Newsletter T3/W9
A fantastic start to the Friendship Cup last weekend with a large number of young players turning up to demonstrate their football skills under the watchful eyes of families and friends. A truly feel good and relaxing environment for the players to express themselves and for families to connect and socialise. In general the games were pulsating, tightly contested and provided us with moments of brilliance and incredible emotions.
A big thank you to Gill & Maria (William’s parents) who volunteered to provide drinks, fruits and other treats to the kids free of charge. We look forward to the second round of the Friendship Cup tomorrow.
The Friendship Cup has also generated greater enthusiasm from young players to who want to develop their skills to join our year round training program to make the most of the development opportunities we offer. From training, competitions, tournaments and clinics, players are provided with a unique opportunity to develop themselves holistically under the same values, discipline and culture.
See you on the field
Cheers
Matildas Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the first time two Australians have made the star-studded shortlist for the prestigious individual award.
Sam Kerr makes the short-list for the fourth time, she has been nominated every year since the award was first introduced in 2019. The striker has finished in the top 10 in each year, and had podium finishes in 2021 and 2022 where she finished in third place, with Spain’s Alexia Putellas winning the award on both occasions.
Hayley Raso received her first nomination for the award, a breakout campaign at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she helped Australia to their best-ever finish at the competition with three goals and an assist.
The winger made the move in the off-season to Real Madrid, after spending two seasons in Manchester City where she claimed the Conti Cup title.
The winners will be announced in Paris at the annual award ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet on October 20.
