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Ambitious Youngster Girdwood-Reich Making His Mark in the NPL

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At just 17, Sydney FC’s Jake Girdwood-Reich is making his mark on the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Competition.

The young gun made the step up to the Men’s competition after impressing in Sydney FC’s premiership-winning Under 20s squad in 2020, and despite his youth, has seamlessly transitioned to the men’s competition in 2021.

While some results haven’t gone the way Sydney FC would have hoped for, there are plenty of positives for Girdwood-Reich to take away from his first season playing Men’s football.

“Obviously being near the bottom of the table is disappointing for the players and coaches, however, in some games we have shown that we can compete with the best teams in the competition and have shown that we have talented young players,” he explained.

“It is a great opportunity for young players to be playing in the men’s league against some ex-A-League and International players.

“Hopefully we can build on our performance of the last few games and show our quality in the final games of the season and gain as many points on the board as we can.”

After being named in the Joeys Under-15 squad in 2019, a group commencing the path towards the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2021, the Coronavirus pandemic has been disappointing for Girdwood-Reich, however, the opportunities he has been given by Sydney FC have helped soften the blow of missing out on representing Australia again.

“I feel like I have had a good breakout season in the NPL this year.

“Head Coach Jimmy Van Weeren and Assistant Coach Howie Forndyke and Technical Director Kelly Cross have given me confidence to perform in my first season of the NPL NSW Men’s competition.

“The quality of training in the Senior Academy and the way they play the same system as the A-League has helped me a lot in my game, and also made it easier when I’ve had some recent opportunities of training with the A-League team.

“These opportunities have helped to focus me away from the disappointment of the cancellation of Joeys Asian Cup last year and the possibility of going to the Under 17 FIFA World Cup this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

While the current stay-at-home restrictions have stopped football completely, Girdwood-Reich is trying to make the most of his time off.

“Obviously we can’t train as a team at the moment, but our Strength and Conditioning Coach has sent us training sessions to keep up our fitness, such as running and ball work, and has had Zoom calls to see how we are going and to show us the strength routines for the gym work.

“It’s hard that gyms are closed but we have adapted, using these sessions.

“I really miss the regular training and games, but at least I have been doing these sessions regularly to keep up my fitness but can’t wait to get back on the field.”

The year 11 student is currently on school holidays and has been enjoying some time to relax, spend time with family and enjoy watching some high-calibre football in the Euros and Copa America tournaments.

“If it’s not football training, I have been jumping on Xbox with friends to play FIFA, catching up with movies on Netflix and of course watching the Euros and the Copa America.

“With school holidays it is a time to relax a bit and although we can’t catch up in person with friends, we can keep in touch on social media.

“In the Euros, unfortunately, my two nations, Scotland and Germany, have been knocked out but it has been so great to have the time to be able to watch all the games and so many of the best players in the world competing for their nation.

“Certainly, the team to watch for me has been Italy because of their passion and exciting football.

“It’s been good to spend more time with my family during lockdown, as usually I’m really busy with football and school.

“It’s been hard not seeing the boys from Sydney FC as I’m used to seeing them 4-5 days per week and although obviously not the same, at least we are keeping in touch through a group chat.”

The ambitious youngster is eager to get back on the pitch when the competition restarts and continue to show his potential to the football community.

“The main focus is to help the team turn losses and draws into much-needed wins to finish the NPL season as best we can.

“I will keep on training hard so I can give my best performances and keep working towards my goal of being a professional footballer.”

-By Madeline Riley

Ready to roll – Shabow backing Blacktown to pick up where they left from

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If any side in this seasons’ NPL NSW Men’s competition were ruing the current COVID enforced break, you would confidently say it’s Blacktown City FC.

First on the ladder, top of the scoring charts and on par with a chasing Sydney United 58 FC for goals conceded, not to mention qualifying for the last thirty-two of the FFA Cup, again, they’re the team to beat.

And for their very own star attraction Mario Shabow, he believes the best is yet to come.

“We’re really happy with where we’re sitting on the table but we have more to give. We’re a squad that is constantly trying to improve regardless of our position, which is great.

“Personally, I feel I’ve had a decent season so far, however a few injuries have held me back. Having the break now is allowing me to work on my body to ensure I’ll be ready for the end of the season.”

