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Abbey Meakins: Loving The Creativity And Culture At Perth SC

In the latest of our series of WA On Wednesday interviews, Perth SC’s attacking midfielder Abbey Meakins, who is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the Western Australian NPL, spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at Perth SC and her club’s positive start to this season (8/6/22).

Above: Abbey Meakins (left) gets in a challenge for Perth SC at Balcatta Etna this season. Photo: Rob Lizzi.

Abbey Meakins is a hugely talented footballer, who describes herself as “a creative and attacking midfielder, who is looking to bring everyone into the game.” However, like many others in Western Australia, it was Aussie Rules rather than the round ball game that she turned to first.

“I started playing Auskick (junior version of the sport) when I was around the age of six until I was 10, then my parents made me switch to soccer as I was too small to keep playing with the boys!” Abbey smiled.

Her favourite sports stars growing up were therefore initially AFL players. “I never really watched much football growing up, but I did watch a lot of AFL. Fremantle Dockers players such as Matthew Pavlich and Nat Fyfe were my sporting idols when I was younger.

**Above:** Abbey Meakins celebrates a goal this season. **Photo:** Rob Lizzi.

Once Meakins begun playing football, she did not look back, as she explained. “I played at my local club at Wembley Downs for a few seasons with my school friends whilst playing in various Western Australian (WA) state teams. I then joined Perth SC to play boys premier league in U13’s under Bruno Marrochi where we went undefeated that season, playing alongside many current Perth Glory players.

“For the next six or so seasons I played for the 15’s and 19’s NTC teams, representing WA at many NTC challenges and then joined the Perth Glory Women’s squad in 2016 until 2019.”

Meakins’ time at the Glory coincided with that of arguably the greatest footballer that Western Australia has ever produced. “To train and play alongside Sam Kerr, one of the best players in the world was such a good experience, and she is absolutely killing it over in England now.

“Once I reached the age limit for NTC, I joined Balcatta for a very short stint as I tore my ACL in the second night series game. I then joined Perth SC in 2020 for their inaugural season in the NPLW and am still at the club today.

“Since playing for Perth SC in juniors, I always wanted to come back and play for them once they had a NPLW team. The club is so supportive of the women’s game and we have a great home ground to play at. Most importantly, our team has such a good culture and I love playing with every single one of the girls.”

**Above:** Abbey Meakins warming up with Perth Glory in her time with the then W-League club. **Photo:** WikiCommons.

Meakins mentioned earlier her ACL injury. It was a tough period both on and off the pitch.

“It definitely was my biggest challenge as a footballer. I had just finished the 2018/19 season with Perth Glory and felt I was at peak fitness and form. Unfortunately, I was tackled in the second night series game and I would spend the next 15 months rehabbing to get back to playing.

“The process was long, and could be quite lonely at times, however I took it as an opportunity to step away from the game and spend more time with my family and friends. With NTC and Glory taking up the majority of my time the previous seven or eight years, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, giving me a mental break to focus on my university studies and taking trips overseas with friends. It did give me a different perspective on life, making me more resilient and that football isn’t everything as an injury can turn your career in a second.”

Last season saw Perth SC get into the final of the season-ending Top Four Cup, which Meakins reflects was an excellent achievement amidst difficult circumstances for the Dorrien Gardens-based club.

“Last season was very inconsistent compared to our first year in NPLW. However, we had a lot of injuries throughout the year, and barely 11 players available most weeks, so we did well to make it to the final.

**Above:** Abbey Meakins gets a shot in for Perth SC at home to Curtin University this season. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

“Last season we played really direct, and didn’t utilise our midfield enough, so that has been a big focal point for us this year. We have looked to keep the ball for longer periods, utilise our midfield and create attacking plays that way, rather than going direct and long.”

At the present time, Perth SC are battling it out with Fremantle City for second place in the ladder, and have taken plaudits for their defensive set up and quality attacking play.

“I think we have had a really good start to the year,” admitted Meakins, “We have completely changed the way we play with Peter Rakic coming in as our new coach, and have had a massive change of personnel. We are improving each week, and are looking to get a few players back over the next few weeks which is exciting.

“Personally, I think I have had a good start to the year. I feel like I am able to get on the ball a lot more this year than previous seasons, and am looking to score more, however, there are still lots of improvement to go.”

This season’s NPLW in Western Australia sees Perth RedStar top of the table by 10 points having won every game so far. The Azzurri midfielder assessed the leaders’ qualities but also sees hope for her own team when they come up against RedStar.

**Above:** Abbey Meakins celebrates with teammates against Curtin University this season at Dorrien Gardens. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

“We know Perth RedStar are very clinical in front of goal and quick to get in behind defences. We have only conceded a few goals this season, so we need to continue to be switched on defensively and stop their attacks before they get in behind.

“Going forward, we need to continue to play the way we want to play, which I think will allow us to have success against any team in the league.”

Whilst there are a lot of roster changes across the eight clubs this season, Meakins believes that the competition is now able to offer young players a competitive baptism into the game.

“There are a lot of great young players coming up through NTC, teams like Murdoch and in the reserves teams, who are now gaining experience in the top league, when they may not have, had they still had all of their previous players. The competition is starting to even out, where any week you can be facing a team that is capable of winning.”

With previous experience at Perth Glory, Meakins isn’t totally ruling out a potential return to a purple shirt, but the time needs to be right for her off the pitch too, as she explained.

**Above:** Looking ahead to the future, Abbey Meakins is more than happy playing her football in the NPL WA. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

“I was asked to come back to Glory training the season after I recovered from my ACL injury. I was just finishing my undergraduate university degree and wasn’t sure where I would be working or if I would be starting my masters degree, therefore I had to say no as my career outside of football had to take top priority.

“At the moment, I am happy playing in the NPLW and focusing on my career outside of football, currently studying a masters degree with a new full time graduate job. In the future things may change and looking for a new ALW contract may be on the cards.”

NPL Victoria Women Round 10 Wrap

Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (8/6/22).

Above: South Melbourne (blue) battle it out with Alamein at the weekend. Photo: CCP/Alamein FC.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

South Melbourne 1-0 Alamein

After a slow start to the NPLW season, South Melbourne look to be truly back to winning ways. Following last week’s 9-0 defeat of Bayside United, they faced an Alamein team that competed well against league leaders Heidelberg United in Round Nine.

On paper, this was a match-up between two evenly matched sides, and that is what played out on the field at Lakeside Stadium on a freezing cold Saturday night.

South Melbourne began on the front foot. Their attacking strength has been on the flanks in recent weeks with Janna Lawson becoming the dominant winger of the competition.

Alamein defended high. It looked risky, but they dropped behind the ball quickly and trusted goalkeeper Teresa Morrisey’s pace to come off her line and mop up any long balls.

