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Manly United keeping it local for 2021

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Manly United coach Adam Griffiths will be keeping it local as Manly United prepare for the 2021 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season with the majority of the squad hailing from the Northern Beaches.

The Cromer Park based club has moved swiftly in signing four new faces for the new season with Benjamin Koop, Jesse Piriz, Alen Aganovic and Seiya Kambayashi all penning deals.

Koop, a former Manly United product recently spent some time with Sydney FC’s NPL side with the 20-year-old set to add some firepower up-front.

Another new face that is set for big things at the Northern Beaches side is Japanese import Seiya Kambayashi. The young defender spent the previous season playing in the Illawarra Premier League with Bulli FC.

Former Blacktown City midfielder Alen Aganovic will also be someone to watch out for while Jesse Piriz returns to the club after spending time with Northbridge previously.

Griffiths will call upon a number of familiar faces that have called Cromer Park home for a while with Dylan Mitchell, Kieren Paull, Sam Gallagher, Dom Ferguson, Scott Balderson, Dejan Pandurevic, James Oates, Luca Kmet and Joe Fox all resigning at the club.

Experienced striker Richie Cardozo will once again don the Manly United kit along with Jack Fulton while promising youngsters James Georgaklis, Lucas Rainbird, Jordan Segreto, Zach Forsyth, Jordan Devries will look for more senior game time in 2021.

Manly United kick off its 2021 NPL NSW campaign with a home clash against Mt Druitt Town Rangers on Friday 26th of February at 7pm.

Manly United and Manly Warringah FA to host Manly Cup Tournament in 2021

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Manly United and the Manly Warringah Football Association will be hosting the 2021 Manly Cup tournament at Cromer in 2021 with dates set for Friday 22nd – 23rd January (10’s, 11’s, 13’s) and Sunday 24th – Monday 25th January (12’s, 14’s).

The two-day tournament will feature teams in the Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, and Under 14 age groups. The tournament will be ran across two fields, Cromer Park Fields 1 and 2, ensuring all games are played on a synthetic surface to guarantee football quality and no rain delays.

In 2021, the Under 10, Under 11, and Under 13 age groups will be held on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd January.

Whilst the Under 12 and Under 14 age groups will be held across, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th January.

Entry is $100 per player, and there are opportunities for interstate teams to apply and participate as well in the 2021 Manly Cup.

For any additional information, please contact Matt Weight – Administrator at Manly United Football Club via [email protected] or (+61) 02 9982 6228

Manly Cup Entry Form: https://forms.gle/kwNZjChkDf81wx156

 

 

Luca Kmet finding his feet at Manly United

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Manly United’s Luca Kmet has really embraced the challenge given to him ever since the rebooted National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition kicked into gear in late July this year.

The 21-year-old has seized the opportunity of gaining much needed game time putting him in good stead as one of the success stories of the 2020 season.

“It’s great to be back playing this year especially after some doubt that the season wouldn’t go ahead because of COVID.

“I’ve had great support from Steve and the physio team at Manly after my injury, and the reboot has helped me get back into the full swing of things.

“I came to Manly United last year after getting a call from Paul Dee and knowing that if I put my head down and worked hard, I would get an opportunity to play first grade. That’s the type of club Manly are and that’s giving a number of young players a chance.

“My focus is to continue to build on my first-grade experience by working hard, but also making sure I can contribute to the team’s objectives and performances as much as possible.”

The Northern Beaches club have unearthed a few young players like Kmet with James Georgaklis, Jordan Devries, Lachlan McGrath and Jamie Glover all getting senior game time putting them in good stead for the 2021 NPL NSW Men’s season.

Round 7 saw a flurry of goals take centre stage at Cromer Park as Manly United defeated APIA Leichhardt FC 5-2 with Kmet joining the party scoring his second for the year.

A sign of many more goals and wins perhaps?

“It was great to get the win last weekend.

“APIA are a tough side to play against and having played them in a trial before the reboot, we knew they were competitive.

