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Wanderers NPL 2016


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Have we found replacements for the 6-or-so players who left the NPL2 team after the derby?

 

We promote from within & the club has planned for this scenario with players being tested up in grade over the last month or so.  

Some U20's will move up to 1st grade & likewise with U18's to U20's. 

 

The starting 11 in 1st grade v's Mt Druitt on Saturday will include the likes of Fox, Najjarine, Monfitis plus other less active players from our original NPL2 squad

 

You'd have to expect that our position at the top of Club Championship ladder, will come under pressure in coming weeks. 

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NPL Fans, so you had numerous players from wsw move up or leave any reason for this ?

Also can someone confirm that your players weren't playing up an age division in the NPL ?

 

The majority of players in the firsts, either had there youth contracts ended (15/16 season) or left to have there offseason break before reporting back for preseason training with the Aleague squad. This has now seen players promoted to fill the gaps.

 

Playing up a division, you mean did we have younger players playing up a division? Yes we did.

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NPL Fans, so you had numerous players from wsw move up or leave any reason for this ?

Also can someone confirm that your players weren't playing up an age division in the NPL ?

 

All the players that are no longer in the NPL2 are either now having an offseason or were on expiring A-League youth contracts and were not offered new ones. A couple of those went to NPL1 teams and a couple of others are going to try their luck overseas.

 

The whole 1st team was playing up an age. On the weekend the team was made up mostly of 15-17 year olds with 1 or 2 being 18. 5 of them were debuting for the 1st team last Saturday

Edited by Alexander
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Are Sydney FC not following a similar policy Stpeters?

Our teams all play up an age group, in terms of picking up senior contracts why not pick them up at the end of NPL ? 

 

 

It's very clear that the two Sydney clubs have differing strategies, when it comes to developing their youth players.

As I've stated previously, WSW are not concerned about promotion to NPL1 & would rather concentrate on regularly producing youngsters that can be promoted to the AL squad. Those recently promoted (Scott, Shabow, Bandiera) are currently enjoying an off-season before returning to training with the AL squad in a couple of weeks. 

For this to happen, you need to be exposing 16, 17 & 18 year olds to football against grown men, so that you have a couple of years to work with them before they reach the 20 y.o. age limit for playing NPL level football with an AL club. 

In the short term, WSW see NPL2 as a better fit for the developmental program they have embraced.

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Are Sydney FC not following a similar policy Stpeters?

Our teams all play up an age group, in terms of picking up senior contracts why not pick them up at the end of NPL ? 

 

 

It's very clear that the two Sydney clubs have differing strategies, when it comes to developing their youth players.

As I've stated previously, WSW are not concerned about promotion to NPL1 & would rather concentrate on regularly producing youngsters that can be promoted to the AL squad. Those recently promoted (Scott, Shabow, Bandiera) are currently enjoying an off-season before returning to training with the AL squad in a couple of weeks. 

For this to happen, you need to be exposing 16, 17 & 18 year olds to football against grown men, so that you have a couple of years to work with them before they reach the 20 y.o. age limit for playing NPL level football with an AL club. 

In the short term, WSW see NPL2 as a better fit for the developmental program they have embraced.

 

You are assuming, Sydney FC's strategy. Sydney have numeorus players which will pick up senior contracts and be promoted next season. 

you dropped one game and it all becomes about NSWPL2 being better for your youth ? why wouldn't you want your youth playing in the second best teir ? 

Its not about trophies its about challenging your players.

 

 

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Are Sydney FC not following a similar policy Stpeters?

Our teams all play up an age group, in terms of picking up senior contracts why not pick them up at the end of NPL ? 

 

 

It's very clear that the two Sydney clubs have differing strategies, when it comes to developing their youth players.

As I've stated previously, WSW are not concerned about promotion to NPL1 & would rather concentrate on regularly producing youngsters that can be promoted to the AL squad. Those recently promoted (Scott, Shabow, Bandiera) are currently enjoying an off-season before returning to training with the AL squad in a couple of weeks. 

For this to happen, you need to be exposing 16, 17 & 18 year olds to football against grown men, so that you have a couple of years to work with them before they reach the 20 y.o. age limit for playing NPL level football with an AL club. 

In the short term, WSW see NPL2 as a better fit for the developmental program they have embraced.

 

You are assuming, Sydney FC's strategy. Sydney have numeorus players which will pick up senior contracts and be promoted next season. 

you dropped one game and it all becomes about NSWPL2 being better for your youth ? why wouldn't you want your youth playing in the second best teir ? 