**Above:** Alamein goalkeeper Teresa Morrisey makes a great save at Lakeside Oval. **Photo:** CCP/Alamein FC.

Nia Stamatopoulos almost scored the opener for Alamein. Her corner kick curled in from the right and was on target. Only the slightest touch would have sent it into the goal, but Jenna Farrow was well-positioned to hold onto the dangerous-looking ball.

Alamein created plenty of shots from the edge of the area. They were good chances, but South Melbourne’s defenders lead by Claudia Mihocic and Holly Murray were well-positioned to block. Most shots did not make it through to the goalkeeper.

It was a battle of discipline and nerve for the entirely of a scoreless first half. Lawson and Kat Goff were lively for South Melbourne. Ashleigh Lefevre looked like the most likely avenue to goal on Alamein’s left-wing.

Lawson had the best clear chance of the first half for the home side. She latched onto a long pass and found space behind the Alamein defence. Her shot was on target but Morrisey was equal to it once again.

Kiara Bercelli looked certain to score for the visitors. She wiggled free of South Melbourne’s defence, but her shot flashed wide with the goal and Farrow at her mercy.

The arm-wrestle continued for the second half. But this was an enthralling encounter. The untroubled scoreboard was not due to any lack of quality. Both teams were defending as well as they were attacking. Any error or stroke of luck could have decided this at any point.

**Above:** South Melbourne get a shot away against Alamein. **Photo:** CCP/Alamein FC.

Alamein had the better of the second-half chances. Sidney Allen hit the crossbar after the was unmarked in the penalty box. Soon after she burst clear of Murray and found herself goal side with only Lawson to beat.

In one of the more spectacular moments of defending, Claudia Mihocic turned on the afterburners and caught up. She executed a perfectly timed sliding tackle and South Melbourne survived again.

Janna Lawson responded for the home team. She exploded into space on the right and dissected the Alamein defence with a pass into the path of Kat Goff. Her first touch took her wider than she might have hoped. She kept possession but Morrisey held her up and then scrambled back to goal. The danger was averted.

The match opened up in the final 20 minutes. Caitlin Pickett got on the end of a terrific team move and raced clear in on goal. She opened up the angle and shot, but Morrisey miraculously stopped the ball and held onto it. Pickett was left wondering how.

Morrisey had played a terrific game but was forced from the field late after claiming a cross at her own risk. Evelyn Goldsmith entered the field for her in the final minutes.

When the goal did eventually arrive, it was well worth the wait. Impressively, neither side panicked or changed to long balls to win the game or to release defensive pressure. A moment of quality decided a high-quality match.

**Above:** Alamein on the ball at South Melbourne. **Photo:** CCP/Alamein FC.

Goff embarked on another strong run down the right and cut inside. She was held up by the Alamein defenders but got the ball to Francesco Iermano. Janna Lawson arrived on the right side and the ball was shifted to her. Everything seemed to slow down for a moment as Lawson picked her spot.

The shot curled and dipped and nestled into the far corner of the net. It was an injury time winner for South Melbourne and the game that had been on a knife-edge all evening was decided.

The win takes South Melbourne to sixth on the ladder, but just two points outside of the top four. Alamein trail fourth-placed Box Hill United on goal difference.

Teams: SOUTH MELBOURNE: Farrow, Papastanis, Murray, Mihocic, Taranto, Lawson, Iermano, Hronopoulos, Goff (Stringfellow) Sandhu, Pickett.

Scorer: Lawson 90+1′.

ALAMEIN: Morrissey (Goldsmith), Hull, Heysen, Renehan, Leferve, Ayton (Michael), Storay, Vatcky, Stamatopoulos, Bercelli (Nikpour), Allen.

ROUND 10 WRAP:

**Above:** Calder United (green) and Bulleen Lions compete for possession at the weekend. **Photo:** Jack Dilks/171819

In other games, there was movement at the top of the table. Heidelberg United have been leapfrogged, with Calder United taking top spot after beating Bulleen Lions FC 1-0. Julia Sardo’s 19th-minute goal was enough to decide the clash of the NPLW titans.

Box Hill United sit in fourth spot after a 1-0 win over Bayside United. Sofia Sakalis struck in the fifth minute to secure the points for the visitors and continue her strong form this season.

**Above:** Jack Dilks captures a sensational shot from Calder United against Bulleen Lions. **Photo:** Jack Dilks/171819.

In what might be the shock result of the week, FV Emerging defeated Heidelberg United in a 3-2 goal-fest. Heidelberg took an expected lead through Danielle Wise and Tijan Mckenna to go into half-time 2-0 up. Rose Curtis pulled one back for FV Emerging before Candice Kilderry levelled the scores in the 67th minute. A draw would have been surprising enough, but Kilderry had more in mind and a 93rd-minute winner meant that Senior NTC had their third victory for the season.

Chelsea To Take On World’s Best & Announce Big New Signing

It’s been a busy day of announcements from the FAWSL champions. We hear from Blues boss Emma Hayes on her team’s summer showdowns with top European and North American sides plus the arrival of Ève Perisset (8/6/22).

Above: Ève Perisset signs on the dotted line after joining Chelsea from Paris St. Germain today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Chelsea FC Women.

Emma Hayes’ squad will take part in this summer’s Women’s International Champions Cup (WICC) in Portland, USA.

Following the Blues triumphant end to the season winning both the Barclays FA Women’s Super League for the third consecutive year and the Vitality Women’s FA Cup for the second year in a row, the squad will head to Portland, Oregon to face three champions from around the world with the aim to be named the world’s best club team.

**Above:** Portland Thorns – who will host the tournament. **Photo:** Soobum Im/Getty Images.

The tournament, organised by Relevant Sports Group will take place between August 17-20 at Providence Park in Portland, home of the Portland Thorns. The tournament will consist of four matches played as two doubleheaders. Chelsea Women will take on Champions League and D1 Féminine winners, Olympique Lyonnais in the opening European round with the NWSL Shield and Challenge Cup winners, Portland Thorns up against the Torneo Grita México Apertura 2021 winners, C.F. Monterrey in an all-North American battle.

This will set up a European vs. North American final on August 20th, as the winners of the first doubleheader meet, while the clubs that lose in the first doubleheader will play in the third-place match on the same day. Portland will be looking to defend their WICC title, after previously defeating defending champions Lyon in a thrilling 1-0 victory.

**Above:** Olympique Lyonnais, who Chelsea will face in Portland. **Photo:** Jean-Pierre Thiesset for *Impetus.*

The WICC matches will be televised live in both English and Spanish on the ESPN networks and will be broadcast globally in over 140 territories. Tickets will go on sale on June 21^st on the ICC website with updates available via @ICCWomen and Instagram and Twitter.

Emma Hayes commented on the news: “We are really excited to take part in the WICC and relish this unique opportunity for the chance to be crowned the world’s best club team following an unforgettable season and a fantastic summer of football. We can’t wait to see our Blues supporters cheering us on in Portland.

