National Premier League grand final marks the first in the club’s 78-year history.
The National Premier League (NPL) is the biggest prize in NSW Women’s football.
UNSW Football Club (UNSW FC) women’s First Grade ran out in iconic UNSW yellow and black to face premiers Bulls FC Academy on Sunday 13 September.
More than 2500 people were in the crowd at St George’s Venue Jubilee Stadium, including UNSW alumna and former Matildas’ vice-captain Moya Dodd.
More than 2500 people came to watch the NPL grand final. Credit: Hugo Jacoby, @hugojacoby.
UNSW FC’s reputation for being this competition’s best defensive record held true, with the team holding the Bulls to a goal-less scoreline, forcing the game into extra time.
In the 105th minute, the Bulls scored from a free kick; a late header from UNSW FC’s Demi Koulizakis equalised, pushing the game to a penalty shootout.
The dramatic game did UNSW FC proud, but ultimately it was the Bulls’ day with the premiers taking the Championship on penalties 4-2.
Reaching the NPL grand final caps a history-making season for the club, said UNSW FC President Associate Professor Nicholas Apoifis.
“Playing for the NPL championship completes a remarkable treble for the club. This year, we also claimed the club championship – awarded for the combined First Grade and U23s results – and the Sapphire Cup in July.”
Strong defence from UNSW FC pushed the grand final into extra time and a penalty shootout. Credit: Hugo Jacoby, @hugojacoby.
Sport plus study plus research
The team reflects UNSW’s distinctive integration of sport, study and research with all of UNSW’s faculties represented across its players and coaching staff, A/Prof. Apoifis said.
“What impressed me most was seeing these high-performance athletes combine their studies with the pursuit of sporting excellence,” he said.
“That matters for their own wellbeing, but it matters even more because they're role models for the next generation – showing young female players and students alike what's possible in terms of empowerment, pathways and achieving excellence in both sport and study. That's what made this season so satisfying."
More than 100 girls from UNSW FC’s junior program attended the grand final in support of the senior squad.
UNSW Media and Arts student Poppy Channing said representing both the University and the club in grand final “a little bit extra special”.
“It was a really proud moment to be able to do both and be part of such a big occasion,” she said.
“Balancing study and sport can definitely be challenging, but I try to stay organised and manage my time well. Having a good routine helps me balance both without letting one affect the other.”
Media and Arts student Poppy Channing, no.7, is one of five UNSW students in the squad. Credit: Hugo Jacoby, @hugojacoby.
This year’s squad also includes UNSW Applied Exercise Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology student and club captain Chloe Smith; Commerce and Economics student Daniela Naccari; Medical Science student Sonali Singh; and Civil Engineering and Science student Leah Burton.
Assistant Coach Dr Regina Jefferies is also an alumna of UNSW Law & Justice and a Laureate Postdoctoral Fellow at the Kaldor Centre’s Evacuations Research Hub at UNSW. The Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture are proud major partners of UNSW FC.
From strength to strength
The club’s rise has attracted significant attention beyond the pitch. The team’s semi-final victory over APIA at the Village Green on Open Day attracted around 600 supporters.
This year’s success reflects a broader transformation across the club, A/Prof. Apoifis said.
“The women’s team secured the club championship and won the NPL grand final, while the men’s team played in the NPL for the first time.
“We’ve proved we’re a club to be reckoned with, delivering elite sportsmanship and an enviable campus experience for students and researchers alike.”
Photo top: Strong defence from UNSW FC pushed the grand final into extra time and a penalty shootout. Credit: Hugo Jacoby, @hugojacoby.
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