“I felt all the boys did really well together and in particular we were able to execute in front of goal getting the win we really needed.”

In what’s been described as a local derby, Manly United will take on the North Shore Mariners at Cromer Park on Friday evening, something the young attacker is eagerly anticipating.

“I really can’t wait to get out and play especially on a Friday night under lights at Cromer.

“I think this a bit of a first as a derby for both clubs so I’m sure it’s going to be a really competitive game and one the team are really looking forward to.

“Hopefully we can pick up the three points and further progress up the competition ladder.”

Kmet and co have had to transition slightly in the coaching department as well admired manager Paul Dee departed two weeks ago with the job going to assistant Adam Griffiths.

“It’s been a good transition.

“Manly United is a very professional club and have made the transition really smooth.

“For me personally it’s great to have Griff as head coach, I think he knows my game really well and that’s important.

“As an attacking player, his focus on taking chances when we go forward has really suited my style of play.”

Away from Football, Kmet keeps himself busy studying, working as well as coaching the Manly United Under 8’s Development squad.

“I’m currently at UTS studying a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and I’m also working part-time in finance and admin at North Shore Private Hospital.

“Before training nights I also coach the Manly United Under 8’s Development squad so I do what I can to keep myself busy every single day.”

Kemt kicked off his football development in the Nation’s Capital, Canberra, having first registered for the very proud Canberra FC formerly Deakin club which led him to some amazing experiences including a trial with Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb to name a few.

“Most of my youth development took place in Canberra, and I’ve made some great memories there.

“I played all my juniors there for Canberra FC and had some great Croatian background coaches that really taught and encouraged technical ability and competitiveness.

“It also led me to some experience trailing at Dinamo Zagreb when I was 12.

“I had the chance to play at the National Football Championships for ACT in both football and futsal with what was a really good group of players.”

Cromer Park Home of Football development green light

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The Manly Warringah Football Association, Manly United and the Manly Warringah District Soccer Football Club are proud to announce that work will start on the $1.8 million redevelopment of the Manly Warringah Football Club to create a “Home of Football” at Cromer Park later this year.

A development application for building works has been lodged with the Northern Beaches Council.

The building, originally opened in 1983, has been in desperate need of development for many years but thanks to Mr Jason Falinski, Member for Mackellar, securing a $500,000 Federal Government grant, a $20,000 grant through the NSW Government and football funds we are in a position to begin work to transform the building into the “Home of Football” on the Northern Beaches.

Once completed, the building will feature the following:

  • Upgraded bar, café and kitchen facilities for use during the week and MWFA and Manly United matchdays
  • A separate physiotherapy room for all registered football players on the Northern Beaches
  • Meeting rooms for the use of football clubs and the general community
  • Licenced Function space for Members and Clubs to be able to host functions and fundraising events.
  • A covered deck overlooking Cromer Park No. 1 for patrons to watch games with an improved elevated view
  • Completely new bathroom facilities
  • Upgraded administration offices for the Manly Warringah Football Association and Manly United

The final plans will also allow for multi-use of the venue with separate entrances for four main functions:

  1. Office: To allow the MWFA/Manly United office to function, including an enlarged meeting room for functions and meetings up to 20 people
  2. Clubroom: The main bar/café area will be able to function simply for Members, patrons, parents to be able to enjoy a drink, grab something to eat and work while their child is training or playing matches.
  3. Function room: It can adapt to a large, modern room for Functions, meetings and parties for Members and clubs/businesses/Community Groups as well monthly MWFA, Manly United and Club meetings.
  4. Physiotherapy room: For the treatment of players from the MWFA and Manly United clubs/teams to receive treatment in a purpose built, separate area of the building, open from early morning until evening.

A Working Group of representatives from all of the football bodies on the Northern Beaches, as well as experts in the fields of finance, governance and project management have been steering the project.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

FOOTBALL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT

As with the original construction in 1983, we are giving all members of the Manly Warringah and Manly United football community the opportunity to play a part in the redevelopment.

