NPL NSW: Matt Sim Sydney FC coach, Manly United player a busy man, grand final details, tickets

He’s a former A-League player who will be the hardest working man on and off the pitch bar none on National Premier League NSW grand final day at CommBank Stadium.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

August 21, 2022 - 1:29PM

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Matt Sim has been guiding the fortunes of some of the rising stars of NSW football for the entire season and he’s hoping his Sydney FC charges come home with the silverware in Saturday’s NPL grand final at CommBank stadium

But the former A-League player knows he will have to cut any potential celebrations short, instead bolting off to prepare for his own match.

For the first time a player will be coaching an under 20 side before lining up to play in his own open grand final in the Football NSW NPL.

“Normally there is just a two hour window between the games but this year I’m a bit luckier with a bit more time,’’ said the 34-year-old Sim who lives at Box Hill, coaches near Macquarie Uni and travels to Cromer on the northern beaches to play and train for Manly United each week.

“I think the boys will really inspire me to be honest.

Mark Sim in the NPL. He will coach and play on grand final day. Pic: Supplied

“I’m still scratching the edge of not wanting to hang up the boots yet and taking it year by year. I’ve been lucky to be part of good teams and clubs over the years.’’

Sim, who started his football career at the northern beaches club, said a key to Manly United’s success this season has been working under Wanderers assistant coach Adam Griffiths who “hold us accountable”.

Sim in the matched between Manly and Sydney Olympic. Pic: Damian Briggs/Speedmedia)

“We lost the minor premiership on goal difference on the last day of the season but then beat them (Sydney United) to qualify for the final,’’ said Sim of Manly United’s journey to the season decider which saw them beat Sydney Olympic FC 4-3 in penalties after regular time finished with the teams locked at 1-1.

“We perform well under pressure. We have picked up games late this season. We never give up.’’

Sim has in the past played with the Newcastle Jets, Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers and also Sydney United.

He is now working at Sydney FC as a coach - a role he loves.

“The under 20s have done really well. We have an eye on getting as many kids as possible to the top team,’’ he said.

“A part of that is winning and learning how to play in big games.

“It’s an important learning moment for them.’’

Manly United coach Adam Griffiths. Pic: Supplied/Nielsen Images.

Sim said young guns to look out for in the grand final match will include schoolboys 0scar Gultekin, an attacking striker from Sydney Grammar who lives in Randwick, Louis Agosti from Trinity, Zane Schreiber from Westfields Sports High and Ayouk Mow.