MEN ARE FIRED UP AND READY TO PLAY

Leading the NPL 1 Men’s competition last year after 17 of 22 rounds, Covid put an end to the 2021 season as Football NSW made the call to terminate the season.

Kicking off the 2022 season in style, on Thursday, February 17, Blacktown City FC held its season launch at Bowman Hall, courtesy of Blacktown City Council.

It was a significant and historical evening with Blacktown City featuring its first Senior Women’s team to coincide with the Men’s 2022 season launch.

The two teams were welcomed by Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale, former Mayor, and now state member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali, Deputy Mayor Brad Bunting, Councillors Carol Israel and Julie Griffiths, as well as special guest MC, Stephanie Brantz.

The combination of the two teams enters a new era for Blacktown City FC.  The Men’s program has earned a National reputation for developing young talent and always being competitive in the Football NSW NPL 1 Men’s competition.

It took 69 years, but in 2022 Blacktown City is fielding its first Senior Women’s team with a goal to match the men’s development credibility within three years.

An immediate enhancement for the women, was the announcement prior to Christmas by Mark Taylor, State Member for Seven Hills, that Blacktown City had been successful in their grant application for female changerooms under the main grandstand.

Senior Men’s Coach, Mark Crittenden has primed his team with an extensive pre-season schedule.

Commencing with a training camp in preparation for the FFA Cup qualifier against Central Coast Mariners last November, Coach Crittenden continued a rigorous training schedule including a total of 10 practice games, as he prepares for an extremely competitive 2022 season.

Blacktown City was victorious in all 10 games played against a mixed variety of opponents.

“I am very happy with our preparation and the intensity we have shown throughout the pre-season,” said Coach Crittenden.

Returning Captain Matt Lewis added: “We have added experience with the return of Mitch Mallia and recruited young talent in Jordan Smylie from the Central Coast Mariners and Jake Trew from the Wanderers who have all fitted in well with the bulk of last year’s squad”.

The Men will kick off the season this Sunday, March 6, at home against Rockdale.  Rockdale is touted as a Top Three finisher in the competition so the opening game of the season for Blacktown City will test the extensive pre-season work.  Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm.

All home games will be played at the newly named Blacktown City Sports Centre (formerly Lily Homes Stadium) located at 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills.

Blacktown City FC has taken over full operational control of their stadium, regarded as one of the most well-known and used stadiums in the country and are constantly making improvements to the ground and its facilities.