For Blacktown, they’ll be gunning for their first Premiership since 2015 and as a club that has only missed finals football on four occasions since the turn of the century, it almost feels odd that they’ve had to wait six years between drinks.

However, Shabow says the teams’ togetherness has been vital to their success this year.

“We’re a really close bunch of boys and I think it shows. We’ve had some really hard fought performances this year and being so close as teammates is a key factor.

“Since we’ve been in lockdown that hasn’t changed. The club and squad have been in constant conversation almost daily. We’re checking in on each other a lot and the club has been in touch to offer their help anyway they can.

“It has been really tough not going into training but we’re all putting in the effort individually. I’m confident we’ll be ready to go in what will be a busy end to the season.”

Blacktown City are no strangers to chaotic schedules of late.

Gaining entry into the FFA Cup round of 32 for the fifth time since the competitions’ inception it’s clear that squad depth is integral.

The juicy clash against A-League outfit the Central Coast Mariners will surely be on Shabow and his teammates minds.

Thus far, head coach Mark Crittenden cycled through 26 players in the league this season.

A clear sign of the depth at his disposal but also one of the confidence he has in his players at this level.

“The depth is definitely there. Injuries have hurt us but we’re using this lockdown period to get those sorted.  We’re confident against anyone we come up against.

“Now it’s just time to prepare as best we can for the end of the year but I know we’ll be ready for whatever comes our way.”

-By Joseph Esposito 

 

Jordan Leading the Charge for Young Bulls

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Rory Jordan has been a standout star for the Northbridge Bulls in the 2021 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.

At just 21-year-old the recently crowned Player of the Year for the NPL side at the 2021 Macarthur FC Awards night, has easily stepped into a leadership role within the team of emerging stars that has given him valuable experience that will be indispensable throughout his football career.

While the inexperience and of his young team makes it difficult to face up to the more experienced, physical teams in the competition, Jordan highlights the value of this experience in learning and developing as a footballer.

“We are the second-highest goal-scoring team this year, but I feel like sometimes our inexperience shows as a young team… maybe if we were a bit more experienced, we’d hold onto some of the leads and be a bit more clinical,” he explained.

“A lot of these players have a lot of NPL experience and some of the boys even have a lot of A-League experience.

“I’m not too worried about the results and whatnot I just feel like it’s a really good learning experience and I feel like that’s what we really need at this age.

“This year I think the coaching staff are putting a lot of trust into me and have given me a lot of confidence to go out and enjoy the way I like to play.

“A lot of the boys in our team are the same, they love to express themselves and I think that’s great, and I think it helps me a lot being able to rely on every single one of my teammates.”

While the lockdown has affected the rhythm of training and playing, Jordan is enjoying a bit of a break to relax while working on his fitness through a program provided by the Bulls.

“It feels a bit different having a weekend off where you can relax and not get kicked.

“Fitness-wise we’ve all got a program and we’re going to stick to it and hopefully the restrictions and the lockdown ends relatively soon, and we can get straight back into it.”

Jordan spoke about his gratitude for having a supportive group of family and friends to help him through the lockdown.

“My friends and I, we’ve known each other for a long time through school and extracurricular activities so I have a good support group, we can chat to each other anytime, anyplace, we’re a tight bunch.

“Even the group of boys in our football group that maybe we’ve only known for a couple of months really, we’ve bonded really well, and I feel like we can chat about anything and speak to each other whenever we need to.”

Looking towards the remainder of the season post-lockdown, Jordan is hoping that his side can finish strong and stand up against some of the competition’s strongest sides.

“If we can just finish strong and get a couple of results, I think that would be good for us.

“Our remaining opponents are all top six and pushing for finals so it’s going to be a tough run but I definitely back us, our coaching staff and the boys, to be able to put a few wins on and play well.”

-By Madeline Riley

 

 

 

 

 

Stamatellis Happy to be Part of Rock-Solid Community

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It’s been a great year for one of the NPL NSW Men’s experienced defenders in Mitchell Stamatellis, especially with the birth of his son Bodhi, and while he’s relishing a break from football to enjoy time with his family, he’s hoping the close-knit Rockdale Ilinden squad can get back together soon.

