NAIDOC Cup: NSW and Northern NSW Football players to watch ahead of Lake Macquarie fixtures
The NAIDOC Cup is back for its third year and plenty of up and coming First Nations talent is set to feature at Lake Macquarie. Check out all the team’s ahead of kick-off on July 10.
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Football NSW and Northern NSW Football are set to hold their third annual NAIDOC Cup event.
The Cup gives young First Nations footballers the opportunity to celebrate their history and culture throughout the three day event, to be hosted this year in Lake Macquarie.
NSW U14 Girls
Khloe Houghton
South East Phoenix FC
Khloe is a pocket rocket back for her second year at the Cup. She is a versatile winger, happy to play on either side and super quick. She currently plays for South East Phoenix FC in FNSW Youth League Two along with her twin sister Maddison.
Maddison Houghton
South East Phoenix FC
Maddie is a midfielder who likes to control play and feed the ball. She is used to playing with her sister Khloe and working with her in FNSW Youth League Two for the Phoenix.
Amelia Farag
Blacktown Spartans FC
Amelia is a defender but also a very versatile player. She’s happy to jump up front to score some goals if needed. Amelia currently plays in Youth League Two for the Blacktown Spartans, mostly in the U14 age group but occasionally U15.
Hannah Farag
Blacktown Spartans FC
Hannah mostly plays in defence but can move into the midfield if needed. At last year’s Cup, Hannah played either left or right back. She currently plays alongside her sister in Youth League Two, both in the U14 and U13 age divisions.
Jessica Avery
AC United FC
Jess is a defender, but was put in as a goalkeeper last year due to the lack of a set goalie. Though she performed really well in her back up position, she’ll be hoping to play more on the backline this year
Cydnee Avery
Sydney United FC
Cydnee has joined her sister as part of the U14 side and if she takes after her sibling, she’s set to be a fiery player with plenty of energy.
Tikka Jeffery
Central Coast Mariners FC
Tikka was a stand out at last year’s competition and was awarded Player of the Tournament for her age group. She’s a cool, calm and collected midfielder and knows what to do to control the game. She currently plays up an age group in U15 and U16 in Youth League Two for the Mariners.
Matilda Morris
Nepean FC
Matilda is a strong goalkeeper who will be splitting duties with Taylor this year. It’s her first year in the competition and she currently plays for Nepean FC’s U13 GSAP team.
Sydney Nolan
Blacktown Workers FC
Another new face, coaches are excited to see what Sydney can bring to the team this year. She currently plays for Blacktown Workers in their U14 BDSFA team.
Indie Aldridge
Culburra FC
A bright and bubbly character, Indie will bring plenty of energy to the side.
Taylor Wilmot
Manly United FC
One of the top goalkeepers of her age, Taylor has only let through 10 goals in 17 games in the U14 Youth League One with Manly. After not having a dedicated keeper last year, Taylor’s presence will have a huge impact.
Tyrah Pearson
Macarthur Rams FC
Tyrah is a skilled young player currently playing for Macarthur Rams both in the U14 and U15 age groups.
Isabella Langridge
Central Coast Mariners FC
Isabella is one of the younger players in the team, currently playing for the Mariners in the U12 Skills Acquisition Program. Coming from an Academy means she has plenty of potential and will be one to watch for the future.
Markie Robinson
SD Raiders FC
Markie is an exciting forward, currently playing up a grade in the U16s for SD Raiders but also featuring in the U20 team, having scored three goals this season. She is also part of the Invitational XI at the National Youth Championships.
Ruby Grant
Camden Tigers
Ruby is an exciting young player, making her first appearance at the NAIDOC Cup. She currently plays for Camden Tigers in Girls Youth League Two.
NSW U16 Girls
Leilani May Masters
East Gosford FC
A strong defender, Leilani May has been playing football since she was six years old. Her coach said she’s got a fire in her and knows how to motivate herself and others.
Chiara Iurlo
Bulls FC - Goalkeeper
Chiara held down the fort in defence for the U16s last year and will be doing much of the same in 2024. The Bulls FC keeper made the move from APIA Leichhardt this season and now playing in the U16 Youth League One.
Taylor Wake
Dubbo Macquarie United FC
Taylor is a dedicated player for her club and impressed during the cup last year.