RSG CEO Daniel Sillman was equally excited about the announcement, saying: “Each year the WICC competition grows as the world’s top players circle their calendars for the chance to be crowned the best club in the world. We are honored to be hosting the stars of the game on the biggest stage and we hope to inspire the next generation of girls and boys to compete in the world’s game.

**Above:** Rayadas celebrate their 2021 success. **Photo:** C.F. Monterrey.

Earlier in the day, Chelsea announced the signing of French international Ève Perisset on a three-year deal.

Perisset will join from French D1 Arkema side Bordeaux on 1^st July, the 27-year-old has signed with the Blues until summer 2025 and will wear shirt number 15.

The versatile defender started her professional career at Olympique Lyonnais in 2012 where she stayed until the end of the 2015/16 season before making the move to Paris St. Germain in 2016. While at Lyon, she won the league and the Coupe de France Feminine four times while also lifting the latter at PSG for the fifth time. Perisset signed for Bordeaux in June 2020 where she has played both full-back positions and in midfield with 45 appearances for the Girondins and over 125 D1 appearances across her career.

On the international stage, Perisset brings a wealth of experience to Kingsmeadow with 34 caps to her name since her senior debut against Brazil in 2016, most significantly representing Les Bleues in the UEFA European Championship in 2017 and the FIFA World Cup in 2019. With her home nation, she has won the Tournoi de France and the She Believes Cup. The French national has been selected for this summer’s Euros and is currently training with the squad in France.

**Above:** Ève Perisset in action for France. **Photo:** FFF.

The experienced international also has significant European experience, having played in the last nine UEFA Champions League tournaments representing Bordeaux, Paris Saint-Germain, and Lyon where she went on to take the winners medal in the 2015/16 season.

Upon signing Perisset said: “It’s a fantastic honour to join Chelsea and to be the first French female player to become a Blue. I am very thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me.

“The time was right for me to make this big move to London and join the Super League and I cannot wait to meet the team and the fans later this summer at Kingsmeadow and at the famous Stamford Bridge!”

Commenting on Perisset’s move to the Blues, Emma Hayes said: “Eve brings a wealth of experience and is a versatile player who is able to play in both full-back positions and midfield.

“A tenacious defender, with her mentality and professionalism we have no doubt she will complement the group well. We really look forward to welcoming Eve to the team later this summer as we head into the new season.”

The Swedish Scene

Ben Gilby rounds up all the action from a hugely important week of action in the Damallsvenskan and Elitettan action (7/6/22).

Above: Sensational action from Djurgården‘s game with IFK Kalmar in Round 12. Photo: DIF.

DAMALLSVENSKAN

The top two went head to head on Friday night with second-placed Linköping hosting leaders Rosengård in front of a bumper crowd of 2,609. It was a game full of action at the Linköping Arena.

Fresh from their Svenska Cupen Final success last week, Rosengård hit the front on the half-hour mark as Loretta Kullashi netted. However, the lead lasted just four minutes as Nellie Karlsson levelled for the hosts. Just before the break, the goal momentum shifted back to the defending champions as Kullashi grabbed hers and Rosengård’s second.

The key breakthrough came 20 minutes from time as Guðrún Arnardóttir headed home Jelena Čanković’s corner to put the visitors 3-1 ahead. Once more though, Linköping hit back almost immediately as Therese Simonsson gave the home side renewed hope. The pendulum swung back towards the visitors with 11 minutes remaining when Mimmi Larsson supplied the pass for Olivia Schough to re-establish her team’s two-goal lead. There was the potential for late drama when Linköping got back to 4-3 when the assistant referee ruled that the ball had just gone over the line off of Rosengård goalkeeper Teagan Micah, but the visitors had done enough to earn a vital win in the race to retain their title.

**Above:** Joy for Djurgården during their 4-0 win over IFK Kalmar. **Photo:** DIF.

The round got underway on Wednesday night with Djurgården gaining an important 4-0 win over IFK Kalmar as they continued their positive run of form in front of 431 happy fans at Stockholm Stadium. The game was ultimately decided with three goals in an 11-minute spell in the early stages of the action. With just eight minutes of the clock, Tilde Lindwall supplied the ball for Stinalisa Johansson to put the home side ahead. Within 120 seconds, Tove Almqvist played in Hayley Dowd to double Djurgården’s lead. On 19 minutes, Lindwall was involved again as she fed Almqvist to make it 3-0. Sara Vidlund found Luva Lundin to make it 4-0 in stoppage time at the end of the game.

**Above:** Mille Gejl Jensen, who played a key part in BK Häcken’s 5-1 win at IF Brommapojkarna, **Photo:** BK Häcken.

BK Häcken took advantage of Linköping‘s defeat to Rosengård to move back into second with a 5-1 win at IF Brommapojkarna in front of 142 fans. Three goals in a 24-minute spell ultimately settled matters. Anna Csiki found Mille Gejl Jensen to put the visitors ahead just after the quarter of an hour mark before Jensen turned supplier for Pauline Hammerlund to make it 2-0. Jensen was back on the scoresheet with 36 minutes played after being played in by Stine Larsen. There was another flurry of goals in the final 12 minutes which started with Diljá Ýr Zomers extending Häcken’s lead to four. Mathilda Splendor got one back near the end for the home side before Molly Johansson restored Häcken’s four-goal advantage in second-half stoppage time.

**Above:** Vittsjö (red) battle it out with Eskilstuna United on Sunday. **Photo:** @ahlerup.

Eskilstuna United and Vittsjö, two of the sides battling to make it into the top four faced off at Tunavallen on Sunday, with neither team being able to advance their cause for potential Champions League qualification after a 0-0 draw in front of 840 fans.

**Above:** Piteå show what it means to defeat rivals Umeå to win the Norrland derby. **Photo:** Piteå IF Dam.

Piteå came from 1-0 down to defeat Umeå IK 3-1 in the Norrland derby. It was a result which continues their fine recent form. Vilma Koivisto gave the visitors the lead on 12 minutes to the chagrin of the 721 home crowd. It was a lead that lasted for just under a quarter of an hour before Cecilia Edlund found Hanna Andersson to level. Katrina Guillo was next for the assist as she played in Anam Imo to give Piteå the lead. Imo completed the scoring with two minutes remaining as she converted a penalty.

Kristianstads are fourth after a 3-0 win at home to KIF Örebro in front of 549 fans. The hosts are finding goals easy to come by this season and in Tabby Tindell and Evelyn Viens, have two of the stars of this season’s Damallsvenskan. Michaela van den Bulk put Kristianstads ahead with 12 minutes played before Viens got in on the act on 51 minutes after being found by Mia Carlsson. Tindell maintained her position at the top of the league’s scoring charts with her ninth of the season to settle matters 12 minutes before time.

