And Then There Were Two!
History has already been made for two of our ESFA Men’s Clubs Phoenix FC and Coogee United who have reached for the first time, Round 6 of The Australia Cup.
This result in phenomenal when you consider ESFA currently only has 7 Clubs in our Mens Premier League (looking to grow) and only 6 of them able to enter, proving what we have always known, that we are mighty in strength if not in number.
Whilst ESFA are excited, we realise that our Clubs are on the brink of something great and we asked them just what making Round 6 meant to them.
Phoenix FC (who were called back in Round 5 to complete the penalty shootout in style!):
Manager: Scott Grey
“I’ll keep it short and sweet. It’s a massive achievement for the Club and we are all excited for the next round. We have a great group of players and volunteers in our club and it is nice to see everybody’s hard work pay off. Obviously the League is our main focus but we cannot wait to give the Cup a right go and we are looking to cause an upset or two along the way.”
Chairman: Terry Brady
“Delighted for the lads and the Club to advance this far, not delighted with all the injuries and suspensions we were picking up along the way, but it’s brilliant to get to the 6th Round. I would love a big NPL Club away from home, where we would bring a huge crowd or even a Coogee home or away would be a great advert for the Eastern Suburbs.”
Football NSW were listening to Terry and Phoenix have drawn Illawarra Premier League team Cringila Lions FC. Phoenix will be playing their Round 6 fixture at John Crehan Park in Wollongong. A short road trip from the Eastern Suburbs will hopefully see that big support network cheering the lads on tomorrow night 15th May!
Coogee FC
Manager: Barry Walker
“As one of the coaches at Coogee United and having been involved with the Club for a number of years, this is most definitely one of our biggest achievements. Making Club and ESFA history by making it into Round 6 of The Australia Cup, we now want to keep going into the next round. We are excited for the draw and know whoever we face will be a great challenge.
To get where we are is a massive credit to everyone involved from players and coaches to our guys in the background on our committee making sure we have everything organised day to day.”
President: Chris Calverley
“The victory over FC Shellharbour is the biggest in the Club’s 21 year history. To advance to the 6th Round of the Australia Cup is a huge achievement and the players and coaching team should be very proud.
Maybe we’re no longer ‘just a pub team from the beaches’.”
The team from the beaches are going to flex their power with a home game at Hensley against NPL side Marconi Stallions on Tuesday 21st May. They will be looking for a home game and home crowd advantage and it would be great to see as much support there as possible.
We wish both Clubs the absolute best in continuing their campaign, adding further to the pages of history, and highlighting the strength of men’s football in the Eastern Suburbs.
