The Cookbundoon Soccer fields will be at breaking point again on Sunday as the Southern
Tablelands Football Association [STFA] will played host to 51 Female and Male Soccer Teams
with over 500 Players taking to the fields.
The local Association will play host to Football NSW Skill Acquisition Phase [SAP] gala day
that will see under 9 to under 12 Girls and Boys Teams from Southern NSW Western NSW,
Griffith, Wagga, Eurobodalla, South West Slopes, Gungahlin well as the local STFA Players
playing skill based games and being assets for the program. All games are made of 9 a side
Teams.
The STFA will have 8 Team entered with Players from the under 10 and 12 Girls and Boys
development Squads and the under 12 Girls and Boys Rep Teams.
SAP is based on tapping into Children’s natural desire to play more games. It encourages
greater decision making and more game-specific ball control during practical sessions. It also
develops thinking Players and closely resembles the demands of the real game.
First games kick off at 9-00 am with the last around 3-00 pm
In addition to the SAP games friendly games will be played between the Associations under 14
and 16 Rep boys and the under 14 Rep Girls Teams.
They will play games against Wagga and Griffith Teams with the first game the STFA and
Griffith under 14 Girls kicking off at 9-45
STFA have a successful Branch Championship
Thousands of Soccer Players and their Parents flocked into the Cookbundoon Soccer fields
over the June Long weekend when the Southern Tablelands Football Association [STFA]
hosted the second rounds of the Southern Branch Championships.
The highlight of the weekend was the under 13 Boys and under 14 Girls taking out their age
division as Southern Branch Champions.
The under 13 Boys were Branch Champions for the second year in a row having been
Champions in 2022.
They went through the weekend undefeated scoring 9 goals in their four games and did not
have a goal scored against them.
To show how dominating the Team was, one of their Players Oscar Goodfellow was named the
Ray Tweedie Medal winner for the Best and Fairest Player of the weekend, based on the most
accrued points on the weekend.
The next big games for this Team is the Country Cup in July. This will be played in Goulburn so
the Team will have the Home advantage,
The under 14 Girls were undefeated Branch Champions with four wins and two draws in their
six games. They were that far in front they did not have to win their last game against Far South
Coast.
However the Girls were so keen to finish without losing a game they defeated them 2-1. The
Girls started the weekend with a 2-1 win over Shoalhaven on the first day and went to go on to
score 16 goals and only had 9 scored against them.
Like the under 13 Boys the 14 Girls will play in the Country Cup but in Forbes and they surly
must have a chance of winning the Cup.
In other Age Divisions the under 12 Girls were runners up after playing some outstanding
soccer.
The under 12 boys were just piped for runners up after like the 12 girls, played hard and fast
soccer over the weekend.
In the Development League the under 10 Girls play well in all their games enjoying and learning
new skills and with more coaching they will develop into better players.
One of their Players Lylah Lang took out the Ray Tweedie Medal as Best and Fairest Player of
the Championship.
STFA Host Catholic Schools Titles
The Southern Tablelands Football Association [STFA] hosted 160 under 11 and 12
Girls and Boys at the Cookbundoon Soccer Fields on Friday from Canberra,
Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Parramatta and Wollongong Catholic Schools.
The Players were here for selection trails for Mackillop Team to represent the
Catholic Schools of Parramatta, Wollongong, Canberra Goulburn and Wagga Wagga
in the Primary Schools State Championships to be played in Bathurst in August.
The Teams played 4 games each with a Possible and Probable’s game played
before the Teams were known.
Positions for places in the nine a side Teams was hotly contested with Parramatta
and Wollongong Players filling the spots.
In the Canberra Goulburn Team were four local Girls, Lara Ferguson, Indianna
Storey, Rihanna Butler and Olivia Owen and whilst they tried hard in all their games
they found the going tough against the talent of the Parramatta and Wollongong
Girls.
16 girls debut at Branch Championships
The under 16 Girls struggled for Players to field a full Team and had two of the under 14 players fill in for them. Even so they were competitive in every game.