“It has been a good year, especially with the birth of my little boy at the start of the year – I think that’s made it,” he explained.

“I think it’s been an up and down year for us at Rockdale… especially with COVID coming back.

“We thought things were getting a little bit better and then there’s been another lockdown, I think it’s definitely been a little bit of a rollercoaster.”

Despite being apart, the close-knit Rockdale community is still supporting one another off the pitch.

“We’ve got a really strong group at Rockdale and we’re really close.

“I think the coaching staff is really supportive, they’re always there to lend a hand and be an ear if we need them.

“Steve [Zoric] sent a message the other day, just saying he would get in touch with each and every one of us individually and make sure we’re going ok.

“It’s a really close community and club and a very supportive network which is good, and all the boys are always willing to talk to each other if anyone needs anything, and they’re all aware of that, so I’m very happy to be at Rockdale, especially considering the circumstances.”

While the stay-at-home restrictions have dampened Rockdale’s effort to turn around their recent struggles, Stamatellis is certainly making the most of his extra time to enjoy time with his wife and six-month-old son.

“It’s just good to spend a bit more time at home with the little guy.

“He’s six months old now so he’s smiling, he’s laughing, he’s a lot more interactive so as a dad it’s a lot more fun, I can do a lot more and I’m really enjoying the time that I’m spending at home with him.”

Looking forward to the return of football after lockdown, Rockdale certainly have high ambitions.

“Win the grand final, that’s our goal.

“We were a bit unlucky to lose on penalties last year, so we do want to go one better and win the grand final this year.

“To turn the recent results around, head in the right direction and come back with a championship is definitely our goal.”

-By Madeline Riley

 

 

No Lone Wolves in Wollongong for Leroy Jennings

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For Leroy Jennings, having relocated to Wollongong to play for the Wollongong Wolves, his teammates are like a family, and while for the past few weeks the focus has been on the finals race, his focus has now shifted to keeping a sharp mind throughout the current stay-at-home restrictions.

Like many other athletes, Jennings is using fitness and exercise as a way to keep a clear mind in what can be a challenging time of isolation.

“There’s not much you can do except just road running I guess, you know going down to the park and kicking a ball around,” he explained.

“There are no gyms open and obviously we’re not allowed to train, but more so just going out and doing something for your mind otherwise you’re just stuck at home and you kind of go insane.”

Aware of the impact that the lockdown is having on himself, especially being isolated from his family and friends, Jennings emphasised the importance of his football family in maintaining a healthy mental state throughout the next few weeks.

“It’s tough for everybody, but for us boys that moved down here away from our families and friends, the team is kind of like our family because they’re the people we see the most throughout the week and for that to kind of come to a halt, when that’s what you’re here for, you really have to make sure that you keep your spirits up and keep your mind healthy by going out and doing that type of stuff, even if it’s not just for fitness, just to keep your mind sharp.

“We’ve seen it before in our league with players and in sports in general with guys that you just wouldn’t think they’re not ok, but there’s a different story to everybody so you just have to really look out for yourself and for your teammates.”

While training has come to a halt, the camaraderie between the team certainly hasn’t, with plenty of entertainment coming from the team’s group chat.

“There’s always going to be banter in the group chat no matter what, but you don’t have the change room banter, so you have to make up for it in the group chat.”

Like many other football fans, the break has served as a great time for Jennings to immerse himself in the excitement of the Euro 2020 tournament.

“My sleeping pattern has been ruined from the Euros but I’m not complaining, it’s like Christmas watching football every day, especially with the teams that are in the tournament and the players, you love to watch it.”

“Italy, they’re going all the way, no doubt about it. To think that both France and Portugal are out is mind-boggling but that’s why we love football, nothing is given.”

Just two points out of the top five at this stage in the season, and still in the running for the Waratah Cup and FFA Cup, the Wollongong Wolves have plenty to fight for when football returns and Jennings is eager to get back on the pitch and make his mark.

“Getting back to football is the main goal right now.”

“First and foremost, our goal is to make the finals, that’s what we train towards every day. I think the Waratah Cup, we hope it can restart because that’s a great chance for us to get a trophy – there are five teams left and we know that it’s just three wins and it’s a trophy.”

-By Madeline Riley