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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.

Jul 5: Match action in the 2023 NAIDOC Cup at Valentine Sports Park (Photos: Damian Briggs/FNSW)
Jul 5: Match action in the 2023 NAIDOC Cup at Valentine Sports Park (Photos: Damian Briggs/FNSW)

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.

Tikka Jeffery was named player of the tournament at the 2023 NAIDOC Cup. Photo: Damian Briggs/FNSW
Tikka Jeffery was named player of the tournament at the 2023 NAIDOC Cup. Photo: Damian Briggs/FNSW

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.

2023 NAIDOC Cup action. Photo: Football NSW
2023 NAIDOC Cup action. Photo: Football NSW

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.

2023 NAIDOC Cup action. Photo: Football NSW
2023 NAIDOC Cup action. Photo: Football NSW

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.

The boys from Northern NSW had a good showing in 2023. (Photos: Damian Briggs/FNSW)
The boys from Northern NSW had a good showing in 2023. (Photos: Damian Briggs/FNSW)

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 has plenty of talent in their boys U16 side. (Photos: Damian Briggs/FNSW)
Northern NSW has plenty of talent in their boys U16 side. (Photos: Damian Briggs/FNSW)

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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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/sport/naidoc-cup-nsw-and-northern-nsw-football-players-to-watch-ahead-of-lake-macquarie-fixtures/news-story/bdb9e2483349422aac5e7febd301243a