Kanga Cup veterans, Northbridge FC have once again sent a plethora of teams down in various age groups and competitions to play in the 32nd installment of the tournament. These include 12 Northbridge FC sides and 9 Northbridge Bulls Academy teams who have travelled to the Capital exemplifying the club’s commitment to the event.
Three of these squads are competing in the U10 Female Cup bracket amongst other incredibly talented and highly reputable clubs such as Adamstown Rosebud, Canberra Olympic, Mid North Coast FC and more.
Although the U10 Northbridge FC White team coached by former Kanga Cup participant herself, Ava Olesen, played in Canberra last year under different management, the team have now been placed in the Cup format of the tournament where they are facing tougher opposition.
“Feels pretty good and really full circle to be back and the girls were here last year, but with a different coach so for me I’m only 18 but I was here when I was 10 so it’s really cool to be in the position of coaching rather than playing,” said Olesen.
Despite the increase in quality amongst their opposition, this Northbridge side remain committed this year to improving as footballers and enjoying the experience as much as they can.
“I want them to improve as each game goes on as we’re versing a lot of rep teams and we’re not a rep team, so I just want them to stay positive and I think hopefully score a few goals and improve as each game goes on and obviously having fun is the main thing,” Olesen commented.
“We just want everyone to have fun and do their best, obviously there are certain tactics and strategies we’ve been working on but more importantly I want them to improve individually and as a team.”
Northbridge is a club that caters to players at any level with community teams ranging from U6’s to O45’s with more of a social atmosphere. Olesen’s team competes above this at a development academy standard which starts from U8’s going through to U18’s.
The Northbridge Academy players then have a streamlined pathway if they are at a high enough standard to progress through to the clubs representative Bulls FC Academy sides supported by A-League club Macarthur FC.
“We’re one of the biggest clubs in Sydney and New South Wales and we’ve got a good culture,” added Olesen. “I played for this team growing up and it’s got great development like our representative side, the Bulls, which is always an option if you want to take your soccer to another level.”
“The club gives different levels and options such as the development squad who has a community team, and then obviously the rep side of the club paired to Macarthur which gives players a valuable chance in NPL 1.”
Olesen sees the Kanga Cup as a privileging chance to offer something back to a club which has helped her learn so much in the sport whilst also assisting a growing generation of footballers who are already so enthusiastic after being inspired by heroes such as those in the Matilda’s squad.
“It means a lot to have an opportunity to give back to a club that kind of taught me everything I know in football,” Olsen discussed. “It’s just a rewarding experience being able to coach younger girls especially ever since the Women’s World Cup, because that was so huge for the involvement of younger girls as signing up for soccer has really increased and I just want to be a part of it.”
Olesen’s side take on counterparts Northbridge FC Red in their last group stage game of the Cup.
Words: William Rumgay