**Above:** Goalmouth action in Hammarby’s clash with AIK.

Hammarby moved up to seventh as they condemned rock bottom AIK to another defeat after seeing them off 2-0 at home in front of 2,634 fans. Australian international Courtney Nevin continued her run of scoring when she was found by Emilia Larsson with 36 minutes played. Nevin turned provider three minutes later for Emma Jansson to make it 2-0. Savage Hasund missed a penalty late on for the home side.

Round 13 Fixtures (Midweek): BK Häcken v Eskilstuna United, Djurgården v IF Brommapojkarna, IF Kalmar v Rosengård, KIF Örebro v Hammarby, Umeå IK v Linköping, Vittsjö v Kristianstads, AIK v Piteå.

**Above:** Presentation time for Vittsjö’s Katrina Gorry after her side’s 0-0 draw with Eskilstuna United. **Photo:** @ahlreup.

ELITETTAN

Going into the weekend, Alingsås FC United were the competition’s league leaders, but that came to an end after defeat at home to newly-promoted Gamla Upsala in front of 186 fans. Initially, there was no sign of that surprising outcome as Tove Lorén gave the hosts the lead with only two minutes played. Yet, Gamla replied just three minutes later as Thea Barkfeldt levelled. The winner was struck by Sanna Öhlund after 68 minutes.

**Above:** Celebrations for Gamla Upsala. **Photo:** Gamla Upsala SK.

That result meant that there is a log jam once more at the top of the Elitettan. The new leaders are IK Uppsala who, as expected ran out comfortable winners over bottom side Älvsjö AIK FF. Uppsala got a boost to their goal difference, which, at present is vital at the top of the table, with a 6-0 win success in front of 168 supporters. Two first-half goals from Wilma Thörnkvist and one from Rosa Ossoria set Uppsala on their way with Hanna Persson’s brace and Ella Gunnarsson’s strike at the death completing the rout.

**Above:** A battle for possession between IK Uppsala (black) and Älvsjö AIK FF. **Photo:** Peter Bohlin.

Växjö who ran out 3-2 winners against fellow promotion hopefuls Lidköpings FK in front of 271 fans at their Visma Arena home. Växjö’s prolific scorer Evelyn Ijeh put the hosts ahead with 17 minutes played. It remained that way until 10 minutes into the second period when there was a burst of two goals in as many minutes. First, Jenny Stadin levelled ahead of Ijeh grabbing hers and Växjö’s second. Ijeh completed her hat-trick with fifteen minutes to go. There was a tense finale as an own goal gave Lidköpings renewed hope, but Växjö got over the line and are second by just goal difference from IK Uppsala. Indeed there are just two points separating the top five.

Ifö Bromölla IF won a vital game at the bottom, 4-1 away to fellow newly-promoted side Rävåsens IK Karlskoga. There was drama in the opening period as Karlskoga’s Rebecka Mannström missed a penalty but then made amends seven minutes later by putting her team ahead. The second half was dominated by Bromölla who took the lead thanks to two strikes from Milla Larsson. Jindra van Reeden extended their lead to 3-1 before Vilma Hansson completed the scoring two minutes from time to the disappointment of the 108 fans. This result moves Bromölla out of the relegation zone

**Above:** Ifö Bromölla IF celebrate their vital win at Rävåsens IK Karlskoga. **Photo:** Ifö Bromölla IF.

Round 10: Team TG FF 2-1 Bergdalens IK, IK Uppsala 6-0 Älvsjö AIK FF, Jitex BK 3-1 Mallbackens IF Sunne, Växjö 3-2 Lidköpings FK, Rävåsens IK Karlskoga 1-4 Ifö Bromölla IF, IFK Norrköping 3-0 Sundsvalls, Alingsås FC United 1-2 Gamla Upsala SK.

Round 11 (Fixtures): Gamla Upsala v IK Uppsala, Sundsvalls v Alingsås FC United, Bergdalens IK v Mallbackens IF Sunne, Ifö Bromölla v Växjö, Älvsjö AIK FF v Jitex BK, Lidköpings FK v Rävåsens IK Karlskoga, Team TG FF v IFK Norrköping.

Irish National League Round-Up

Post To Post Sport‘s Ciarán Duffy provides us with his weekly round-up of the action in Ireland’s top domestic league as the competition reaches Round 13 (7/6/22).

Above: Emma Doherty en route to her winning goal for Sligo Rovers against Wexford Youths. Photo: James Fallon.

Coming up to the midseason break there was plenty of drama in the Women’s National League. Here’s how round 13 shaped up.

Galway Hold Champions At Tolka Park

Shelbourne remain top of the table despite Galway becoming only the second team to take points off them this season. They are also the first team to avoid defeat against Shels at Tolka Park.

The game had the look of being business as usual as the champions controlled the action. Shels took the lead early on when Saoirse Noonan got on the end of Chloe Mustaki’s ball. The league leaders went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half was more even with Galway coming into the game. Jenna Slattery scored an equalizer to remember as she chipped Amanda Budden to draw the game level. The two sides tried to find a winner, but it would end all square. Shelbourne 1-1 Galway.

Mahon & Doherty Heroics Seal Win For Sligo

**Above:** Emma Doherty and her Sligo Rovers teammates celebrate her stunning winner. **Photo:** James Fallon.

Emma Doherty will remember this visit of Wexford Youths for some time. She scored a super winner to give Sligo a famous victory against the cup holders.

It was a back-and-forth game early on with Wexford having the better chances through Orlaith Conlon and Ciara Rossiter. It was Sligo, however, who nearly went ahead towards the end of the opening 45, they had the best chance of the game when Lauren Boles shot just over.

Two sides attacked early in the second half, and just after the hour mark, the winning goal was scored when Emma Doherty sent a sensational shot past Maeve Williams. Amy Mahon was called into action in the Sligo goal late on to save a penalty of Youths captain Kylie Murphy. Sligo Rovers 1-0 Wexford Youths.

Ruthless Peamount Return To Winning Ways

Peamount had had a few weeks without a win in what must have been an unusual feeling for a squad used to challenging for silverware. The 2019 and 2020 champions had dropped to fifth in the league but would return to regular form in dominant fashion. Danny Murphy was taking charge of Cork City for the first time and had a difficult start to WNL life.

It was all Peamount throughout the game with first-half goals from Stephanie Roche, Áine O’Gorman, and two from Sadbh Doyle that had Peas well in control at the break. Peamount continued the pressure and O’Gorman, who has over 100 caps for Ireland, bagged two more to seal her hattrick. Super-sub Michelle Doonan made it seven late on. Peamount were comfortable in a difficult start for new Cork boss Murphy. Peamount United 7-0 Cork City.

Athlone Edge Past Bohs

**Above:** Róisin Molloy, scorer of Athlone Town’s second goal against Bohemians. **Photo:** Athlone Town.

Having seen their winning streak come to an end last week, Athlone Town returned to winning ways with victory in a tight affair against Bohemians.

Emily Corbet scored the opener in the 70^th minute having seen an early penalty go over the bar. Róisin Molloy was the provider, and it was her shot that found its way past Rachel Kelly to double the lead.