Its not about trophies its about challenging your players.

 

 

 

Those players would have no off-season after playing in the Youf League 15-16, then NPL all season, and then straight into the A-League

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Are Sydney FC not following a similar policy Stpeters?

Our teams all play up an age group, in terms of picking up senior contracts why not pick them up at the end of NPL ? 

 

 

It's very clear that the two Sydney clubs have differing strategies, when it comes to developing their youth players.

As I've stated previously, WSW are not concerned about promotion to NPL1 & would rather concentrate on regularly producing youngsters that can be promoted to the AL squad. Those recently promoted (Scott, Shabow, Bandiera) are currently enjoying an off-season before returning to training with the AL squad in a couple of weeks. 

For this to happen, you need to be exposing 16, 17 & 18 year olds to football against grown men, so that you have a couple of years to work with them before they reach the 20 y.o. age limit for playing NPL level football with an AL club. 

In the short term, WSW see NPL2 as a better fit for the developmental program they have embraced.

 

You are assuming, Sydney FC's strategy. Sydney have numeorus players which will pick up senior contracts and be promoted next season. 

you dropped one game and it all becomes about NSWPL2 being better for your youth ? why wouldn't you want your youth playing in the second best teir ? 

Its not about trophies its about challenging your players.

 

 

 

 

I'm not assuming anything & have been commenting on WSW's ambivalence towards promotion for several weeks.

 

You don't send 5 of your NPL2 squad (Aspro, Bandiera, Scott, Shabow & Youlley) on a months holiday to freshen up for the AL season & release another 5, (Alessi, D'Cunha, Fofanah, Macdonald & Gaspari) who have predominately been starting 11 players, to other AL or NPL1 clubs mid season, if you're seeking promotion. 

 

SFC's NPL2 squad tonight will largely be the same team that played in the recent Derby & the majority were members of the NYL squad during the last AL season. 

 

I'm keen to know which SFC NPL2 players you believe may get offered AL youth / development contracts at the conclusion of the NPL2 season.

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Taurus has it pretty much covered but will just add:

- WSW social media have been throwing out the lines about the "race for promotion" but if you have followed the NPL squad or public comments from our coach, you will have found that the messages are very different. It certainly just hasn't changed this week:

(A) For example, the youth players contracted to the Aleague squad have been focused on training over playing with the NPL squad, so much so during the Aleague season many of these players were either rested or came off bench for the last 15-30 minutes as the focus was on player development.

(B) Our players will be challenged, instead of being challenged in the NPL2 like your boys this season, they will be challenged by training full time with the Aleague squad & the whole idea is about pushing the training loads of these players which is something that they won't get at the NPL2 level & not done in Australia.

 

It is clear, that your club's management believe that your players will progress better by playing through the NPL winter season & NPL1 next year. The Wanderers believe in a different approach by integrating our youth players to the Aleague squad & development them differently.

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Keanu goes Baccus to the Future

 

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

 -

 
He might be the more junior of Western Sydney’s favourite pair of sibling midfielders but Keanu Baccus is set to make a name for himself as the Wanderers hit the home straight in their battle for promotion from the NPL2.
In fact, Tony Popovic might soon have the ultimate selection dilemma thrust upon him should the Kings Park local continue his rapid climb from Parklea to co-captaining the Wanderers NPL team in their inaugural season.

 

image: http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Western_Sydney_Wanderers/12/93/keanu-baccus-npl_1ndwljpaopxzx1u7z6tdyajhf4.jpg?t=1883518245

keanu-baccus-npl_1ndwljpaopxzx1u7z6tdyaj

 

Keanu’s rise mirrors only a small fragment of the journey older brother and first teamer Kearyn undertook years before the midfield craftsmen were reunited in Red & Black in 2014.

 

And now that the distance between the two in their professional lives is as close as it has ever been, the dream of playing alongside his elder sibling has become a very real one for Keanu – although, only if they can find the right alchemy in the middle of the park.

 

“I’d probably have to hold (in the midfield),†admitted Keanu.

 

“Kearyn is more adventurous and likes more of a free roleâ€.

 

image: http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Western_Sydney_Wanderers/38/26/kearyn-baccus-kashima-antlers_1k85zziuz53jy1dnlq0lbdc9he.jpg?t=-564667941

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The Blacktown City graduate might have extra baggage to carry because of his surname but for an older and wiser Keanu, Baccus senior is no longer the primary motivator in his young footballing career.

