MAITLAND FC NPLW TEAM

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Women's football is certainly topical this month with the FIFA Women's World Cup and recently, women's football was celebrated in the Hunter with the annual Northern NSW State Cup. The State Cup sees teams play off in a three-day tournament held at the Lake Macquarie Football Facility and has run since 2017. It uniquely includes top rung NPL Women's Northern NSW clubs, a Northern NSW Indigenous Team and community football teams from across the state. Congratulations to the Maitland Football Club team who secured the cup last month. Maitland's team, made up of first grade and reserve grade NPLW squad members, took on rivals Charlestown Azzurri in the grand-final after both teams easily won their semi-final matches. Captain Sophie Stapleford opening the scoring in the 10th minute and the win was secured when a Madison Gallegos free kick was slotted home by Bronte Peel. The win capping a fabulous squad effort across the weekend. Congratulations also to the Lochinvar Rovers FC and Greta Branxton FC clubs who participated in the cup, playing for the community plate. A special shout out to the Greta Branxton girls, competing for the first time and making the semi-finals, well done.