Rihanna Turk
Central Coast Mariners FC
Back for another year, Rihanna has moved up to the U16s FNSW side. She currently plays for the Mariners U16 side. A very strong player technically, she is also set for the National Youth Championship Invitational XI side.
Haylee-Anne Mooney
UNSW FC
Back for her second NAIDOC Cup, Haylee is a quick player across the field. She’s moved up to the U16 age division which will be a challenge but one she’s likely to step up to.
Summer Smith
Macarthur Rams FC
Very strong player, also selected for the National Youth Championships. She’s a regular starter for Macarthur Rams in Youth League One U16, but also plays up in the U18s.
Alice Stephenson
Campbelltown Uniting Church SC
Alice impressed during the Cup last year in the U14 age group and has made the jump up to U16 for 2024. Formerly playing for APIA Leichhardt, Alice is now with Campbelltown Uniting Church in the Macarthur Football Association.
Lacey Wynne
SD Raiders FC
The former APIA Leichhardt player is back for a second year, moving up to the U16 age group full of potential. She is very team oriented and will push the girls during the competition.
Saskia Rylands
Umina United SC
Saskia is set to make her first appearance at the Cup this year. She is an active member of her community and was a finalist for the First Nationals Cultural Award for the Central Coast Council.
Ava Ayres
Inter Lions FC
One of the new faces this year, Ava is tipped to be a player to watch during the Cup. She currently plays U16s for Inter Lions in Youth League Two, but has made the jump to U20 on numerous occasions this season.
Derelle Avery
North West Sydney Spirit FC
Derelle has experience in the NPL with the Spirit, but currently plays for their U18 Youth League team. Very strong across the field and is set to be one to watch.
Julia (Jules) Jamieson
Marconi Stallions FC
Jules is a versatile player who made her first grade debut with the Stallions in 2023 at just 15-years-old.
Andie Chaseling
Central Coast Mariners FC
A rising star, Andie is also representing her Indigenous culture as part of the Invitational XI at the National Youth Championships. She currently plays for the Mariners in their U20 and first grade League One teams.
Cassidee Fernando
Macarthur Rams FC - Winger
Another new face, Cassidee currently plays in the U15s for Macarthur Rams, occasionally moving up to U16. She was selected as part of the Invitational XI and is expected to have a strong showing at the Cup.
Miley Shipp
UNSW FC
A rising football star, Miley has dreams of joining the Matildas and representing her culture on an international stage. She was selected for the NSW Country U16 team at the National Youth Championships and will be a leader for her team at the NAIDOC Cup.
Bonnie Joan Young
Gungahlin United FC
Bonnie is set to bring a versatile style of play to the team for her first tournament. Currently starring for Capital Football club Gungahlin United, Bonnie has 12 goals this season across reserve grade and U17s.
NSW U16 Boys
Hamish Slater
Bradbury Ambarvale FC – Back
Will be used as a left-back in the tournament and has been identified as a solid player who can hold the line.
Brody Tramantana
Penrith Rovers FC – Striker
Comes into the squad from club level after holding his own at the trials and will prove a menace for opposition defenders.
Ashton Hawkett
Sydney FC - Midfield
There’s big opinions on this young talent. Playing up a year level, officials can see him going a long way in the game.
Mason Fardell
Monaro Panthers FC – Wing/Midfield
A real competitor from the Monaro club who will be used as an impact player for the side throughout the event.
Tiago William Torres Lay
Dulwich Hill FC - Midfield
An absolute weapon of a player who has forced his way into a likely starting position. Will be lethal in the midfield.
Felix Yeo
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC - Defender
A big, tall and strong player who will anchor the side at centre-back. Knows how to use his size.
Felix Wain
Maroubra United FC – Forward
This will be a good experience for the forward who impressed in trials, coming from the Maroubra club.
Coen Hardy
Sydney Olympic FC – Defender
Has really caught the eye of officials. Brings leadership qualities and looks a likely type to reach higher levels in the future.
Zachary McNeill
Balgownie Junior FC – Midfield/Defender
Makes the trip north from Wollongong and is a versatile impact player who can fill roles at the back or in the midfield.
William Winfield
Bexley North FC – Striker
A traditional nine who is sharp on the ball and will be called upon to make his presence felt in front of goal.
Cooper Smith
Hills United FC – Defender
A player to keep an eye on after a strong showing in the trials. Can make a positive impact at right-back.