 

“A lot of the time I’m motivated by watching other Wanderers players and learning off them,†said Keanu.

 

“I spent a lot of time watching and training with Andreu last season and picked up a lot of things off him.

 

“He showed me how to be smarter with the ball.â€

 

 

From a technical standpoint, Baccus says he has tidied his game up significantly in the last 12 months and there are dashes of the Spaniard’s exceptional close control in his ability to navigate the Wanderers midfield.

 

But after two campaigns in the Foxtel National Youth League, Baccus says the rigors of the national third tier have proved most beneficial to his development.

 

“It’s been a good learning curve, they probably don’t play the most attractive football in the NPL but players are very physical.

 

“The NYL is faster and players are a lot smarter whereas in the NPL it’s the opposite, they’re strong physically but mentally they’re not as quick.

 

“It’s matured me, and to be young and still be a leader within the team is important.â€

 

 

Baccus’ NPL Wanderers are currently behind rivals Sydney FC on goal difference as the premiership race intensifies with ten rounds remaining.

 

And while securing what would be a historic club championship triumph remains firmly on the agenda for the Baccus and his teammates, his constant thirst for improvement will no doubt hold him in high regard as he continues to stake his claim for a place in the first team.

 

“You don’t want to say never and it’s good that Popa gives younger players a chance.

 

image: http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Western_Sydney_Wanderers/b6/33/keanu-baccus-npl_1l3v4ae45wjtd1vrsstkn2l5th.jpg?t=1883518245

keanu-baccus-npl_1l3v4ae45wjtd1vrsstkn2l

 

“There’s a few things physically I need to work on, in-game situations where players are bigger and stronger than you.

 

“But the best thing about this season is we’re getting used to winning and learning to grind out results which is important.â€

 

You can watch Keanu ply his trade this Saturday at Blacktown Football park when the Wanderers take on Bankstown City. Kick-off is 7pm and entry is free for Members and U16s.

 

- See more at: http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/baccus-to-the-future/m82acrgbdxz1bzn91bt67hf0#sthash.RJ013odG.dpuf

Read more at http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/baccus-to-the-future/m82acrgbdxz1bzn91bt67hf0#MbdJZcaRb8Y1fhVR.99

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Lachlan Campbell, 17 makes NPL 2 debut with the Wanderers

 
Mikaela Mahony
June 21, 2016, 3:08 p.m.
 
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On his way: Lachlan Campbell debuted for the Wanderers National Premier League 2 on Tuesday, June 14. Photo: Geoff Jones

 
 
Lachlan Campbell made his National Premier League (NPL) 2 debut on Tuesday, June 14 with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The young talent started the catch-up game held at Christie Park in Gladesville against Spirit FC at centre back. 

“It was such a good experience,†he said.

“I was on the bench against Mt Druitt on the Saturday before so to start on the field was amazing.â€

The 17-year-old from Kellyville had an excellent 80 minutes with some impressive tackles and winning headers against fully grown men. 

Lachlan was first scouted by the Wanderers during the 2015 football season and in August was invited to join the club after a stint with the Football NSW Institute. 

“When I first got scouted I got to do pre-season training with the A-league team and asked to play in one of their trial matches,†he said.

“Then I went to their pre-season Coffs Harbour camp and from there it made me want it more.â€

Wanderers National Youth League Coach Trevor Morgan said Lachlan joined as an under-18-year-old player who has now progressed into senior level.

“He’s young and there is still plenty of room for improvement but he is more consistent and more aware of the game than when he first arrived at the club,†he said. 

Lachlan has played 13 matches in the under-18s team and two in the under-20s team. He has now played one game in the NPL 2 team. 

“He's making good decisions with the ball,†Morgan said.

“He deals with defensive situations better and is making good progress as a player.â€

Lachlan said his strengths as a defender are that he can control the ball, he talks a lot and stays composed. 

Experience is what Lachlan needs to further his career and this is exactly what he will get at the Wanderers.

“There’s no reason to sign a player unless they have what it takes,†Morgan said. 

“It’s all about mastering the level you’re on and then stepping up a level and starting all over again.â€

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Six Wanderers selected for NSW

 

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Wanderers player shined at the NSW All Schools Tournament

 

Friday, 24 June 2016 -
 
The Wanderers Academy is already having success with six players selected in the NSW All Schools Boys Team.