Bohs were still very much in the game, and late on Erica Burke turned the ball past Niamh Coombes who had just kept Burke’s penalty out. Athlone Town 2-1 Bohemians.

Waves Bounce Back In Limerick

**Above:** Carla McManus, back on the scoresheet for DLR Waves. **Photo supplied by:** DLR Waves.

DLR had had a rough patch of form recently, but they were the better team against struggling Treaty United. Avril Brierley broke the deadlock just before halftime with the assist coming from Rachel Doyle. Brierley got another in the 67^th minute when her volley found the net. Carla McManus had struggled with injury this season but got a well-deserved first goal of the campaign with just over 10 minutes to go. Another player returning from injury, Mia Dodd, made it four with a cool finish having come on as a substitute. Waves play a couple of days before the teams above them in the next round, so a win against Bohemians would see them go level on points with Peamount for at least a couple of days. Treaty United 0-4 DLR Waves.

Table

Pos	Team	PLD	W	D	L	GD +/-	Pts
1	Shelbourne	13	11	1	1	31	34
2	Wexford Youths	13	8	2	3	10	26
3	Athlone Town	13	8	1	4	13	25
4	Peamount United	13	7	2	4	22	23
5	Galway	13	6	4	3	5	22
6	DLR Waves	13	6	2	5	11	20
7	Sligo Rovers	13	5	1	7	-6	16
8	Bohemians	13	3	4	6	-5	13
9	Cork City	13	2	0	11	-40	6
10	Treaty United	13	0	1	12	-41	1

Upcoming Fixtures

Thursday June 9^th

DLR Waves vs Bohemians (19:45)

Sunday June 11^th

Galway vs Athlone Town (14:00)

Shelbourne vs Wexford Youths (14:00)

Sligo Rovers vs Peamount United (14:00)

Cork City vs Treaty United (17:00)

After the upcoming game round, there is a midseason break. The following round of fixtures begins on July 2nd. Remember to follow @PostToPostSport on Twitter and Instagram for coverage of football from the Republic of Ireland. This season we are raising money for Ireland’s National Autism Charity As I Am, you can view our fundraiser page and donate here

NPL WA Women’s Wrap Round 10

Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (6/6/22).

Above: Perth RedStar celebrate after scoring in the second half of their top two clash at Fremantle City. Photo: Fotoenzo.

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

Fremantle City 1-3 Perth RedStar

Perth RedStar extended their 100% success rate this season with victory at Hilton Park against Fremantle City in the battle of the top two – a result that puts them 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Whilst third-placed Perth SC have a game in hand, plus a pair of huge up-coming matches against both Fremantle and RedStar, it remains almost impossible to see anyone denying the league leaders before the Top Four Cup this season.

Both teams went into the match welcoming back key players after absence. For Freo, Tash Rigby, Perth Glory’s A-League Women captain returned, and for the league leaders, Shivani Battaglia was back in goal with another Perth Glory legend Kim Carroll also restored to the RedStar line-up.

Fremantle opened brightly, taking the game to their unbeaten opponents, with Rigby’s importance to the squad immediately apparent as she looked to dominate the play along the right. Throughout the opening half, the Freo number four was linking up expertly with Jamie-Lee Gale.

Whilst the home side had the best of the opening ten minutes, RedStar were gradually earning more possession and territory. Carlos Vega Mena’s side adopted a high press when Fremantle were in possession, with multiple players getting up quickly to force the home side back when on the ball.

The tactical battle continued with City’s Jessica Darmago popping up on both flanks to dangerous effect, but as the half wore on, it was RedStar who took charge.

With 19 minutes gone, the league leaders went ahead. Jacinta Coleman’s initial attempt at a ball through was cut out but rebounded to Sarah Carroll. Her accurate low pass found Larissa Walsh who hit a shot across Dayle Schroeder in the Fremantle goal for her 15th goal in nine NPL WA matches this season.

**Above:** Larissa Walsh (3) puts Perth RedStar ahead at Fremantle City. **Photo:** Fotoenzo.

Walsh had a chance to double RedStar’s lead just after the half-hour mark as she broke through but saw her shot graze the left-hand post.

Just before the break, there were half-chances for both sides. RedStar were awarded a free-kick 15 yards inside the opposition half. Kim Carroll lofted the ball in, Shawn Bilham had a shot blocked and a follow-up effort went well wide.

For Freo, Darmago won a corner along the right after more excellent wide attacking play. Mikayla Lyons initially hit it short before playing a cross into the mix which was cleared by Perth RedStar, who were good for their 1-0 lead at the break.

Fremantle created the first chance of the second period when Gale broke through the centre and fired in a powerful effort that Battaglia pushed away well for a corner which was eventually cleared.

Kat Jukic came on for the hosts and added a formidable presence, but for the opening quarter-hour of the second period, a lack of a telling final ball was hampering both sides.

Then, with an hour gone, Perth RedStar increased their advantage when Sarah Carroll’s cross in from the right could only be directed into her own net by Janice Kiama. It was unfortunate for the Freo player who put in a good shift all afternoon.

City looked to respond and Gale’s cross was just too high for the onrushing Matilda Boyle to get her head to. Gale was having an influential period and just three minutes later was well involved in her team hitting back.

The former Perth Glory player mounted a superb run along the left which started inside her own half, before cutting in and firing a superb effort which Battaglia did well to push away. The resulting corner was played short and back before a high cross came in from the right which Jukic headed goalwards, Battaglia parried, but Jukic pounced to slot home.

**Above:** Kat Jukic celebrates with Tash Rigby (4) after giving Fremantle City hope at 2-1. **Photo:** Fotoenzo.

With the deficit reduced to a single goal, Fremantle rallied briefly, but it was Perth RedStar who finished the strongest.

There were five minutes remaining when a great passing interchange from the visitors ended with Grace Monteiro hitting a great long-range effort that came back off of the bar. It was a warning sign, as shortly afterwards, from a Sarah Carroll corner on the right, Shawn Bilham turned on the edge of the box and curled a delightful finish into the net.

There were periods in this match where Fremantle City, who have only lost twice all season, both times to today’s visitors, forced Perth RedStar to think and adjust, but ultimately the clear league leaders had too much.

Teams: FREMANTLE CITY: Schroeder, Longmore, Rigby, Gale, Lyons, Waltman, Darmago, McCulloch, Boyle, Leek, Kiama. Substitutes: Smith, Jukic, Buxey, Nolan.

Scorers: Jukic 72′.

PERTH REDSTAR: Battaglia, S.Carroll, Walsh, Bennett, K.Carroll, Bilham, Wood, Dunn, Teixeira, Monteiro, Coleman. Substitutes: Doan, De Leo, Ridley, Leota, Diederichsen.

Scorers: Walsh 19′, Kiama (OG) 60′, Bilham 86′.

Referee: David Avison.

