NTC Back in Action
Returning from nationals, the NTC program has resumed with games against Gippsland (2-2) and Monash (0-2) completed on Sunday July 20th and Wednesday July 23rd respectively.
According to Head Coach, Matt Shepherd, the Gippsland game should have been won, but due to some wasteful finishing and overzealous attacking, in the second half, the team conceded two goals. The girls had 5 clear chances to win the game, but these misses came back to haunt them.
In Wednesday night's game against Monash, defensive mistakes cost the team dearly.
"We are working on becoming more proficient at playing out from the back - a clear message from the technical leaders Robert Baan and Tom Sermanni, is that regardless of system of play, we need players at the top level who are comfortable playing out from the back and building", said Head Coach Matt Shepherd.
Rather than being a negative, however, the coaching staff are happy with the progress that the girls are making in learning their roles of just when and where to try to play out.
"At times, it is frustrating for everyone when you turn over the ball and it costs you a goal, and yes, some of the coaching staff have been seen leaving advanced hair studios recently...But in all seriousness, learning can sometimes be painful and there is good progress being made."
"If we can get all teams from U10-14 trying to teach their players to play out, we will have better prepared players coming into NTC. Unfortunately, results still are often given too much prominence in terms of success, but they don't necessarily measure the progress a coach is making with the players".
NTC's next match will be at Dendy park, where they take on Brighton, 11.15am, Sunday July 27th. Any coaches or players interested in seeing the NTC girls play are encouraged to come out and watch. The girls train on tuesdays, thursdays and fridays at 6.30pm, and coaches are welcome to attend and watch these sessions also.
NTC Records Second Straight Victory
The NTC girls recorded their second victory, moving to mid-table in the U13 competition.
Taking on Berwick, the girls were very competitive across the entire game and coach Matt Shepherd was impressed by the commitment showed by the team.
"Today, the girls took a big step forward in their development, showing that they can battle for results and that success comes from complete efforts in both defending and attacking roles. So far, the players have been learning a system and to their credit, implementing this well on many occasions.
"However, consistency can be a battle for younger players, as they learn the game and mistakes are made. The fact that they have learnt from these mistakes and are now reading situations more quickly shows that we are on the right track. I am very hopeful moving into nationals, another good learning opportunity for them."
Goals were scored after half-time, firstly from good lead-up play from Alex Gummer, resulting in a cut back from the left by Ursula Hughson that was finished by Caitlin Friend arriving at the penalty spot.
More pressure continued and saw Alex Gummer and Caitlin Friend again go close, after great lead-up play on both occasions. Finally, a great run by Stephanie Catley saw her beat two opponents on the left and float a cross in that beat the 'keeper at the far post.
Well done to all players. The next game to be held at DISC on Sunday see's a re-match of the opening game of the season with Bulleen and the girls will be looking to go one better than their 1-1 draw in the first round.
NTC Unlucky in Draw
The NTC Girls played their 4th season match against the Morwell Falcons U13 Boys Super-League team on Sunday.
The team went behind early after a poor pass left the back-line scrambling to clear the ball.
Fighting back, the girls had a great sequence of passes that went from one side of the field to the other and concluded with Ursula Hughson's maisy run across the box, and a left footed low drive to the corner.
Shortly before halftime, early substitute Morgan Anderson saw the 'keeper off his line and placed a high shot above his head from 30 yards, to take the score at half time to 2-1. Whilst continuing the pressure in the second half, an early mistake from a back pass gifted the opposing team a goal.
Despite pushing hard, the team was unable to find a deserved winner and had to settle for a share of the points.
Despite the disappointing result, the team showed continued improvement and coach Matt Shepherd was happy with the defensive shape the girls had.
The squads next game takes place at DISC against Brighton at 11.15am, Sunday the 25th May.
NTC Suffers First Loss - Round 3
The NTC girls suffered their first loss of the season to Monash City on the weekend, in a home game played at Darebin International Sports Centre.
Both sides had periods of dominance in the game, however, it was Monash that was able to capitalise after a flowing combination of passes leading to a cross from the right, and turned in at the near post, close to the end of the first half.
The NTC squad responded well, with several thoughtful attacks, but was unable to breach the Monash defenses to notch on the score board. Key performances came from Amelia McLean at the back, who led the team well and Cindy Lay in the midfield, with a fantastic work-rate.
The squad is looking forward to its first win and will hope to achieve this on the week-end when they travel to Morwell to take on the Falcons.
Late Equaliser Thwarts NTC First Win - Round 2
The NTC Girls played out a 2-2 draw at DISC on Sunday, against Sandringham U13 boys.
After a frenetic start to the game, the girls seized greater control and went ahead after some determined work around the box by Morgan Anderson.
Cutting inside the penalty area, she placed an accurate high shot over the goal-keeper to allow NTC a 1-0 lead before half-time.
The girls dominated the game in the second half with some stylish play, but saw their lead cancelled after a Sandringham player was played in close to goal.
Fighting back, and with numerous raids thwarted by desperate defending, a go-ahead goal came from Ursula Hughson after good lead up play from Allison Clarke. Please click here to view the stunning strike.
