NWS Spirit FC

NWS Spirit FC launches Rising Spirits in 2025!

NWS Spirit FC is proud to announce a further commitment to player development with our new Rising Spirits program, a foundational player development initative aimed at empowering young, local NWSF Miniroos (U6 and U7 players) through football. Designed to foster a love of the game in a fun and inclusive setting, the program reflects the club’s commitment to our community, and providing pathways for players to progress to Spirit FC and in football.

On Monday afternoons (4.30pm to 5.30pm) at at our all-weather synthetic fields at Christie Park, Rising Spirits offers U6/U7 players the crucial opportunity to build confidence and improve their game under the guidance of experienced NWS Spirit FC coaches. With a focus on safe, engaging sessions, the program nurtures both individual talent and team collaboration, ensuring every player feels supported on their journey. It will run on a term-by-term basis, with the inaugural intake commencing on Monday 3rd February.

Aligned with Spirit FC’s broader mission to inspire and develop players in the NWSF community, Rising Spirits is more than just a training program—it’s a chance to connect with the local football community and discover the joy of the game!

Find out more and sign up now for Term 1!

Chris Marques appointed NWS Spirit FC Head of Junior and Youth Goalkeeping

NWS Spirit FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Marques as the club’s new Head of Junior and Youth Goalkeeping. A seasoned professional with a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Marques is set to inspire and develop the next generation of goalkeeping talent.

Marques brings a rich football pedigree to his new role, having played professionally in England for renowned clubs Stoke City and Nottingham Forest. His deep understanding of goalkeeping, coupled with his leadership skills, will make him a key addition to the Spirit FC football department.

Currently in his fifth season with NWS Spirit FC, Marques has been a pivotal member of the senior squad, amassing nearly 100 caps for the club. His commitment and passion for the game have earned him respect from teammates and supporters alike.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on this role and contribute to the development of young goalkeepers at Spirit FC,” said Marques. “This club has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m looking forward to helping shape the future of our junior and youth programs.”

Marques’s appointment underscores NWS Spirit FC’s dedication to developing our people with the NWSF DNA, to help them progress through the talent development pathway towards our First Grade and professional footballing environments.

NWSF & NWS Spirit FC announces Phillip Brown as Chief Executive Officer

The Board of NWSF is delighted to announce Phillip Brown has been appointed as our new CEO.

Phillip joins us from Football St George (“FSG”), where he served as CEO for the past three years, overseeing a period of significant change and achievement.

Previously he held CEO and senior management roles with other sporting organisations including the Asian Football Confederation, Football Australia, Capital Football, and Football NSW.

During this time, Phillip was responsible for business planning, budgeting, staff management and development, board reporting, engaging with government and stakeholders.

In addition, during his spell as CEO of Capital Football and Canberra United (a professional women’s football team competing in the national W-League competition) he led the successful delivery of large-scale local football competitions, talented player pathways, reviews of elite and community competitions, referee education programs, coach education programs, inclusive football programs, and managed key stakeholders in the pursuit and delivery of association strategic plans.

On being appointed Phillip said:

“I have been involved in NWSF from a young child until today as a player and have also previously held a committee role for over 13 years at Epping YMCA (now Epping FC).

“As NWSF’s new CEO, I will have come full circle – back to my footballing home. It is an honour to have been appointed to the role and I now look forward to working with the Board, staff, member clubs and the NWSF football community to help drive football forward to its rightful place as Australia’s preeminent sport.

“Our region is renowned, not only for a great history and passion for the game, but for its great footballing culture that has established football as the number one sport in north-west Sydney.

“I look forward to harnessing the passion and enthusiasm evident within our Member Clubs, and our proudly local NWS Spirit FC, as we strive together to deliver the best product and experience for all our participants, regardless of what level they engage at.”

Phillip will commence as NWSF CEO on 6 January 2025.

Welcome Dimitri Tomaras as NWS Spirit FC’s Head of JDL and MYL

NWS Spirit FC is delighted to announce Dimitri Tomaras as the club’s new Head of Junior Development League (JDL) – formerly the SAP program. Dimitri will take on this vital role while continuing his duties as Head of the Mixed Youth League (MYL), further demonstrating his commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering a pathway for player development within the club.