ROUND 10 WRAP:

**Above:** Perth SC celebrate earlier in the season – and there was more to be positive about on Friday night. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

Round 10 opened on Friday night with Perth SC returning to winning ways at Curtin University. The Azzurri were 3-0 winners, but the final scoreline does not reflect their dominance in a match which they had 10 shots on target to Curtin’s two and won 14 corners to the hosts’ one.

The visitors were confident in possession and played some excellent one-touch football. It lead to them taking the lead with 21 minutes on the clock as Abbey Meakins played in Jaime Duncanson who confidently rounded Curtin goalkeeper Stacey Cavill and dispatched the ball in the net.

Four minutes into the second half, Perth SC doubled their advantage in fine style when a corner from the right was volleyed brilliantly home by Zoee Spadano. Despite continuing to create numerous opportunities, with Cameron Barreiro and Duncanson particularly threatening, the visitors did not extend their lead until the closing stages.

**Above:** Curtin University in possession against Perth SC when the two teams met earlier this season. **Photo supplied to *Impetus* by:** Rob Lizzi.

Spadano fed the ball out from the right to Emma McMurdo who was central just outside the box, and turned to fire the third into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Curtin, on their third head coach of the season, remains winless. Perth SC next face a huge game at home to Fremantle City next Sunday in the battle for second place on the ladder.

**Above:** Georgia Cassidy dispatches the winning goal for Hyundai NTC from the penalty spot at Murdoch University Melville. **Photo:** NPL.

Also on Friday night, Hyundai NTC won their second consecutive game on the road with a 2-1 win at Murdoch University Melville. The game opened with a bang with two goals in the opening quarter of an hour.

The youngsters of the NTC had already recorded two corners when they took the lead after five minutes. Turning over possession just inside their own half, Tanika Lala showed great vision to play a ball forward into the path of Abbey Woolley who fired home calmly past Monique Todd in the MUM FC goal.

Murdoch University Melville levelled ten minutes later as the ball came in from the right, NTC failed to clear which allowed Poppie Hooks to take a touch and volley into the net.

Despite both teams having their chances, it was the NTC who took the three points with a goal eight minutes into the second half when Georgia Cassidy confidently dispatched a spot-kick into the bottom right corner of the net.

**Above:** Monique Prinsloo (centre) celebrates after putting Balcatta Etna ahead against Subiaco. **Photo:** NPL.

The round’s remaining game took place on Sunday afternoon with Balcatta Etna hosting Subiaco at Grindleford Reserve. Balcatta went ahead with just two minutes on the clock when Zara Board’s attempted clearance was gobbled up by Monique Godding who squared a pass to Emily Englebert on the edge of the box. This in turn was played on for Monique Prinsloo to fire home.

Balcatta sealed the points with their second goal which came 12 minutes into the second period. A corner on the right was played short and back initially before the high cross into the box was met with a lovely flick header from Elizabeth Doust. After stop start beginning to the campaign due to COVID postponements coupled with a tough set of fixtures in their early games that did go ahead, Balcatta are now putting together a good run of results in their pursuit of the top four.

**Above:** Balcatta Etna celebrate Elizabeth Doust’s superb flick header that sealed their 2-0 win over Subiaco. **Photo:** NPL.

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
Perth RedStar	9	9	0	0	44	5	27	+39
Fremantle City	9	5	2	2	24	13	17	+11
Perth SC	8	5	1	2	16	5	16	+11
Hyundai NTC	9	3	3	3	11	19	12	-8
Balcatta Etna	8	3	1	4	7	8	10	-1
Murdoch University Melville	8	2	2	4	7	10	8	-3
Subiaco	9	1	2	6	8	31	5	-23
Curtin University	8	0	1	7	8	34	1	-26

Round 11 Fixtures: Murdoch University Melville v Curtin University, Perth SC v Fremantle City, Balcatta Etna v Hyundai NTC, Subiaco v Perth RedStar.

Alice Curr: Building On Good Foundations With QPR & Surrey

Queen’s Park Rangers’ attacker Alice Curr was part of the Surrey team that played in the landmark game against Afghanistan Development last weekend. After the match, she spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at QPR, and why she loves representing Surrey (6/6/22).

Above: Alice Curr in action for Queen’s Park Rangers this season. Photo: Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Alice Curr has been playing football for almost as long as she can remember. “So I started playing whilst at school with a group of boys when I was around four or five years old,” she reveals. “I come from quite a sporty family and I have always loved PE and any sport.

“I continued to play football at school for the school team and then I joined a local team (Woking Cougars) when I was 10. I played there until I was 15 and then the team folded. So I moved across to Abbey Rangers. Within that first year, I was scouted for Fulham’s first team. I made my debut at 16 in the fifth tier of women’s football.

“I spent four years at Fulham and then spent a year at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Women’s National League before moving to Queen’s Park Rangers last August. Alongside this, I have played for St Mary’s University and The English Universities Squad.”

**Above:** Alice Curr raises her arm in recognition for QPR. **Photo:** Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Whilst Alice has had some memorable times in her career with representative honours, her footballing journey has also come with its challenges.

“I did have one tough season at Fulham where I was injured for a long time. But I’m really lucky to have a good network of people that push me every day to get me back on the pitch and keep spirits high.”

Alice’s first season at Queen’s Park Rangers in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One South-East was a success, as she highlights: “We’ve had a great season as a squad, and finishing fourth was a testament to a lot of hard work from everyone at the club.

“Personally I’ve had a good first season at the club and I have really been enjoying it. The hat trick against Bromley was a personal highlight. The final game of the season being played at Loftus Road (the QPR men’s team’s home stadium) was a great way to end the season and we put in a great performance for the fans that have supported us this year.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the FAWNL and I love that I have had the opportunity to fulfill that dream. Alongside that, I always just try to enjoy my football, that way I tend to play better.”

**Above:** Alice Curr in action for Surrey against Afghanistan Development last weekend. **Photo:** Ben Gilby.

Shortly after the season ended, Surrey announced their squad for their two post-campaign matches, with Alice being the sole FAWNL player called up. She explains the selection process.

“I heard about Surrey through social media. As a kid, representing Surrey was a big deal to me but I never had the opportunity. So to see this opportunity arise, I knew I had to get involved. Danny Clarke works really hard behind the scenes to advise on social media and then last summer they hosted trials.

As with any representative team selected within a lead-up time to the match in question, it can be a difficult process to get the squad to gel, but Alice saw the experience as overwhelmingly positive.

“The women’s football circuit is quite a small one so I have met and played with many of the girls before. However, there are occasions on the pitch where things don’t always sync up. I think as a squad we understood from the get go that would happen. We just worked hard and trusted that the opportunities would come.”

Whilst Surrey originally had two matches scheduled for June, in the end only one took place, but it was a momentous encounter with Afghanistan’s Development team. The Afghan squad had to go into hiding and were advised to burn all their football equipment when the Taliban took control of the country last year. In preparation for their emergency flee to the United Kingdom, they had to go into hiding and then had to run the gauntlet of a suicide bomb attack en route to Kabul Airport.