In their first game they had a nil all draw with Eurobodalla, lost two one to Shoalhaven in their second game.
In the reverse games on Sunday Eurobodalla beat them one nil and Shoalhaven won four goals to two.
Under 12 Girls on a roll
Southern Tablelands Football Association [STFA] Soccer Rep Teams were in Nowra over the weekend playing in the first rounds of the Southern Branch Championships. Not all Teams played in Nowra over the weekend with the bulk of the Rep Teams playing over the three days of the June long weekend.
The Adam Mills coached under 12 Girls played Eurobodalla in their first game in what was a tight game with the Tablelands side falling behind early in the game after a fumble in goal saw Eurobodalla score first.
The Tablelands Team quickly struck back with a goal from Charlotte Hogan to even the score.
Then with 5 minutes of the game to go the Tablelands Girls won a corner , Isabelle Howard put a high curving ball into the penalty area, that caused the opposition Keeper to fumble the ball before it went into the goal to give the Team a 2-1 win.
Player of the match was Olivia Owen who was dominant in defence.
The Girls had a four hour brake between games and when they lined up to play the Far South Coast they showed a level of tiredness in the first half. Despite this the Girls hung on against some serious attacking play from the Coast girls with Indi Storey performing brilliantly in goal.
The second half saw the girls come out ready to play the soccer they knew they could play and with time running out Rihanna Butler was sent on a mission busting forward before beating the defence to slot home the winning goal.to give her Team two wins from two games on the day.
Player of the match was Ari Boyd.
They now play six games at home over the June long weekend.
14 girls enjoy Bathurst hit out
The Southern Tablelands Football Association [STFA] under 14 Girls Rep Soccer Team
have returned from Bathurst after playing in the weekends Proctor Park Challenge, with
a draw and three losses from their four games.
The Girls kicked off their first game at 750 am on Saturday morning against North
Sydney United one of the leading Sydney Teams. The Early start saw the Girls a bit slow
to start and were down a goal after ten minutes. Following this early set back the Girls
picked up the pace of the game and soon matched the Sydney side to take the game to
nil one at the break. A quick two minute break and three interchanges saw the Girls take
the game to the Sydney side and were by far the better Team for the last ten minutes of
the seventeen halve and were unlucky not to have scored but finally went down 1 nil
Their second game was three hours later against country Team Griffith who proved too
strong for the Tablelands and ran out winners 2 goals to nil. This game was played with
the temperature near 30 C and this effected both teams ability tp play good soccer.
Their third game for the day kicked at 6.30 pm against New Castle Team New Lambton
after a five hour break.
New Lambton were the first to score when they broke through the Tablelands defence in
the seventh minute. The Tablelands Girls pulled one back two minutes later when striker
Shae Dumesic found the back of the net fowling good lead up play from the midfield.
The reminder of the game saw end to end play as both Teams tried for the winning goal
but the final whistle saw a one all draw that was in the end a good result.
The Girl’s final game on Sunday saw them come up against top Sydney Team Blacktown
Spartans, a team who had been together since they were under 10. The Sydney Team
showed their strength when the scored within three minutes but it took then another ten
minutes to score their second goal. The second half saw the Spartans score in the fifth
and seventh minute but for the last ten minutes of the game the Tablelands Girls picked
up their game and fought hard to keep the final score to four nil.
Even though the Girls only drew one game their Coach Lindsay Cosgrove said at no time
were the Girls out of their depth over the weekend with two players Goalkeeper Shayla
Hill and sweeper Betsy Willis the stand out players.
Players set the represent at the AFA National Club Futsal Championships
This week sees the Australian Futsal Association (AFA) kick off, this well known as
Australia’s biggest and best club futsal event, held every January in Sydney. Regional representative squads are selected from across Australia at Regional Futsal Titles the year prior. From that point onwards they begin training, to work towards their appearance on the national stage.
