopes.

Both Victory and City will enter the derby at Etihad Stadium in poor form and knowing three points could be decisive in the race for a top-two finish.

Sydney FC’s 2-1 win over Victory last week has effectively ended the battle for first place and the Hyundai A-League premiership.

But with no team having won the grand final from outside the top two positions, Victory’s coach Kevin Muscat and his City counterpart Michael Valkanis will be well aware of the significance of the fourth derby of the season in all competitions.

The two Melbourne clubs appear to pose the most danger to Sydney in the finals due to their impressive firepower up front, but having to play two matches before potentially meeting the Sky Blues in the grand final could be too much of an ask.

City are the only side to have overcome Sydney this season, with Tim Cahill’s header securing a 1-0 win in the Westfield FFA Cup Final in November, while Victory have led the Sky Blues twice in the A-League only to succumb in the second half on both occasions.

Melbourne City FFA CupIn particular, City desperately need to continue their derby dominance of 2016/17, with Valkanis’ men having dropped to fourth after a loss at Newcastle Jets last week, while Brisbane Roar leapfrogged them with a win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

If City lose they will drop nine points behind second-placed Victory with nine matches remaining before the finals, while the gap to Roar could be as much as four points if Brisbane end Sydney’s unbeaten run on Friday.

Bruno Fornaroli and Co. have the opportunity to get themselves out of a sticky situation during February as they face the other three members of the top four, but a second straight loss to Victory would, needless to say, be a dreadful way to start such a vital month.

City won two derbies in just over a week in October as they crushed Victory 4-1 in Round 2 and then eliminated their archrivals from the FFA Cup, but the Big V bounced back in December with a 2-1 win in the A-League.

#MelbDerby - Victory star Besart Berisha has scored 10 goals in his last 12 Hyundai A-League games against Melbourne City, including seven goals in his last eight.

After three straight losses, Victory have essentially dashed their hopes of lifting the Premier’s Plate this term but with games against clubs currently in the bottom half of the table coming up after the derby, Muscat’s side can reboot their campaign in February.

A win over City would certainly give Victory momentum before they visit Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners in consecutive matches and then host Adelaide United on February 25.

With Roar in the midst of five games in 15 days due to their AFC Champions League (ACL) qualifying campaign, Victory have the chance to solidify their hold on second spot this month.

While the Big V have enough points to recover from another derby loss and still finish second, the psychological blow of a fourth consecutive defeat – and to their local rivals, no less – could be disastrous for Muscat’s men.

The benefits of finishing second will be two-fold, as it should ensure an ACL berth for 2018, while also providing the fortunate club with a home semi-final.

With so much on the line, you won’t want to miss the fourth Melbourne derby of 2016/17.

 

Football Federation Australia