Alice was proud to play in the match and clear about its wider significance. “Obviously we knew that the match was more important than football. The fact that the Afghanistan team were here and able to play is amazing. They did themselves proud. I think before the game we prepared well and focused on our game plan going forward as a squad. I think that we played well and executed the game plan well. I was happy with my performance. I also thought their goalkeeper was outstanding.”

**Above:** Alice Curr celebrates with her QPR teammates. **Photo:** Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Whilst Surrey doesn’t have another game scheduled for a number of months, the QPR attacker is keen to pull on the yellow and blue of her county again soon.

“Surrey has provided me another opportunity to play and enjoy football over the summer months. It also allows me to represent my county whilst playing with old friends. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity.”

Alice then looked ahead to next season. The FAWNL Division One South-East looks to be as tough a league as ever with some very strong teams coming into the league in the form of Ashford Town (Middx) and Wymondham Town.

“I think the division has always been a tough league and it’s always been hard to predict who will finish near the top,” Alice admitted.

“But at QPR we will continue to work hard as a squad and play our football. I know that this will put us in a good place going into next year. I personally want to build on the good foundations built last year and continue learning and growing.”

**Above:** Alice Curr (second row, second from right) pictured with her QPR team-mates at Loftus Road where they played Norwich City in their final FAWNL Division One South-East match of the season. **Photo:** Ian Randall via Alice Curr.

Scotland’s Top League Structure Changes For 2022/23

4/6/22

Above: Inverness Caledonian Thistle, one of the clubs in the SWF Championship for next season. Photo: P&J Sport.

Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) has unveiled the structure of its top leagues for the 2022/23 season.

With the highest two leagues in the country, the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) One and Two being administered by the Scottish Professional Football League from next season, SWF’s top tier will become the Championship, a competitive national league made up of eight teams, the membership of which is determined by specific criteria, such as commitments to youth pathways and player wellbeing. Under that, a national League One will be made up of 14 teams.

There will be no relegation from the Championship after the first season, with two teams who have met minimum requirements promoted from League One to create a Championship League of ten criteria-compliant teams.

The new criteria will require clubs to provide sanitary products at games and work to support the well-being of players. A meeting of the new league structure will take place on the 4^th July.

**Above:** Aileen Campbell, Scottish Women Football CEO, **Photo:** Colin Poultney/Scottish Women’s Football.

Commenting, Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell said: “Women’s football in Scotland is growing and reaching every part of the country.

“Our new Championship will represent an exciting and competitive contest among eight teams from right across Scotland, culminating in a prestigious trophy in its own right. I’m delighted that participating clubs have shown a commitment to the wellbeing of their players – things like ensuring sanitary products are available at training facilities – and providing player pathways, to give girls opportunities to play at a grassroots level.

“League One will also be a fiercely competitive league, with the prize of two places in the Championship up for grabs. As professionalism grows at the top of the game we need to ensure a route is there for every woman in the country to have the opportunity to participate and reach the top, and I’m confident the new structure will showcase the best our clubs have to offer.”

**Above:** Grampian Ladies – members of the new SWF League One.

The new SWF Championship participating clubs: Ayr United, Dryburgh Athletic Women, Hutchison Vale WFC, Inverness Caledonian Thistle WFC, Livingston WFC, Morton FC Women, Rossvale FC Women and Renfrew Ladies FC

The new SWF League One participating clubs: Airdrie Ladies FC, Bishopton FC Ladies, BSC Glasgow Women, Buchan Ladies FC, Dundee City West WFC, Edinburgh Caledonia FC, Edinburgh City Women, Falkirk FC Women, Giffnock SC, Grampian Ladies FC, Gleniffer Thistle Ladies, St Mirren Women, Stenhousemuir Women FC, and Westdyke Ladies FC.

Nicole Christodoulou: ParaMatildas Star Puts Her Name Down In History

The ParaMatildas World Cup runner-up speaks to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about the challenges that she faced to adapt after two life-changing strokes, and how she overcame them to record some of the greatest achievements in Australian female Para Football (3/6/22).

Above: Nicole Christodoulou (2) in action for the ParaMatildas against Spain in the World Cup last month. Photo: Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.

“I had two strokes. Before that, I used to play a lot of football for my school and clubs as well as indoor soccer. When I had my stroke, the only thing going through my mind was ‘Would I play again?’
Nicole Christodoulou, ParaMatildas World Cup Silver Medallist.

ParaMatildas star Nicole Christodoulou’s path to a World Cup runners-up medal is incredible. Two strokes, needing to learn to use her limbs again, and then redevelop her footballing skills which saw her progress to the highest possible level of the sport.

“I had paralysis on the left side of my body and that left me asking questions that no one had the answers to. After my stroke, my limbs started functioning differently. I was born and raised able-bodied. I was strong, I was fast, and agile. To come back not having any of these, having to go back to the beginning and train myself to move my limbs, it was tough.”

**Above:** Name on the back of the national team shirt – Nicole living her dream at the World Cup. **Photo:** Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.

Her love of football never diminished and she was determined to get back into the sport again. “I looked up and found an all-abilities team and I played with them. I remember the first game I played four years ago. I’d run a few strides and my leg would get very heavy and I couldn’t run anymore. I wasn’t as agile and as co-ordinated as I used to be, and that was a very big challenge mentally for me as well as physically.”

Yet despite these significant challenges, Christodoulou wanted to aim high and go as far as she could as a Parafootballer, as she explained.

“I wondered if I would qualify to play in the Paralympics, so I looked up and found the Pararoos (men’s national team). I emailed their coach and he replied asking me if I wanted to attend one of the ‘Come and Try Days’ and I did. That was back in 2018. Now in 2022, I am a ParaMatilda.”

Her path to the national team started in her home state of New South Wales where Christodoulou recorded a landmark achievement.

“There is a New South Wales Paralympic football team, and I was the first female to be invited to train with the males, and ever since then, more females have started to get involved. In 2019, I participated in the National Championships where I represented the ACT (Australian Capital Territory). I even scored a goal!”

**Above:** Nicole sharing her joy with ParaMatildas teammate Tilda Mason. **Photo:** Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.

Fast forward to this year, and the announcement that Australia would have a ParaMatildas team at last. Nicole outlines how the whole process unfolded.

“So, I received an email saying that there was going to be a national selection camp for the ParaMatildas squad at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) in Canberra. We had three days there and on the Sunday, the last day, just before we left, the coaches took us out one-by-one and told us whether we were selected and I was the first one to be told that I was selected to go to the World Cup. “I was ecstatic! So ecstatic that I fell off my chair!”

The fortnight in Spain was one that will live in Christodoulou’s memory forever. The sheer pride in what she and her teammates achieved in Spain just leaps off the page.

