UNE Regional Super League Women’s Grand Final
Coffs City United v Lake Cathie FC
Coffs Coast Synthetics, Saturday 12pm
Lake Cathie FC captain Olivia Mara is refusing to look too far ahead as her side prepares to chase back-to-back UNE Regional Super League Women’s titles against Coffs City United at Coffs Coast Synthetics on Saturday.
Lake Cathie became the inaugural UNE Regional Super League Women’s champions in 2025 after defeating Macleay Valley Rangers 1-0 in the decider.
The Raiders have earned a return trip to the grand final after an undefeated group stage campaign and a dominant 4-0 semi-final victory over Alstonville. But they will face a Coffs City United side determined to create history of their own.
Coffs City also enter the decider unbeaten throughout their campaign after a hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory over Urunga FC, with coach Nathan Silvy’s side aiming to claim the club’s first UNE Regional Super League Women’s championship.
Despite Lake Cathie’s strong form, Mara knows Saturday’s decider will present a completely new challenge.
“There’s always motivation when you have the chance to defend a title. Going back-to-back would be a massive achievement for us but we also know that last year’s win doesn’t count for anything once the whistle blows,” Mara said.
“I think it’s important we treat the grand final with the same mindset we have had throughout the whole tournament. We know that it won’t come easy and that we have to earn it all over again.
“Grand finals are always a completely different game and feeling and we know Coffs City United have 100 per cent earned their place in this game.
“Because we haven’t faced them this season, there’s naturally that nervous feeling of the unknown that we will have to adapt to.
“We know they’re a quality side and will definitely put up a great competition. We will focus on playing our game and we know we have to be at our best to come away with the result.”
The Raiders’ impressive UNE Regional Super League campaign has matched their dominant Football Mid North Coast Women’s League form, where they have gone 11 games unbeaten, scoring 98 goals and conceding none.
Mara believes that consistency has come from the strong connection within the squad.
“I think our consistency and chemistry as a team has played a huge role in maintaining our standards. We all have so much respect for each other, we’re like a family,” Mara said.
“Our coaches also deserve so much credit. They’ve put countless hours into preparing us and have created an amazing team culture to be a part of. We wouldn’t be in the position we’re in now without their commitment and dedication.
“Everyone works for each other and we have a team-first mentality. Rather than staying comfortable, we continue to work hard and keep improving each week to be the best version of ourselves.”
While Lake Cathie have enjoyed a remarkable season, Mara believes their semi-final performance showed the squad was prepared for the pressure of another grand final.
“Our semi-final performance showed us what we are capable of when we stick to our game plan, which is a testament to how hard we have worked all season,” Mara said.
“Confidence is important but the main thing is that we approach the grand final with the same focus and intensity that we’ve had throughout the tournament, because we know anything can happen.”
For Coffs City United, the opportunity represents a chance to achieve something the club has never done before.
Silvy was pleased with the resilience his players showed in their semi-final victory and believed the experience added to the squad this season had played an important role.
“The way the girls fought for that victory was really good to see. We managed to hang in there and I think that comes down to some of the more experienced players we’ve added into the squad this year,” Silvy said.
“We’ve traditionally been a young squad over the years but this year we’ve got a couple of older heads who can hold us together when we need it. So I think that’s been a big difference.
“Now it’s the grand final and we’re looking forward to it. They’re excited.
“In my 10 years of coaching, this is probably one of the biggest occasions I’ve been involved in, so we’re really looking forward to it.
“I’m excited for the occasion.”
Coffs City sit second on the North Coast Football Women’s HIT105.5FM Premier League after nine wins, one draw and four losses, with Silvy hoping his side can use its ability in possession to challenge Lake Cathie.
“We’re generally pretty strong in possession. Our key will obviously be holding the ball well and controlling possession,” Silvy said.
“I think that will go a long way towards us taking control of the game.”
While Coffs City have enjoyed success in the North Coast Football competition, Saturday presents an opportunity to create a new chapter for the club.
“Especially for our club, we’ve been pretty successful over the years with both our men’s and women’s programs but this is something our club has never won before,” Silvy said.
“We’re the first team at our club to make the grand final in this competition, so we want to go that extra step and lift the trophy at the end of the day.”
With Lake Cathie chasing back-to-back championships and Coffs City United searching for a breakthrough moment, Saturday’s decider shapes as a contest between an established champion and a side eager to make history.
Don’t miss any of the action from the UNE Regional Super League Women’s Grand Final. The match will be streamed live and free on the NNSWF YouTube channel HERE.