The Women’s State Cup will return to Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility this weekend for its eighth year.
The three-day competition gives NPL Women’s NNSW clubs, community football teams and a NNSWF Indigenous representative team the special opportunity to go head-to-head.
Nineteen teams will take part in the tournament this year, including all seven NPL Women’s NNSW clubs.
Newcastle Olympic are eager to repeat their success from last year, taking out the cup in 2024 after defeating Charlestown Azzurri 0(4)-0(3) on penalties in the final.
Olympic coach Craig Atkins hopes his side can get the job done for a second year in a row.
“It would be great to go back-to-back and with the squad we have put together that will be what we’re looking to do,” Atkins said.
“Last year we had a mixture of first graders, reserve graders and under-17s so it will be similar this year as well. The girls are getting together now and we’re looking forward to the three days.
“Hopefully we can be there on Sunday afternoon again.”
Maitland FC coach Joe Wright was excited for his side to return to the competition with his focus on going as far as possible.
“It’s always exciting to compete in a tournament that’s outside of the league,” Wright said.
“We want to put our best foot forward and focus on what we can do and try to get as far as we can.
“Knockout competitions anything can happen, you just have to buy a ticket in the raffle.
“So as long as we’re in it we’ll do our best.”
In addition to the seven NPLW NNSW clubs and premier under-17s side Mid Coast FC, the competition will also feature community clubs including Port Macquarie United, Urunga FC, Maitland Juniors FC, Kempsey Saints, Cooks Hill United, Westlakes Wildcats, Lake Cathie FC, Lochinvar Rovers, Hamilton Azzurri and University of Newcastle FC.
A NNSWF Indigenous Women’s representative team will also compete in the competition for the fourth time. The team consists of First Nations players and coaches from throughout northern NSW.
Head coach Micheal Hugo was thrilled to return to the tournament.
“The girls are excited to come together once again and compete in this great competition to showcase their Indigenous culture,” Hugo said.
“They can’t wait to show how strong the team is after coming together over the last four years.
“We feel that this is our strongest team yet as these girls have been developing over the years and have gained valuable experience.”
Play starts on Friday evening, with the Women’s State Cup and Community Plate finals scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
2025 Women’s State Cup Draw
Group A:
New Lambton FC
Adamstown Rosebud JFC
Port Macquarie United
Urunga FC
Maitland Juniors FC
Group B:
Charlestown Azzurri
Mid Coast FC
Kempsey Saints
Cooks Hill United
Westlakes Wildcats
Group C:
Maitland FC
Broadmeadow Magic
Lake Cathie FC
Lochinvar Rovers
Hamilton Azzurri
Group D:
Newcastle Olympic
Lake Macquarie City FC
University of Newcastle FC
NNSWF Indigenous