For teams there is the chance to represent their state or region and become Australian champions. For individual players, there is the chance of being selected to represent Australia in an International Tour.
3 Southern tablelands players will be playing for Southern NSW.
Harper Tarplee kicks off on Saturday in the junior boys, Harper a goalkeeper will be competing in his first national club championships.
The following week Breea Walters and Brianna Norris will be representing the Southern NSW squad in the Youth Womens kicking off on Thursday
Each team will play 9 games over 3 days and finish up with finals on the fourth day.
Harper returns from a successful Fiji Cup
In early December, Goulburn football player, Harper Tarplee had an amazing opportunity to play at the Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup in Fiji.
The former Stags FC and STFA representative Goalkeeper, who now plays for Highlands FC in the Wollongong League was invited to play with Kiama Junior FC at the Fiji Cup. Harper, along with four boys from Tasmania joined the team for the six day tournament. Before the event he travelled to Kiama every Sunday over a four week period to train with his team mates.
There were six teams in total at the tournament with three Fijian teams – Lautoka, Nadi and BA and two other Australian teams – Central Coast Sports College and team made up of kids from around NSW and SA.
Harper’s first game was against Lautoka. He made some great saves to keep a clean sheet to help his team win 2-0. A big 7-2 win over Nadi had Kiama on top of the ladder. The second game was an interesting experience with the goals at each end being completely different sizes.
The third game was arguably the most memorable game of the week. On arrival at the school where the game against BA was to be played, the boys were surrounded by kids (mostly girls) who were very interested in meeting the boys, talking and having a laugh. At game time, many of the school children came back with their families to watch the match. It was a close match on the shorter than normal field and with the very vocal locals supporting both teams, the atmosphere was memorable. The athleticism of BA was too much for Kiama and BA came away with the win 4-1. Post-game the teams gathered in a circle taking it in turns to sing with the locals showing that not only on the day they were the better football team, but they were also the better singers.
A win and a loss over the other Australian teams had Kiama equal second on points but they ended up third on for and against. Putting them against their friends from BA in a play-off for 3rd. Once again, the BA supporters created a wonderful atmosphere. This game was played on a full size pitch in an old stadium, this suited the Kiama team and they had a strong 3-1 win to collect 3rd place which was an incredible result.
It was a memorable week in Fiji for Harper. Some of the kids were playing with huge holes in their boots and without shin pads as they couldn’t afford them. Harper’s biggest memory was how happy the Fijians were, even though they didn’t appear to have much. He took several bags of donations over with him, while most of the equipment went to the football association some of his gear was given to local kids. “I will never forget the huge smile on their faces when they realised they were receiving boots or a ball from us”.
Harper’s summer of football continues with more trips to Kiama for training for the National Futsal Championships in January.
Robert Scott receives Life Membership for services to Southern Branch
At the recent Annual General Meeting of Football NSW Southern Branch held in Goulburn Life
Membership was bestowed on Southern Tablelands Association long serving President Robert
Scott.
Robert was the 9th Person to receive the honour of Life Membership of Southern Branch and the
second from the STFA joining Lindsay Cosgrove.
Robert Scott has given nearly 20 years of serves to Southern Branch serving as delegate from
the STFA and had a stint of 5 years as Branch President and before that 6 years as Vice President.
The Bulls are excited to announce that our Grassroots Memberships are now available for 2022 Southern Tablelands participants. Registered participants from Southern Tablelands who are 12 years or under this season, can register to receive a FREE full season Membership.
With Macarthur Football Association participants, already eagerly taking up the Grassroots Membership offer, the Bulls are excited to see so many Grassroots participants at Campbelltown Stadium this upcoming season.
Southern Tablelands Football Manager, Craig Norris, was excited to be a part of Macarthur FC for the upcoming A-League season once again.
“Our local players have enjoyed being a part of the half time games over the past seasons. This is an exciting initiative from the Bulls to further engage with our junior players and allow a greater connection between grassroots football and the A-League. We hope to see plenty of Southern Tablelands kids take up the offer.”