To ensure the Home of Football is a truly football community facility we are asking for any members of the football community who work in the building/construction business, or feel they would be able to assist with the construction and development process, to contact MWFA/Manly United CEO David Mason at  ([email protected]).

All work will be properly tendered and contracted and must be undertaken by professionals with the appropriate qualifications and insurances under the following criteria:

Workmanship and ability to fit into the schedule of work

Price

Relationship with the football community

All members of the Football Community assisting with the development will receive permanent recognition of their contribution on the façade of the building.

FOOTBALL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE TO FINALISE FUNDING FOR THE COMMUNITY FOOTBALL INITIATVE

CAPTAIN – $25,000 (payable over 3 years)

GOLD – $10,000 (payable over 3 years)

SILVER – $5,000 (payable over 2 years)

COMMUNITY – $1,000

Through our partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, any contributions to the Home of Football project will be tax deductible. A link to the Manly United ASF page can be found here: https://asf.org.au/projects/manly-united-football-club/

If you are interested in learning more about these packages and playing a significant role in the future of football on the Northern Beaches, please contact David Mason at [email protected] for more information on the project and how they can be spread over up to three years.

This is a exciting step forward for football on the Northern Beaches as we develop a true Home of Football for the 19,000 registered football players and their families.

Cromer Park Expression of Interest Document

Paul Dee Steps down as Manly United coach

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Manly United first grade coach Paul Dee has stepped down from his position of Head Coach after spending six years as the Manly United Head Coach.

Paul will take control for Friday night’s clash against Sydney Olympic before stepping down from the position.

Dee has been a tremendous asset to Manly United as an assistant coach and then head coach of the first grade side and made the decision to make 2020 his last season in charge but has decided to bring his departure forward to allow Manly United to prepare for 2021 and beyond.

“This is a tough decision for me but I love this club and I think this is what’s best for Manly United,” Dee said. “I love coaching here but I had decided that this would be my last year and I am a firm believer in the club should always come first so I think the best thing is to step aside now so the club can properly prepare for the future.

“We have a lot of good young coaches coming through who deserve a chance and I think the time is right to step aside and clear that pathway, which should be in place for coaches as well as players.

“Manly United is an incredible club and heading in the right direction and I am proud to say I was head coach for 6 years. I’d like to thank the Board and staff for their support over the years but I’d especially like to thank the players and coaching staff for helping me create an atmosphere and environment that was so enjoyable and I’m sure will continue long into the future.”

Both Paul and Manly United wish to keep the popular coach involved within the club next season and beyond.

“First and foremost Paul Dee is a tremendous person and has been an integral part of shaping the club and the senior team into what it is today,” said Manly United CEO David Mason. “A football club is only as strong as its people and Paul will always be remembered in a positive light for his achievements with the senior squad both on and off the field.

“Paul has been integral in providing an environment where people come to this club and remain with this club because it is a professional, enjoyable place to play their football. We look forward to working together to ensure Paul remains a positive contributor to the football club.”

Manly United has appointed current Assistant Coach and former Socceroo Adam Griffiths as the Head Coach and will assume responsibility after this weekend’s match against Sydney Olympic.

Griffiths, who was also an A-League winner with the Newcastle Jets as a player, was an overwhelming appointment to the role, continuing Manly United’s proud coaching tradition of appointing coaches from within.

“Adam’s appointment as the Head Coach was not a difficult decision with the Manly United Board, Technical Director Andrew Christiansen and departing coach Paul Dee all in agreement that he was ready for the challenge and the obvious choice,” Mason said.

“Adam has progressed through the Manly United coaching system and takes on the Head Coach role with a thorough understanding and experience in the Manly United philosophies and structures both in the junior and senior systems.

“We firmly believe in putting in place structures and pathways for our players and coaches so our structure allows us to look within when  promoting through the system. It is how Paul Dee took over from Craig Midgely in 2014 and now Adam has that opportunity moving forward.

“He has developed as a coach and a person and we have no doubt he is ready to take on the challenge of creating a winning team that truly represents the Northern Beaches football community.”