Dimitri brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of youth football to his expanded responsibilities. With 4 years at our club and a total of 12 years dedicated to improving players in the area, Dimitri’s passion and expertise have been a cornerstone of our success.

As a proud advocate of our locally-focused model, Dimitri has played a key role in nurturing local talent and fostering a love for the game. His leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of the MYL program, and the club is confident his expertise will elevate the JDL program to new heights.

Jack Urgun has also been appointed as Assistant Head of JDL. Jack is a passionate and skilled coach with a proven track record of working with young players, progressing through our player pathways to become a respected member of the club’s leadership and coach education team. This JDL leadership will ensure a cohesive and progressive development framework for the club’s junior players, while also working towards continuing our strong performances in Football NSW’s criteria and benchmarking processes.

The entire NWS Spirit FC community congratulates Dimitri and Jack on their new roles and looks forward to their continued contributions to the club’s success.

Spirit FC announces trial dates for 2025 programs!

NWS Spirit FC has confirmed trial dates for various programs in the 2025 season.

NWS Spirit FC’s Junior Development League (JDL), formerly known as SAP, trials will take place on Sunday October 13 at Christie Park. This is for players who live in the NWSF association or played for a local NWSF club to progress to a full-time representative program. There is a Mixed SAP program for U9 to U12 players, and a Womens SAP program for U10 to U13 players. Full information can be found here.

NWS Spirit FC’s Womens Youth League (WYL) will also hold trials in October. WYL is a full-time representative program for talented female players that competes in Football NSW competitions and train three nights a week. The competition season is 27 rounds, and includes a finals series, taking place from March to September. Please note due to a high retention rate of existing players, positions in these squads are currently limited. At these trials, we will consider for these final positions and will also be selecting NWSF pathway player positions, which enable a player to train twice a week with a WYL squad while still playing for their local NWSF club. Full details can be found here.

NWSF’s Association Youth League (AYL) is a full-time representative program that competes in Football NSW competitions. AYL teams train three times a week until May, and then twice a week from May to October. The competition season is 27 rounds, and includes a finals series, taking place from March to September. It is closely linked to NWS Spirit FC and complements our representative pathway as the connection between our local NWSF clubs, and NPL. Full details can be found here.

Further information regarding Spirit FC in 2025 can be found here. Please understand we do receive a large number of enquiries relating to trials, and ask information is read carefully on the various pages as many FAQs are addressed.

If you are a coach or football staff interested in being a part of Spirit FC, please click here.

NWS Spirit FC’s Australia Cup run comes to a close

On a windy Wednesday evening, Christie Park witnessed a spirited performance from Spirit FC in their Australia Cup Round of 16 clash against A-League powerhouse, Melbourne Victory. Spirit’s Mens First Grade, backed by a fervent home crowd, showcased their determination and resilience against a formidable opponent.

From the outset, David Perkovic’s team demonstrated their intent, pressing high and disrupting Melbourne Victory’s rhythm. Their tenacity earned the admiration of the 2000 strong local community crowd. However, Melbourne Victory’s superior quality eventually shone through, capitalising on their opportunities to secure a comfortable victory.

Despite the scoreline, Spirit FC’s players highlighted the club’s strength and togetherness, battling until the final whistle. Their commitment earned them a well-deserved ovation from the appreciative crowd, who also applauded Jared Lum, who was retiring after a long & distinguished playing career.

While the Australia Cup journey may have concluded for Spirit FC, their performance against Melbourne Victory will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The club demonstrated their ability to compete at a higher level, instilling a sense of optimism for the future. With continued dedication and the unwavering support of their community, our vision and aspirations remain firmly intact.

Sign up now for the Spirit Summer Series!

New in 2025, Spirit FC will launch the Spirit Summer Series, a range of new programs to enhance our player’s development during the off-season.

These programs provide opportunity for players to select the ‘football menu’ that best suits them during the off-season. They can choose from squad training options, smaller & individiual-specific X-Factor programs, and can mix & match these options with the brand new summer football competition being offered on Friday nights!

Check out the full range of options below…

Head straight to the Spirit Shop to see further details and sign up now for Summer Squads and Summer X-Factor!

To nominate for the Spirit Summer Fives, please complete this form.