If you are a 2022 Southern Tablelands participant who is 12 years or under, register your interest here bit.ly/3JuiJzc and the Bulls team will be in touch with you on how to redeem.
Ollie nets a superb goal
MBK Oliver Carr hit the target last weekend in a amazing game of u/11 football at Gunning
The young forward managed to evade the Stags defense and slot the ball home for a well taken shot, Oliver punch the sky and was running back to halfway celebrating “I scored a goal” and cheers rang out across the crowd
Ollie has been playing football for the past 2 years and loves being out on the field kicking the ball with friends and of course scoring goals.
Moments before Ollie to a hit to the eye from a wayward ball but after a bit of recovery took to field again a photographers captured this great moment.
Stags were proud to be a part of the moment, Stags coach spoke to his players post match and commended them on their great sportsmanship and that it was exactly what football is about.
Ray Harvey Foundation boost for talented locals
Holly Doggett & Caolan Hazell are the proud recipients of the Goulburn Mulwaree Council Ray Harvey Foundation award at a ceremony at the Civic Centre on Tuesday, June 21.
Both Holly and Caolan received funding to assist with their cost associated with playing at an elite level.
Holly is with NPL side Gungahlin United and Caolon with NPL side Camden Tigers
Both players are travelling 2-3 nights a week to train plus weekends.
The STFA are very proud to see the players receive this award but also excited to follow their journey this season.
The Ray Harvey Sports Foundation is named after the late Ray Harvey who contributed to many sport and community activities throughout the Goulburn community.
The purpose of the foundation is to provide support to promising young sports people
It helps them financially with coaching fees and provides assistance with costs associated with competition experience outside Goulburn Mulwaree.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council is the trustee of the foundation.
https://www.goulburn.nsw.gov.au/Community/Ray-Harvey-Sports-Foundation
STFA girls take out Forbes Carnival
The Southern Tablelands Football Association [STFA] under 12 Girls soccer Rep Team has returned home from the Forbes Gala Day over the weekend as Champions after taking out the Under 12 Girls division.
The Girls played Parkes first up at 9-00 am and within the first two minutes had a goal in the back of the net when Shae Dumesic scored her first of 5 goals. The Team played some attacking soccer but Parks were able to shut the attack down but the STFA Team finally run out winners 1 nil.
Their second game was against Orange which was an even affair however the STFA girls ran out winners 2-1 with Shae Dumesic and Ava Nicholson netting a goal each. This was Oranges only defeat of the day before they lost to Griffith in the Semi Finals.
The strong Bathurst side was their next game however both Teams showed strong defence and a nil all draw was the result.
Their fourth game was against the very skilful Griffith Team who had won the Country Cup in Bathurst over the June long weekend. This was a tight game but the Southern Tablelands girls stood up to the Griffith Girls and forced a nil all draw.
This result placed the Team third and they again took on second placed Bathurst in the Semi Final.
This game saw the Tablelands Girls get the upper hand quickly and ran out winners 3 nil with Shae Dumesic 2 and Rihanna Butler scoring the goals.
This win gave the Tablelands Team a spot in the Grand Final against the winner of the other Semi Final Griffith. This win also gave the girls the concordance to take on Griffith and take them on they did.
The Final saw the Girls play their best soccer in their short stint at Rep soccer. This turned out to be a great game of soccer with end to end play and both Keepers were called on to protect their Goal. The action on the field kept the supports of both Teams on their feet but in the end it was the STFA girls who came out winners 1 nil with Shae Dumesic scoring her fifth goal of the day.
Team coach Lindsay Cosgrove said the Girls gave their all over 6, 30 minutes games and 3 hours of full on soccer played at a very high level.
He also said to show their dominance on the day after playing 6 games and three hours of soccer Tablelands girls scored 7 goals and had only one scored against them
STFA Girls 12s Country Cup
The Southern Tablelands Football Association [STFA] under 12 Girls soccer Rep Team has
returned home from Bathurst with mixed results after playing in the Football NSW State run
Country Cup.
