Burwood FC Update – 24 June 2025

In our June update,

- The teams on track for finals, top goal scorers, teams of the month, supporting our local schools and five from the field.

Finals Bound

With just 5 or 6 rounds to go for our teen and senior teams (depending on division size), close to 20 sides are on track for August finals.

Notably, six of our seven U13 to U19 female teens are currently in the top four, with strong results for our All-Age teams as well.

And yes, we know several other teams are on the cusp of the top four - think of the below as motivation….

Undefeated 

1402 & 19G02

Top Of Table

1402/14G03/19G02/19G03/3502

Top 4 (including above teams) 

BUR13GIRLS03F

BUR15GIRLS01F

BUR15GIRLS02F

BUR1803M

BUR2103M

BUR3502M

BUR3508M

BUR4502M

BUR4504M

BURAA03M

BURAA07M

BURAA11M

BURAA16M

Top Goal Scorers

By our count, Oscar Murray from the 11/5’s with 23 goals and Madison Pirie from the 19/02’s also with 23 are the respective leaders for Golden Boot at the Club.

But we are open to challenges if any player can claim higher...

Teams Of The Month

For May, given some slick, all-in, set-up/pack-down and general team spirit and sideline support, the 10 boys and 19/03 girls are the Club committees Teams of the Month. Each team will be receiving $200 in vouchers. Congratulations.

We are a volunteer driven Club. So thanks to the parents, supporters and others who have already given up a few hours this season to help out.

Supporting Our Local Primary Schools

This month, Burwood Football Club is helping host 240 girls from 10 local primary schools for their PSSA Gala Day.

Club players and coaches Tara O'Connell and Maddie Pirie have already been going into schools to support teachers coaching girls and boys' football.

On the June Gala Days, Burwood Under 21 players Ryan Higgins, Oscar(s) Renford & Brennan, along with Aden Pattison, joined Tara and Maddie in helping run the day, logistics and refereeing.

Finally, Irene Browne volunteered her time in the Canteen, which was duly cleared out of anything containing sugar.

And from Andrew Hutchinson, a teacher at Croydon Public School who organises the Gala days: "A huge thank you to Burwood FC for their support of the IWPSSA Girls' Soccer Gala Day. Their contribution helped create a fun day of high-quality football for all involved." 

Five from the Field

This month we check in with our under 8 girls team - some who recently joined the Socceroos & Matilda’s at the Commonwealth Bank sponsorship launch. (See Below)

Coach Hebbat Manhy gives us insight into the team, which is managed by Catherine Johnson.

What complex football philosophy are you both bringing to the u8s this season, Total Football? Tiki-Taka? Park the Bus?

We’re going with something even more advanced: “Notice and Connect.”

At seven years old, the most powerful thing we can teach is how to see each other — how to recognise each other’s strengths and work together. Sure, we're building skills and teaching rules, but the hardest and most beautiful philosophy is teamwork.

Do you see the Matilda’s effect at play with the girls? Are there players they look up to?

Absolutely! The Matildas have sparked something special in all of us. Even though most of the girls are new to the game, they know the Matildas are strong, skilful, and fearless — and they want to play like that. And it's not just the Matildas, the Sydney FC women's team is also an inspiration. A few of us from the team went to a Liberty A-League game as a group - it was a great thing to do together. My daughter still talks about Princess Ibini-Isei - what a kick! 

How’s the season going so far? Any highlights?

It’s been a wild and wonderful learning curve. The girls had never played together — or even played much soccer — before this season. We’ve had to start from scratch: everything from “don’t kick with your big toe” to what “drop back” actually means!

Add in rainouts and flu season, and we’ve rarely had a full team to train. But even with all that, we’re sitting on 3 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw and 3 washouts. Not bad at all. 

The real highlight, though, is watching their learning translate to the field.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your role?

For me, it’s seeing the girls grow — not just in skill, but in confidence, connection, and courage.

When I see them encouraging each other, celebrating the little wins, or applying something they learned at training, it’s the best feeling. Their joy is infectious, and when they start seeing the beauty of the whole game, not just the goals, that’s when I know we’re getting somewhere. Plus, they are funny girls - It's so great to see them work hard and still have a laugh about cartwheels and hairstyles.

Finally, think you might be switching on the TV to watch the Matilda’s in 15 years' time and saying: “Yep, I kicked off her football career.”

I’d love that. And to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised.

These girls are brave, gritty, and smart — and if they keep showing up, building heart, and sticking together, they’ll be something special.