Germaine Wright
South Coast Flame FC – Striker
Will be hard to miss him. Stands at 6’3 and they can see plenty of goals coming from him. Tough to contain in the air.
Benjamin Duroux
North West Sydney Spirit FC – Midfield
A very solid player who can fill a defensive midfield role. A very tough competitor who will win plenty of challenges.
Hamzah Mottey
Pennant Hills FC – Midfield
Got the job done in the trials to earn his place in the side from Pennant Hills and will feature in the midfield.
Brodie Joseph Cutajar
Fraser Park FC – Goalkeeper
It’s a big responsibility for the young man who will lead from the back, very talented. Brings plenty of size.
Marli Wright
Sydney FC – Forward
A next level player who is headed down the right path. Is very sharp on the ball and is a highly exciting prospect.
NORTHERN NSW U14 Boys
Roary Taylor
Weston Workers FC - Goalkeeper
A good young player who is an exciting keeper. Has good skills and officials are looking for him to have a strong tournament.
Will Hannah
Edgeworth FC - Fullback/Wing
Has shown how keen he is and has the ability to float forward from the back. Will be used in a few roles over the course of the event.
Harley Van Haren
Newcastle Olympic - Defender
One of the younger players in the squad who can fill in anywhere in the backline. Has good skills and will link with his older brother.
Rockie Gruber
Valentine FC - Forward
Shapes as an exciting player. Has the ability to run like the wind and has been scoring goals for fun. Will prove a handful.
Marli Fenrnando
Mid Coast FC – Defender
Has shown an incredible dedication in travelling down for training and trials. Plays at full-back and gives his all in every game.
Ned Giles
Lambton Jaffas - Forward
Will likely take up a spot out wide. Has a very strong left foot on him, is lethal in and around the box and can net a few goals.
Xavier Cook
Weston Workers FC - Midfielder
Is a real workhorse in the middle of the field. Not tall but size doesn’t worry him. Rips in and gets a heap done from box-to-box.
Vinnie Hall
North Coast Football - Midfielder
Another that has shown his willingness to travel. A small player who is like a terrier. Quite skilful and is very creative.
Joel Barton
Edgeworth FC – Midfielder/Forward
Scores goals for fun in the two or three games leading up to tournament, expecting him to do more of the same
Lachlan Blayden
Newcastle Jets FC – Defender/Forward
Very handy player and they can play him at the back or up forward. Has a wicked left foot on him and is quite big in size.
Archie Kellet
Lambton Jaffas - Midfielder
A skilful player in the centre of the park who can play the six, eight or ten. Has shown a bit and will be a key player.
Hugh McShang
Lake Macquarie City FC - Defender
A solid centre-back in a team that doesn’t have many. He will be front and centre, and be called on to be a rock and hold it down.
Taj Eldridge
Toronto Awaba FC - Defender
Has been injured but hoping to be back to his best. Can play in the backline but is a strong defensive midfielder. Has a good attitude.
Levi Van Haren
Newcastle Jets - Defender/Forward
Played in this event last year and was very good. Brings good size, has a great left foot and has the versatility of being able to play at the back or forward.
Brayden Kennedy
Charlestown Azzuri FC - Forward
Can make his mark as a real strike weapon. Brings a good left foot and will play his role in assisting or banging away a few goals.
Alex Garde
Toronto Awaba FC - Midfielder
A very solid midfielder who can also chime in the backline. Does anything you ask of him and is set for a big tournament.
NORTHERN NSW U16 Girls
Janali Haynes
Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Janali is back for another year and will be one to watch. She was selected as part of the Invitational XI and currently plays in the NPL for the Rosebuds reserves team.
Matilda Ungaro
Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Matilda is one of six players representing the Rosebuds at this year’s Cup.
Kealah Boldery
Newcastle Jets
Kealah is part of the Jets Academy, playing NPL NSW reserve grade and U18 Youth League. She was also selected to represent NNSW at the National Youth Championships.
Charlie Deacon
Warners Bay FC
Charlie Deacon was instrumental in last year’s win over FNSW and will be looking for a repeat performance. She plays for Warners Bay FC in the U17s.
Amelia Carr
Maitland Junior FC
A proud Maitland junior, Amelia was part of last year’s title winning squad. She is an energetic figure on the field and is a great addition for 2024.