With seconds to go, a corner was converted to allow Sandringham a late equalizer, without time to reply. Well done to both sides on a spirited game, played fairly.
The NTC's next opponent is Monash City at Darebin this Sunday.
NTC Competitive in First Outing - Round 1
The Female NTC program commenced its competitive game schedule on Sunday with a 1-1 draw with Bulleen.
The squad went behind in the 15th minute and then equalized through a well driven free-kick from
Ellvana Curo, after Steph Catley was fouled outside the 18 yard box. Click here to the view the goal.
Both sides had good opportunities in what was an open game of football, with close goal-scoring chances right until the end of the game.
Head coach Matt Shepherd was pleased with his squad's start: "The girls made some quick adjustments to their game early on and then settled down to play some good football. This squad is here to learn and compete, and from that perspective, I am very happy with today's performance. If we can continue to do this, we will have a great season".
The girls next game will take place at DISC on Sunday against Sandringham City, with an 11.15am kick-off.
NTC Season Starts This Week!
The NTC Squad will open their season this weekend in the Under 13 Boys South Eastern Super League. After battling through a tough pre-season, the girls have been working very hard and are looking forward to getting the season underway this weekend.
In recent practice matches the girls have achieved some good results against an Under 13 Boys state squad and an open Victorian womens team, as well as against some other Under 18 female opposition.
In other exciting NTC news, Brianna Davey was called up recently to attend a training camp with the Australian Under 17 team where she has done extremely well from all reports.
NTC Do Battle Against SASI
The 2008 FFV Women’s NTC squad gathered for their first away trip over the weekend, with two matches against the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) squad.
Although coming away with losses in both games the trip can be considered a success as the girls gained invaluable knowledge in preparation, training and playing whilst traveling interstate. It was also a great learning curve for the girls on what standard is required to perform at an elite level.
The girls were defeated 0-3 in the first game, and then 0-4 in the second game, however, they did perform very well playing against girls who were on average two years older, which also included two current Matildas.
The two matches were played in front of Young Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic, who was impressed by the girls and has indicated that some will be invited to future national training camps.
The trip was well enjoyed by all of the girls and coaches, and it was a great opportunity for the coaches and girls to get to know each other and for the girls to bond together and gel for the season ahead.
Head Coach Matthew Shepherd was pleased with the outing as the girls now begin to focus and prepare on the upcoming season in the Under 13 Boys South Eastern Super League. In the coming weeks an emphasis will be placed on both on and off field education, including sports science and how the girls can achieve a higher performance with their work off the field as well as on the field.
NTC Squad Announced
The final National Training Centre squad has been announced for 2008.
The girls selected will now have access to a program designed to improve the physical and mental aspect of their games’, which will then act as a platform to help them work towards national and league selection.
The squad will be competing in this years’ Under 13 Boys South East Super League under the guidance of Head Coach Matthew Shepherd.
2008 NTC SQUAD:
1 - Briana Davey (Casey Comets WFC)
2 - Ingrid Phillippe (Knox City)
3 - Emma Runnals (Beaumaris JSC)
4 - Millie McLean (Ashburton WSC)
5 - Stephanie Hore (Ashburton WSC)
6 - Alison Clarke (Dandenong City)
7 - Siobhan Gray (Doncaster Rovers)
8 - Kate Leder (Casey Comets WFC)
9 - Stephanie Catley (Sandrigham WSC)
10 - Naomi Eaton (Churchill United SC)
11 - Ursula Hughson (Warnambool Wolves FC)
12 - Amy Scarlett (Eltham North WSC)
13 - Alex Gummer (Casey Comets WFC)
14 - Rachel Alonso (Bulleen Lions)
15 - Cindy Lay (Sunshine Georgies)
16 - Hanna Stuart (Beaumaris JSC)
17 - Elvana Curo (Preston Lions WSC)
18 - Morgan Anderson (Eastern Lions WSC)
19 - Charlie West (Peninsular JSC)
20 - Caitlin Friend (Brunswick Zebras JSC)
National Training Centre Provisional Squad Announced
The NTC program for 2008 is beginning to take shape.
With over 50 girls trialing 3 times a week at Football Federation Victoria Headquarters at Darebin International Sports Centre since January 30th, final squad selections are being completed this week. The final squad will be the outcome of an intensive evaluation period, with players being tested physically and technically, and within both small and full-sided games.
Including girls ranging from 13 to 18 years of age, the program aims to prepare a number of athletes for future national squads and the proposed women’s national league. This is a long term project looking to the future of women’s football in Australia and ensuring that there are opportunities out there to follow Football Federation Victoria’s and Football Federations Australia's development pathway.
Former NTC and national squad members older than the 13-18 age-range have been invited to train with the NTC squad, and will have a separate process developed for them surrounding the proposed Women's National Soccer League, expected to kick off in late 2008.
The current NTC squad will compete this year in the Under 13 Boys South East Super League under the guidance of the recently appointed Matthew Shepherd. The idea of having the girls training and playing regularly against boys has been a highly successful method previously used by the top international teams.
With the experienced Matthew Shepherd at the helm we are certain the best female talent will have a great opportunity to follow the pathway and push on for national and league selection.
24/01/2008 - NTC Head Coach Appointed
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