NWS Spirit FC progress to the Round of 16 in the Australia Cup!

NWS Spirit made more history for the club on Wednesday night, going one better than their only previous Final Rounds venture in 2022 by comprehensively downing Glenorchy Knights.

Spirit had control over the ball in the first period, and they provided a couple of clinical moments to break the game open.

In the 27th minute, Michael Konestabo turned in a left-sided cross at the far post that Richard Darko had headed on.

Five minutes later, Jacob Chidiac slipped Darko into the left of the box, and he made no mistake with a powerful strike past Knights’ goalkeeper Chris Marques.

Spirit’s quickfire double put them in a commanding position at home as they went into the sheds.

The hosts maintained the momentum and scored their third just after the hour mark.

Moments earlier, a reaction save from Spirit keeper Christopher Marques followed by a scramble to force the ball home at one end, paved the way for Zachary Cianci who profited from a left-sided cross that found him at the back post for a cool finish.

Spirit saw out the rest of the game to earn the win and their place in the Round of 16, where they will now face A-League side Melbourne Victory.

Match report via Australia Cup
https://www.australiacup.com.au/match/nws-spirit-v-glenorchy-knights-fc-australia-cup-08-08-2024/22278623 

Gala Night 2024 a Spirit success!

Spirit FC is proud to announce the resounding success of our annual Gala Night, held at the prestigious Oatlands House. The evening was a true celebration of our club’s spirit, showcasing the dedication of our players, coaches, and volunteers, and the unwavering support of our passionate local community.

We were honoured to welcome special guests Sophie Harding, a trailblazing figure in women’s football, and Nathan Burns, an iconic name in Australian football. Their inspiring speeches and anecdotes about their remarkable careers set the tone for a fantastic night of club culture.

The silent auction was a testament to the generosity of our supporters, raising a substantial amount to further enhance our training programs and provide new equipment for our players. The lively atmosphere continued late into the night, with attendees enjoying the music and dancing, making it a truly memorable occasion for everyone involved.

The success of the Gala Night not only reinforces the vibrant spirit that defines Spirit FC but also highlights the strong bond we share with our community. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all who attended and contributed to this unforgettable evening, and we look forward to many more successful events in the future.

NWS Spirit FC progress through to the Australia Cup Round of 32!

NWS Spirit FC have secured their spot in the prestigious Australia Cup Round of 32, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over 2020 Australia Cup finalists Sydney United 58. This represents our second progression to the milestone stage of the national knockout competition, the first coming in 2022.

On the night, Patrick Antelmi gave Sydney United an early lead, but the Spirit’s resilience shone through. Former United 58 defender Ante Bakmaz equalized for the Spirit, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Jared Lum emerged as the hero, netting a fine winning goal.

This victory marked the culmination of a strong cup run for NWS Spirit FC, which saw them defeat the likes of Dulwich Hill and Sydney Olympic on their path to the final Preliminary Round. This hard-fought progression not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also adds another chapter to our proudly local history.

The Australia Cup Round of 32 draw now sees Mens First Grade take on Glenorchy Knights FC from Tasmania. Full fixture details will be confirmed at a later date.

Spirit’s Gala Night is coming!

North West Sydney Spirit FC (NWS Spirit FC) is excited to announce its annual Gala Night, taking place on Friday, July 5th, 2024, at the Oatlands House in Oatlands. This year’s event promises to be the club’s biggest night yet, filled with celebration, recognition, and entertainment.

The Gala Night serves as a platform to acknowledge the achievements of NWS Spirit FC players, coaches, and volunteers throughout the season. Attendees can look forward to a night of fine dining, dancing, and live music.

Tickets for the Gala Night are available for purchase via TryBooking. This is a fantastic opportunity for the North West Sydney football community to come together and celebrate the sport they love.

For more information and ticket bookings, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1227116.

Don’t miss out on this memorable night!

NWSF Academy, powered by NWS Spirit FC, hits new records!

NWSF’s Academy program, powered by NWS Spirit FC, is experiencing unprecedented interest, with record numbers of young athletes turning out for trials in 2024. The surge in participation reflects the program’s growing reputation for developing talented footballers and providing a pathway to elite-level competition.

