Nunawading City promote A-League stars

Nunawading City promote A-League stars

By Con Stamocostas

FourFourTwo January 25 2017 5:35PM

Victorian NPL 2 club Nunawading City has strengthened its senior squad with the addition of three former A-League stars ahead of the 2017 season.

Nunawading’s three new signings include Western Sydney Wanderer Jason Trifiro, ex-Melbourne City star James Brown and one-time Newcastle Jet Mitch Cooper who all played A-League last season.

Nunawading’s previous two campaigns in the NPL2 East saw them finish on the bottom of the table, winning only two games out of 52 with playing style and development the focus rather than results.

But now that NPL2 clubs face relegation to State League 1 should the team finish bottom of the table, the club has stregthened it’s squad and Cooper is hoping to inspire his new team to victory.

“There is nothing better than the feeling of knowing that you have won playing the way you want to play football,” the 22-year-old said. “I’m so hungry to play football at the moment. I want to come down and help my team win. I want to score goals at the same time.

“There is so much potential in the kids in this club they have such bright futures. Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City wanted to sign some of these kids but they are choosing to stay here. When they start winning, and playing football it’s an addictive feeling so I want to help them get that feeling back.”

After being realeased by City last season, Brown had short playing stints with Avondale and in South Africa.

He said the possibilities of undertaking a mentoring role drew him to the NPL club.

“I’m excited about playing with the squad of 2017,” said the 26-year-old. “I hope to help the younger players in the senior squad and I may even try my hand at coaching juniors. I would love to start something that would support and develop potential indigenous footballers.  This has been on my mind for quite a while and it is close to my heart. I know Nunawading City is keen to support this initiative.”

Trifiro said after consulting with one of Nunawading City coaches, Tim Dakis, he was keen to add some top-level experience to the fledgling NPL team.

“I liked what I heard about Nunawading City and their technical development and support of building upon young players,” said the 28-year-old. “I was also attracted to the opportunity to support the younger players in the team and I can definitely help players with my on-field leadership.”

While Nunawading’s new signings signify its intent to improve, the club is still focused on continuing their development program and maintaining culture.

“The philosophy will not change.” said a club spokesperson. “The new signings have the prerequisite traits to complement the Nunawading City philosophy in 2017. We are proud of providing senior opportunities for approximately 30 players aged 16 up to 20 to develop. Seventeen players have gone onto careers in other senior NPL clubs while our successful development program has also culminated in four players from 2016 squads offered positions at A-League clubs.

“Watch this space because we expect to see the continued emergence of many younger talented players into our senior ranks in 2017.”

Nunawading City star signing James Brown excited by challenge of lifting his new club up NPL2 East table

Nunawading City star signing James Brown excited by challenge of lifting his new club up NPL2 East table

JAMES Brown is confident his new club Nunawading City can shake its reputation as National Premier League easybeats and climb the NPL2 East table in 2017.

Nunawading has won just two of its 56 matches since being admitted to the NPL in 2015 and finished last season with a staggering goal difference of minus 92.

But Brown, who played 72 A-League matches during stints with Gold Coast United, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City, said his first impressions of the club had been positive.

“When I sat down with the staff at Nunawading, some of the stuff they had to say was really impressive about the type of football they want to play,” Brown said.

“I think the culture they are building there is something I want to be a part of.”

The 26-year-old’s signing is a significant coup for Nunawading City ahead of the first season NPL2 clubs will face the threat of relegation back to State League 1.

“I want to help the young boys get to the next level,” Brown said.

“There’s plenty of talent getting around, I want to bring the experience I have built over the last few years playing and help the boys take their game to the next level.”

Brown is no stranger to the NPL and played five matches for top-flight club Avondale FC last year.

“From the signings that we have brought in so far, we have been ambitious,” he said.

“Hopefully the results will follow because from what I have seen at training there’s a few good players there and I think we should surprise a few people this season.”

Brown is not the only former A-League player who has been linked with a move to Mahoneys Reserve.

Speculation has been rife ex-Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City midfielder Jason Trifiro with also ink a deal with the club.

The 28-year-old featured in 10 games for NPL New South Wales club Blacktown Spartans last year, scoring one goal.

Nunawading has lost exciting striker Emile Damey, who moved to Manchester 62 in Gibraltar before being sent on loan to Kuwaiti club Burgan SC.

Expressions of interest are invited for Nunawading City Skills Acquisition Program in 2016

Expressions of interest are invited for Nunawading City Skills Acquisition Program in 2016

Nunawading City FC is officially accredited and licenced to host Under 10 and Under 11 boys program in 2016.  This is for boys born in 2005 and 2006.

Only clubs or FFV run centres that meet the strict criteria are offered the opportunity to deliver the official Skill Acquisition Program (SAP) overseen by the FFV Technical Department.

SAP was developed to provide the best player learning environment, preparing them for the technical and tactical challenges of advanced levels of football.

To register your interest please email contact@nunawadingcityfc.com.au with details as follows:

  • Player Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Current club
  • Guardian Name
  • Email Contact and Phone Contact

 

Trial Dates:

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Venue : LOWER SIDE – TRAINING FIELDS NCFC – Ashcroft Grove, Forest Hill

U10’s – 5.30pm till 6.30pm

U11’s – 6.30 pm till 7.30pm

Please be there  30 min earlier to register your attendance.

Saturday 2nd April 2016

Venue : NCFC main field  – Mahoneys road, Forest Hill

U10’s – 10 am till 11.15 am

U11’s – 11.15 am till 12.30pm

Please be there  30 min earlier to register your attendance.

Tuesday 5 April 2016

Venue : LOWER SIDE – TRAINING FIELDS NCFC – Ashcroft Grove, Forest Hill

U10’s – 5.30pm till 6.30pm

U11’s – 6.30 pm till 7.30pm

Please be there  30 min earlier to register your attendance.

***FURTHER TRIAL***

Friday 8 April 2016

Venue : Bob Saker Oval ( opposite main ground ), Mahoneys Reserve,  Mahoney road , Forest Hill 

U10’s and U11s – 6.00pm till 7.00pm

Please be there  30 min earlier to register your attendance.

Trial and Program Information:

  • 3 trial sessions are available, tialists must attend at least two sessions .
  • NCFC SAP will select squads of 12 players per age group.
  • Goal keepers are encouraged to trial & will be assessed & developed as outfield players developing the four core skills to enhance them as players in their position.
  • The program will run for the season, commencing the week of 11 Apr 2016, spaning over 3 x 6-week cycles & three Gala Days.
  • Cost of the program is $360.00 for the season which includes all sessions & full playing kit of shirt, shorts & socks.
  • All players wishing to trial must email their Expression on Interest to contact@nunawadingcityfc.com.au and attend trials.