With academy products Mario Shabow and Lachlan Scott already earning Hyundai A-League contracts, these six players selected for NSW is again showing that the academy is helping to develop players.

daniel-blachura-nsw-all-schools-tourname
 
A number of Wanderers Academy players were involved in the NSW All Schools Tournament including six players in the deciding match of the cup when CHC defeated CCC 4-3.
 
The All Schools Tournament is a round robin tournament to deicde the champions out of Combined High Schools (CHS1 & CHS2), Combined Independent Schools (CIS) and Catholic Sports (CCC)
 
Wanderers players selected for NSW are:

  • Daniel Axford (Marian Catholic College – CCC)
  • Daniel Blachura (Westfield Sports High School – CHS2)
  • Lachlan Campbell (Castle Hill High School – CHS1)
  • Alex Gollan (Westfield Sports High School – CHS1)
  • Ben Morrison (St Mary’s Cathedral – CCC)
  • Oliver Puflett (Shore – CIS)

15-year-old Thomas Aquilina and Richard Stewart were also selected as shadow players for NSW while Daniel Blachura was announced as the MVP for CHS2.

daniel-blachura-nsw-all-schools-tourname
 
You can watch the Academy play this Saturday when the NPL team plays Bankstown City at Blacktown Football Park. First grade is 7pm, 20s is 5pm, 18s is 3pm.

Image credit: NSW Schools Football

- See more at: http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/six-wanderers-selected-for-nsw/1kuffl6phqmiw1l4xa66chlbu0#sthash.q4nVOuPa.dpuf

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Article in Blacktown Sun

 

http://www.blacktownsun.com.au/story/3996897/keanu-bags-debut-strike/?cs=1557

 

BLACKTOWN boy Keanu Baccus celebrated a long-awaited milestone on Saturday when he notched his first goal for Western Sydney Wanderers’ National Premier Leagues (NPL) side.

Baccus, 17, had never scored in the NPL since joining the Wanderers 18 months ago.

But that changed when got his head on the end of a free kick from Jordan Morfitis in the 26th minute of the Wanderers’ 3-2 win over Bankstown City FC at Blacktown Football Park.

“It’s been a long while but it was great to finally score,†the Blacktown City junior said.

“Mum and dad were there watching so it was nice to score at home.â€

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Keanu Baccus celebrates with fans after his goal against Bankstown FC.

Western Sydney Wanderers NPL coach Trevor Morgan said the goal was just reward for Baccus’ commitment to the club.

“Keanu is very popular kid at the club and has recently been made captain,†he said.

“He’s a quiet kid but very well liked and you can see how committed he is on the field. He’s a real team player.â€

Morgan said Baccus’ versatility has made him a key player in the Wanderers’ youth set up.

“Keanu has played in a few positions this season. He’s usually a midfielder but he’s played along the backline when needed,†he said.

“He has very good technical ability, a great understanding of the game and is making good progress.

“Keanu is definitely one of the young ones coming through that we have a lot of time for and big hopes for his future at the club.â€

Baccus said he holds ambitions of one day breaking into the Wanderers’ A-League squad.

“I’m definitely looking to play for the first team one day whenever that day might come,†he said.

“This year especially I feel like I’ve improved and I just have to keep working hard.

“As long as I stick to it and have patience who knows what might happen.â€

 

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Abdelrahman Kuku: Master & the Apprentice

 

Thursday, 30 June 2016

 -

 
Old alliances were regenerated in the heat of battle at Blacktown Football Park last Saturday when Abdelrahman Kuku faced a visit from his former mentor, historic ex-Wanderer and footballing idol Michael Beauchamp.
They say never to meet your heroes, but it was a special case for Kuku and his teammates when they defeated the club’s inaugural captain on the weekend: a player many of which had worshipped when growing up.

 

None more so than Kuku, who grew up in the same Wakely district as Beauchamp after arriving in Western Sydney from Egypt in 2004 with his Sudanese parents.

 

To make the bond even stronger, Kuku was the one-time apprentice of the ex-Socceroo who took the burgeoning young defender from Fairfield under his wing when he signed for Bankstown City last season.

 

image: http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Western_Sydney_Wanderers/42/30/michael-beauchamp-clap_11pwqatkhchcl1kmyzp679yj8w.jpg?t=-1634972435

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“It was a big, big challenge to come up against him on the weekend,†Kuku said.

 

“I’ve always liked the way he plays, he was a very physical player and his understanding of the game is very good.

 

“I had to pick him up on every corner and did everything I could to make sure he would not score against me.â€

 

image: http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Western_Sydney_Wanderers/6d/9/abdelrahman-kuku-npl_r9fgd5uskwtm1j0dwxlrxwj6y.jpg?t=-1636340563

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What was a special evening for Kuku characterises his incredible rise to the top of the Australian youth football set up.