Macey Wood
Newcastle Jets
Shenae Calo
Maitland FC
Shenae is a leading player at Maitland FC in their U17 team and will be making her first Cup appearance.
Addison Berry
New Lambton FC
Kalani Ryan
Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Kalani is backing up from last year, where she was named as player of the tournament for her impressive performances, including a hat-trick in the 3-2 final win. She currently represents Adamstown Rosebuds in their U17 Girls Youth League side.
Aaliyah Kilroy
Newcastle Jets
She may be small but she is fierce on and off the ball. Aaliyah was selected to represent NNSW Football at the National Youth Championships and has been earmarked as one to watch for the future.
Lacey Cooper
Mid Coast FC
Koko Hardy
Mid Coast FC
Taylah McVittie
Adamstown Rosebud JFC
A versatile player performing in both the U17 and reserve grade NPL for Adamstown, Taylah is set to make her Cup debut this year.
Miley Spokes
Singleton Strikers
A very determined player not afraid to do the work on the pitch. She’s shown solid progression in her game play and will be one to keep an eye on.
Jasmin Smith
Charlestown Azzurri
Jasmin has been pulling double duty in the NNSW Youth League, playing in both the U15 and U17 team for Charlestown Azzurri. Her impressive year has resulted in a call up to the Invitational XI at the Youth Championships.
Erica Newton
Newcastle Jets
Erica is a rising star, featuring in her first Cup and being selected as part of the Invitational XI. She currently plays U15s Youth League One for the Emerging Jets.
NORTHERN NSW U16 Boys
Jaxan Cambridge
Edgeworth FC - Goalkeeper
Comes through the U15s and does a lot of hard work off the pitch. Now beginning to earn the rewards with an opportunity like this.
Hunter Simpson
Lake Macquarie City FC - Defender
Possesses a great engine, is a player who gets up and down the pitch very well and also offers plenty in the final third with his goal scoring abilities.
Ty Stoker
Edgeworth FC - Defender
Another that has done a lot of outside work to improve his game. Has been playing reserve grade in the NPL and his game is developing well.
Jack Hannah
Edgeworth FC - Defender
Has a fantastic work rate at fullback, brings a great attitude to the side and has developed a long way since he was first spotted.
Oslo Harradine
Valentine Phoenix - Defender
Very strong defensively with a great passing range. He has struck up a fantastic centre back partnership with Ty Stoker from previous NAIDOC Cup tournaments.
Yarron Mason
Edgeworth FC - Midfielder/Defender
A versatile player who can fill a number of roles, including the six. Is very solid on the ball, has a good read of the game and is a strong passer.
Harper Collins-Fry
Edgeworth FC - Winger
Has a lot of talent on the wing and is able to use his pace to great effect. Dangerous with the ball at his feet and likes to take defenders on.
Nash Syron
Newcastle Olympic - Midfielder
Is very good in the midfield, his positioning is fantastic and he has a very good passing range on him as well.
Kaiden Bouldery
Lambton Jaffas - Midfielder
Leading his competition in goals scored, Bouldery is a genuine goal poacher who is equally as adept outside of the box as he is in.
Liam Campbell
Edgeworth FC - Midfielder
Has stepped up to the U18s level, he’s a box midfielder who can play up top as well. His passing is excellent and his work rate is unmatched.
Chase McFadyen
Newcastle Jets FC - Forward
Technically very good and has been from a young age. Is excellent on ball, can score from anywhere and can play any position in the front third.
Jaxon Clay
Mid Coast FC - Forward/Winger
A very strong and dominant front third player. Good in one-on-one situations and has a great eye for goal.
Ashtyn Ferguson
Edgeworth FC - Forward/Winger
Playing in the U15s at club level and can fill a number of roles. Good with the ball at his feet and is talented in the air.
James Semmens
Mid Coast FC - Forward
A very technical player who is most favoured as a striker but quite solid in the midfield. Is underestimated for his size but is a special talent with the ball at his feet.
Charlie Robinson
Edgeworth FC - Midfielder
His best positions are the six and eight, is good at breaking up the play and is equally good at getting a read on the game.
Quinn Archibald
Port United FC - Defender/Winger
Recently came to Edgeworth, has raw speed and a lot of talent. With a bit of coaching there is endless potential with this young man.
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