For many years the Statewide Cup has showcased the best Women’s football that Tasmania has to offer; highlighting the passion, determination and love we all share for the game. This match today is no exception as Olympia FC Warriors welcome Launceston City to their home ground, Warrior Park.

Photo Credit: Solstice Photography

Both teams have had a very strong start to the season, sitting at the top of the table of their leagues respectively, with no sign of slowing down. Today’s match will showcase the skills of some of Tasmania’s most talented and experienced players, but will also be a great opportunity for some of the younger girls to shine.

Alastair Russell, coach of Olympia FC Warriors Women’s Squad, discussed the occasion with us.

“This match has been a driving focus for us for the last few weeks. To be playing against the best Super League side is what we want, this game gives us a wonderful opportunity”

“They are top of the Super League table for a reason, they have more mature and experienced players in their squad than we do.”

With the Warriors having eleven players under the age of seventeen in the squad, it makes them one of the youngest senior teams in the state.

“This only excites us as a squad, because if there is one thing that these girls love, it’s a challenge. I know today will be no exception.”

Olympia FC Warriors were removed from the Super League this season, playing in the Veto Women’s Championship. But not playing at the top level hasn’t allowed the girls to slow down.

“We want to be tested every week at the highest standard possible, our trainings are very competitive and we have some great games there too.”

“Also we can’t forget that two thirds of the Statewide Cup Squad have just come back from being fully tested at the Dallas Cup in Texas.”

Lack of preparation will be no excuse for Olympia, after two training sessions this week with the full women’s squad, and one tactical session for the Statewide Squad.

“The girls are in great shape and raring to go, I am very excited by the challenge that a top side like Launceston City will bring.”

“I know the girls will be giving it their all, in the hope of getting the chance to progress through to the Semi Finals of the Women’s Statewide Cup.”

The journey for Olympia FC Warriors has officially begun after their stunning 4-2 victory over Glenorchy Knights, launching them into the 2017 FFA Cup.

Their challenge begins on the 1st of August when they go head-to-head with New South Wales National Premier League powerhouse, Apia Leichhardt.

As preparation for the match begins, the focus now turns to each individual to come together and set the standard necessary for the club to be contenders in the cup.

The match itself is set to raise the bar, as some of the state’s strongest players showcase their abilities on the national stage.

Captain of the squad, Jake Vandermey, discussed the importance of building and maintaining their momentum leading into the cup.

“Playing a team that is performing so well in the NPL means that they will be able to last that little bit longer, we need to improve our strength both physically and mentally in order to be our best.”

“Most of the players in our squad were not involved in the NPL finals series in 2015 and this competition brings a similar challenge which we are keen to tackle and overcome together.”

After much discussion the decision was made to play under the lights at KGV, the home of football in Tasmania. The result is one welcomed by many members of the squad, looking to showcase their skill on home soil.

“Having all of our supporters there cheering us on will help provide us with a solid foundation that we can take advantage of in order to progress further in the competition.”

“Our commitment to this competition will help prove to the rest of the state and the country that Olympia FC Warriors is a club to be reckoned with.”

The state’s previous involvement in the competition has not gone unnoticed, with many other teams making their mark on the national stage.

“We want to show the rest of Australia that Tasmania is not a weak football state, and that we do have the ability to perform at such a high level.”

“We want to test ourselves against the best clubs in the country, and in years to come establish the fact that Olympia FC Warriors deserve to make their mark on football in Australia.”

In an exciting new development, Olympia FC Warriors proudly welcome Betfair as a new official sponsor.

More details to follow.

This game was not of a high standard. Employing tactics which reminded one of a late 1970's fixture I sat thinking how far our local game had advanced. To watch all 20 field players congregate in one area of the field for goal kicks every time was bizarre to say the least. Not once in 90 minutes did we see an attempt to play out from the back. With only one exception

Back to Warrior Park and the club is gearing up for successful 2017. We made lots of changes in 2016. Notably the procurement of Dale Itchens and Colin Robbins services has made a huge difference to the Junior and Youth departments of the club. They both have raised our professionalism in these key areas. This club and its players will reap the rewards for many years to come. Keep a look out on the social media pages website,book face and the app for regular updates on what's happening around the club.

Our flagship Senior NPL squad is definitely getting a makeover. After the not so successful 2016 I expect big things from the squad which new coach Ian Shaw and the Board have cobbled together. The youth coming through are quality and will add to the new players that have signed. The likes of Ortman, Bellini, Little and Thomas can only enhance our chances. I believe anything short of top 2 will be a fail given the quality of new recruits and the loyal players from previous years. I should say top 1 but I do not want to put any undue pressure on the squad.

Our senior Ladies coming off a great 2016 where they won it all are back to defend their title. Although we have had some issues after the naming of Head Coach Glen McNeill as an administrator at FFT the club is solving this issue and will be a force to be reckoned with at the top level of Women's football in Tasmania. An announcement of the new head coach will be made forthwith. I take this opportunity to welcome both the Reserve Coach George Krambousanos and our new recruited ladies who will play in the 2nd tier competition.

Olympia FC is big club. We welcome all those who wish to be part of something special to come on board and enjoy the ride. Whether you are interested in junior youth ladies or men's football you will find a place at Olympia FC Warriors.

My personal thanks goes to all involved. Without all of you doing what you do to make the club tick we would be nothing. We are blessed to have wonderful people with quality sponsors in all departments. Performance Automobiles, Salamanca Fresh, Henry Jones Art Hotel and Horticultural Landscape Supplies are the major sponsors for 2017. Also Urban Greek Restaurant in Murray Street and Cugginis Restaurant in Bellerive are on board for 2017. Providing quality food at a reasonable price east or west we have you covered. These along with many other smaller sponsors are critical in providing funding for to provide the professional service that we do. Please take for your self our newly printed free calendar with names and phone numbers of a lot of our smaller sponsors. These are available at Warrior Park in the canteen or at the gate upon entry. Please support all of the above throughout the 2017 season.

Well the bus trip is nearly over as Glasgow is on the horizon and I need coffee! Actually make that a pot of tea please. After all I am in Scotland.

Thanks for dropping in please turn the light out when you leave.

gm