The Academy offers a comprehensive training program for players aged 8-18, focusing on developing the NWSF DNA. The NWS Spirit FC coaching staff are committed to nurturing each athlete’s individual potential and fostering a love for the game.

With the increased interest in the program, NWS Spirit FC is excited about the future of its Academy and the role it will play in shaping the next generation of players through our pathway.

Our whole club comes together to celebrate Tribe Day!

NWS Spirit FC celebrated a triumphant Tribe Day, uniting the club’s passionate community for a day of football, camaraderie, and celebration. Christie Park was awash with the club’s iconic colours as fans of all ages came together to revel in their shared passion for the beautiful game.

The day was filled with exciting football action, culminating in two thrilling victories for Spirit FC. The Women’s First Grade team showcased their skill and determination, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bulls Academy. The winning goal from Savannah Murray, a spectacular long-distance strike, was the highlight of the First Grade fixtures. The Men’s First Grade team followed suit, also triumphing 2-1 over Hills United in a display of grit and teamwork.

The event was a true testament to the strong bond that exists within the Spirit FC community, a testament to the club’s strong culture and togetherness.

NWS Spirit FC’s Womens First Grade gear up for 2024!

After finishing in 3rd place in 2023, NWS Spirit will be itching to go one better and push their rivals for a spot at the top.

Spirit will hope for greater stability in their defence this season, having conceded 35 goals across 2023. There was no trouble delivering at the other end of the pitch however, with Spirit ranked 3rd in the league for goals scored after notching a total of 49.

Spirit’s attack was boosted by the signing of 2022 NPL NSW Women’s player of the year Rola Badawiya last season, whilst striker Sophie Harding’s recent call-up to the Matildas squad more than exemplifies the flair available to the North Sydney based side up front.

Last year’s head coach, Tiana Gauci, moved on at the end of last season to join up with Perth Glory’s A-League Women’s side as an assistant. Gauci would be replaced by former Marconi First Grade Men’s coach and Blacktown City coach Tony Candy, a suitable choice who already had six years at the Spirit under his belt.

A full pre-season under the helm of new coach Candy, after a successful year with Gauci, leaves the side best-placed to improve on a strong 3rd place finish and to close the gap on APIA Leichardt and Macarthur Rams.

Returning stars Nat Tobin, along with Erin Pridmore and Morgan Roberts – who finished as the club’s top goal scorer for the 2023 season – will also hold the Spirit in good stead.

By Matthew Badrov, Football NSW

NWS Spirit FC’s Mens First Grade kick off NPL for 2024!

NWS Spirit FC will be looking to build on a statement first season in NPL Men’s NSW, which saw them finish in 11th place, safely away from the relegation playoff with 16 points separating them from 15th.

Spirit were one of the most exciting teams in the competition last season, playing some champagne football, and taking in part of some of the most dramatic games of the season.

In games in which NWS Spirit were involved in throughout the season, an astonishing 11 goals were scored in the 90th minute or after.

Seven of these were meaningful goals – goals that changed the result at the time and/or had an impact on the final result.

20 goals were scored in the 80th minute or beyond, with 15 of them being a meaningful goal, demonstrating the excitement of watching the Spirit last campaign.

The games that epitomised this was round nine against Wollongong Wolves, where before the 80th minute, the score was 3-2 to NWS Spirit’s opponents.

However, the match ended 5-4 to the Spirit, with NWS netting three goals in the 90th minute or later after Wollongong added a fourth in the 83rd minute.

Meanwhile, they were exceptional at their home at Christie Park; eight of the Spirit’s 11 wins last campaign came at their home ground – including a highly impressive 2-1 win against APIA, who were chasing points to secure the title, while they lost just four matches there compared to their nine away from home.

For the new season, coach David Perkovic has signed Gianni Bouzoukis, Bradley Whitworth, Titus Macharia, Brayden Burr, Ante Bakmaz and goalkeeper Jack Greenwood, while club captain Grant Cornwell will re-join the squad after picking up a knee injury to keep him out of the 2023 campaign.

Spirit will be looking to harness that excitement again this campaign and move their positive home record interstate, as they look to further secure their spot as a formidable force in the NPL Men’s competition.

By Jack George (FNSW)