 

Three years ago, when Beauchamp led Tony Popovic’s side to a historic Premiership win, Kuku was playing his seventh season of park football for non-league community club Hinchinbrook True Blues.

 

In fact, he only signed his first semi-professional contract two years ago when he joined Mounties Wanderers.

 

image: http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Western_Sydney_Wanderers/d8/70/abdelrahman-kuku-npl_18oljv5870zhy10fi8qf28ggfo.jpg?t=-1636340923

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But fate determined that Kuku and Beauchamp would share the dressing room at Sefton’s Jensen Oval last season when the ex-Socceroo and the talented Egyptian-born defender converged at Bankstown City.

 

“There was me and another young player called Jack Musgrave who played next to Beauchamp on the weekend, he took care of us,†remembered Kuku.

 

“He always told us to be confident and not to hesitate about what we were doing. He kept saying there’s nothing wrong in football, every choice you make is the right choice.â€

 

Kuku says he will build his career around Beauchamp’s words of wisdom. In what was seemed one final inevitable smile of fate for both parties, the Wanderers academy signed Kuku in 2015 on the advice of the inaugural skipper, and it now seems fitting that the Egypt-born defender follows in his heroes footsteps.

 

“It was an unbelievable feeling to be signed by the Wanderers. I was a Wanderers fan growing up and I always will be.â€

 

You can see Kuku and his teammates in action in the PS4 NPL2. Their next home match is against Macarthur Rams on Saturday 9 July at Blacktown Football Park. Kick-off is 7pm.

 

- See more at: http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/abdelrahman-kuku-master--the-apprentice/1fg8pc9yha6g1109y1788epp7k#sthash.NcB29ilO.dpuf

Read more at http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/abdelrahman-kuku-master--the-apprentice/1fg8pc9yha6g1109y1788epp7k#bX6SWSy3Rs0HV5uH.99

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Our mods must be way too busy worrying about the election (looking at you Balks) to create a match day thread for our NPL2 game tonight, so I'll just have to post the preview in here

 

NPL Preview: WSW look to extend lead at top of table

 

Friday, 1 July 2016

 

Tariq Maia’s sensational last minute winner against Bankstown City last Saturday proved to be a decisive strike with the Wanderers claiming all three points at the death, climbing to outright first on the competition ladder.
KICK-OFF: St George v Western Sydney Wanderers. 7.00pm, Saturday 2 July at St George Stadium
 
The night got better as Sydney FC slumped to a home defeat against Northern Tigers, and with the Sky Blues set to face third-placed Bankstown City at Jensen Park on Sunday the door is open for the Red & Black to extend their lead at the top the evening before when they travel to St George.
 
Having finished last in the 2014 NPL1 and third-bottom in the 2015 NPL 2, if the Saints are to mount a finals stand in this year’s competition a result on Saturday against the Wanderers would be deemed imperative.
 
Only nine rounds left of the PS4 NPL2 campaign remain with St George four points off sixth-place but the side have won two of their last three and scored twelve goals in the process on the back of big wins over North Shore Mariners and Central Coast.
 
Former Central Coast youth squad member Stevan Ilic is one to look out for on Saturday night having netted eight goals this campaign while talented young attacking midfielder and former Saints youth player Bruno Pivato has enjoyed a fine season in the top grade also.
 
The Wanderers cruised to victory over the weekend’s opponents in their Round 5 date at Blacktown Football Park where goals from Liam Youlley, Brenton Fox, Lachlan Scott, Mario Shabow and Tariq Maia led to a 5-0 win.

 

- See more at: http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/npl-preview-wsw-look-to-extend-lead-at-top-of-table/14ytnhyqp2qub1o2p1hr1i14hd#sthash.7aXXNqBL.dpuf
Read more at http://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/article/npl-preview-wsw-look-to-extend-lead-at-top-of-table/14ytnhyqp2qub1o2p1hr1i14hd#ic0k5xIrhLkkyjds.99

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If you have nothing on today, or just want to escape the Election Day crap for a few hours, head down to Poppondetta Park & watch our Wanderer's academy teams play our local rivals, the Mt Druitt Town Rangers. 

 

Kick Off times 

 

U13's - Postponed (We must still be light on for players) 

 

U14's - 1pm

 

U15's - 2.15pm

 

U16's - 3.45pm 

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