Manly United set for NPL NSW kick-off

Manly United Football Club is proud to take its place in the 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Competitions, for the men and women.

Football NSW outlined a varied format for the 2020 competition comprising 11 rounds and a two week semi final system, asking all NPL clubs to reaffirm their place in the competition.

Following separate meetings with the Men’s and Women’s senior squads and coaching staff Manly United has officially notified Football NSW of its intention to take part in the 2020 NPL NSW Men’s/Women’s Competitions.

“It was one of the easiest decisions we’ve ever made. We are a football club and our core focus is to play football games for men, women, boys and girls,” said Manly United CEO David Mason.

“Our men’s senior team had no hesitation in taking payment cuts for the 2020 season and we made the decision to retain the current payments for our women’s team.

The unprecedented COVID-19 disruption has presented unique challenges, as all Australians have had to adapt and evolve with the rapidly changing health, social and economic impacts it has created.

Football is no different.

Manly United Football Club has worked hard to rebound from a 10-week lockdown to ensure all teams and players can return to training and matches as soon as possible.

Junior teams and players have been back in training under COVID-Safe conditions for the past four weeks and Football NSW announced last week the resumption of the senior competitions under a varied format

“One positive out of this COVID-19 disruption and restrictions has been the opportunity for us to recognize the part football plays in our community and how much it has been missed,” Mason said.

“The COVID-19 shutdown has been challenging for Manly United as we worked to allow all of our players to return to training and matches as soon as possible and reshaping the training programs and season to ensure our players received the same development opportunities in 2020 as previous years.

“We are not immune to the financial realities that have hit our country and we’ve suffered a loss of revenue through sponsorship, canteen, holiday programs and annual fundraising events.

“It is a testament to the club culture that both the mens and womens senior squads have been not only understanding but supportive of the Club and agreed without question to resume the season.

“We are proud of the culture we have at Manly United and it is the people that drive that; the players, coaches, managers, volunteers and families it attracts has allowed us to charge full steam ahead into the varied 2020 season.”

Men’s Captain Sam Gallagher said: “We just want to play football. Ultimately we start playing football because we love the game. We all understand that the Club, like our entire country, has taken a hit and we are more than happy to get back onto the pitch and play for the love of the game.

“We have all missed the competitive aspect but more importantly the enjoyment and camaraderie and we can’t wait to get back into training on Monday night.”

Women’s Captain Chloe O’Brien was equally enthusiastic to restart the competition.

“The last few weeks training without knowing what was happening with matches has been difficult but it has been great to be back on the field playing the game we love. The club has been fantastic with getting training started as soon as possible and we are very grateful that we’ve been treated with respect with our contracts. I just can’t wait to play.”

-Manly United Press Release