“The fact that we are the first squad, the first ParaMatildas to represent our country in a World Cup, there are no words to describe how thankful I am that this is happening in my lifetime and that I got to be a part in it. I’ve always said that I want to leave something behind.

Now my name is going to be in the history books, and no one can take that away from me. To have scored a couple of goals in the World Cup – my name is going to be there forever. It’s a dream that many people have but not many get to live.
Nicole Christodoulou, ParaMatildas World Cup Silver Medallist.

“On and off the pitch, we worked hard to be the very best players that we can be. We went into the World Cup only having been a team for two months and only having had two camps together and we finished second in the whole world. If we had had more time together before, I think we would have dominated every single other nation in that tournament.”

**Above:** Nicole (2) in action against the USA at the World Cup. **Photo:** Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.

One of the main challenges of the tournament was the scheduling. The competition was effectively played over a week. Australia played five matches in seven days, which included a spell of three games in successive days. Such a program would be tough for an able-bodied player, but for athletes with physical and neurological disabilities, it was an immensely challenging time.

“It’s been physically and emotionally tough because we put a lot of pressure on our own shoulders to perform to the best that we could for our country. There was lots of training, recovery, and preparing to be the best we could be,” said Christodoulou.

“It was tricky playing on consecutive days, particularly when the weather was starting to get warm because as athletes you need time for your body to rest and recover. When you don’t have that, it exhausts you, physically especially. On top of that, we have physical disabilities, neurological difficulties in our limbs too. We fatigue pretty quickly compared to able-bodied players. Rest for us is just as important as training, so it was tough, but we got through it and came second.”

With the World Cup over, Nicole is not resting on her laurels. If anything she is stepping it up

“I’m training weekly now and I’m going to increase that to also attending a gym and going for runs to make sure I am physically fit for the next tournament. We don’t know when our next games are yet, but I’m preparing myself for when that comes.”

**Above:** Striding confidently into the future – ParaMatildas star Nicole Christodoulou. **Photo:** Marianna Galanopoulos/Football Australia.

Christodoulou has learned much from her challenges, and ended our conversation with an observation that everyone should take note of.

“What has inspired me is going from being paralysed to be back playing football. I’ve had many therapy sessions, one of them being neuro-psychologists, they have taught us lots of things that go on in our brains. They showed us a video of what happens in the brain when a new neural connection is made and that for me was a moment that made me realise that anything can happen. I might be paralysed, but I can form those new neural connections and that is what kept me going.

“The more we practice something, the better we get at something. When you see a new neural connection in the brain, two lines join up, and the more you practice that new skill, the bigger and stronger the connection gets, which means the better you get at your skill. That was a very big motivator for me.”

This is the latest in Impetus‘ series of interviews with the ParaMatildas. The others in the series can be viewed by clicking on these links:

Kelly Stirton, head coach pre-tournament: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/05/11/kelly-stirton-on-leading-the-paramatildas/

Katelyn Smith, goalkeeper: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/05/13/katelyn-smith-living-the-dream-at-the-world-cup/

Georgia Biekhoff, top scorer and Kelly Stirton pre-Final: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/05/17/paramatildas-head-coach-and-top-scorer-speak/

Tahlia Blanshard, ParaMatildas World Cup silver medallist: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/05/30/tahlia-blanshard-driven-by-the-dreams/

David Skipp Reviews Thetford Town’s Memorable Season

Thetford Town manager David Skipp speaks to Darrell Allen about the team’s first season in the tier seven Norfolk Women and Girls Football League (NWGFL) Division One (3/6/22).

Above: David Skipp (blue baseball cap) speaks to his Thetford Town squad this season. Photo: Richard Brown.

Thetford Town have had a fantastic first season in the tier seven Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One, finishing in fourth place.

Manager David Skipp outlined to me the clubs’ thoughts pre-season as they approached their maiden Division One adventure.

“Due to a restructure of the Norfolk Women and Girls Leagues, the team was placed into Division One for the first time. There was apprehension around the squad not knowing how they would gel going into the new season or if indeed we had the quality to compete at a higher level as we were entering into the unknown.

“The apprehension was short-lived as we embarked on a pre-season programme against higher league opposition which helped our preparations.”

Thetford Town got the season off to a flyer winning their opening three games which included a double over Long Stratton and success over North Walsham. David reflected on those opening encounters.

**Above:** Thetford Town boss David Skipp (in baseball cap) alongside assistant coach Stuart Terry on the touchline. **Photo:** Richard Brown.

“The season got off to a flyer with the ladies winning their first three games and going to the Christmas break unbeaten, returning after the festive break we had a few key players pick up injuries, and at one point the team had no recognised defenders.

“This said, the group plugged away to produce battling performances, but results didn’t go our way. Gaps between games due to weather postponements helped with the recuperation of some of the players and slowly one or two began to return for the run-in.”

The team started to put a little run together and fought hard to secure themselves fourth spot at the end of the campaign to the credit to the whole squad of which every player played a part.

David emphasised his pride in the staff he has brought in this season as well as the sponsors and people who have supported the club to ensure the season was a success.

“Off the pitch, the team were bolstered by Amber Browne coming into a coaching role and this helped the ladies gain structure to their play. With Amber on board, the team are in good hands moving forward.

“Darrell, you obviously also came in to bolster our media coverage including introducing us to Impetus, and what a fantastic difference this has made, the profile of the club has risen and has helped us when injuries hit.

**Above:** David Skipp is proud of his squad’s achievements in their first season in tier seven. **Photo:** Richard Brown.

We were able to dual sign players. I would like to thank King’s Lynn Town, Wroxham, and Norwich City for all their help. Not forgetting my assistant manager Stuart Terry who works tirelessly behind the scenes attracting sponsors raising the profile of the club in the community and the main role being my right-hand man.”

“Talking of sponsors, I would like to thank our kit sponsors Beez Leisure along with Silver Fern Ceremonies and Chilterns for their continued support along with the many tracksuit sponsors who individually sponsored a player. Your support goes a long way in helping the team run whilst giving our players an identity so thank you from all of us at Thetford.”

The biggest part of the football club is of course the players, and David acknowledged his debt to them.

“My biggest thank you goes to all the players that have pulled on the Thetford shirt and given 100% commitment. Without them, there is no team, and they should all be proud of what they have achieved as a squad.

“From the first training session to the last game, I cannot fault anyone one of them, and to finish fourth is a testament to how far they have come not only as a team but as individuals. The whole squad has been fantastic, we’ve had laughs, we’ve had squabbles, but we have always stuck together and that is what has made it an honour to coach them this season.

“As for next season watch this space! Who knows what we could achieve but our players have set a marker and the hard work begins again during preseason which begins on 20th June.

“My thoughts in September 2021 were ‘let’s stay in the league and build on that’, my thoughts at the end in May 2022 were ‘what a squad’ and to finish fourth is what is meant as teamwork.”