They played their first game against Shoalhaven on Saturday. After two draws with
Shoalhaven in the resent Southern Branch Championships, were expecting to be
completive with them, but they came up against a new and very strong Shoalhaven team
and went down 4 nil. They were way below their best in this game.
Their second game of the day was Host Bathurst and the Team started well and looked to
dominate the Hosts but Bathurst beat our defence against the run of play in the 16 th minute
to score a great goal.
Five minutes later the Tablelands side received a penalty and a chance to level the scores.
But the ball rebounded off the Keeper and fell to the kicker, Ava who then put it into the
net and scored what the we all though had evened the score only to see the Referee rule
Avar incorrectly off-side. But to our credit we all accepted the Refs decision and got on with
the game. But following this the Team dropped their heads and midway in the second half
Bathurst scored another goal to put the game out of our reach. Later in the day when asked
by a member of our group about this he just said he thought he may have made a mistake,
fair enough.
Our third game of the day kicked off at 4-15 against Eurobodalla and to their credit the Girls
put the disappointment of the first two games with a strong game by all 13 Players and a
three goal hall by Striker Shae Dumesic gave the Team a 3 nil win.
There is a bit more to this game than meets the eye.
Just before the start of the game and during the Team warn up I was approached be
Sophie Stephenson and Ruby Cunningham with a game plan. They wanted to give Tori our
Goal Keeper a run on the field, little did they know I was thinking the same and who might
go into goals. The Girls plan was for Sophie to go in goals in the first half and Ruby would
go in in the second half.
I though this is a great plan and said OK we will run with it, as I knew that although Sophie
and Ruby are not regulars in goals they would not let us down..
The whole plan worked a treat as the whole Team lifted and played well.
The game was played in freezing conditions and in low light till the Officials finally turned on
the lights.
Sunday morning saw the Team play their 4 th game of the Cup when they took on the strong
Orange Team who were first to score in the 10 th minute of the game.
This brought the STFA Girls to life and they ran out winners 4-1 with goals from Ava
Nicholson 2, Shae Dumesic 1 and Sophie Stephenson 1, scoring her first Rep goal.
Their last game was against the very strong Griffith Team who went through the Cup
Un- defeated and took out the Final against Shoalhaven.
The STFA Girls held Griffith out till the 20 th minute of the first half when a high shot into the
top of the net gave our keeper no chance. Griffith went ahead two nil five minutes into the
second half but the Tablelands gave the top Team of the Cup a fright when they scored
from a free kick 25 mitres out when Ava Nicholson put ball into the top of the net.
Team Coach Lindsay Cosgrove said this game was by far their best of the weekend. They
improved with every game as they played Teams who were strong and as a result made
the STFA Girls to work hard in all their games.
Ava Nicholson selected for Catholic State Championships
The Southern Tablelands Football Association under 12 Rep Girls soccer Teams Captain and Crookwell’s St Marys Catholic Student Ava Nicholson has been named in the Mackillop Team to represent the Catholic Schools of Parramatta, Wollongong, Canberra Goulburn and Wagga Wagga in the Primary Schools State Championships to be played in Bathurst in August.
Selection’s for the Team were held at the Cookbundoon Soccer fields last Friday when Teams from Parramatta, Wollongong, Canberra Goulburn and Wagga Wagga played four games each.
St Joseph Primary Student Elsie Lang also tried out however even she played well in all her game was unsuccessful in gaining selection.
Ava and Charlotte Holland from Canberra are the first girls from this area to be selected.
In all her games Ava Nicholson stood out even against the strong Sydney based Parramatta and Wollongong Girls sides and according to her Under 12 Rep Coach Lindsay Cosgrove Ava’s selection was well deserved and added to her winning the Rat Tweedie Medal for the best Player at the Under 12 Branch Championships played in Goulburn.