CUP COMPETITIONS

Despite an unavoidable set-back in the running of the State Cup, both the Waratah Cup and Australia Cup competitions provided some major highlights for Football NSW clubs in 2022.

2022 Football NSW State Cup

The persistent inclement weather had a major impact on community football, which forced Football NSW and its Member Associations to review the viability of running the 2022 State Cup competition.

In completing the review, Football NSW consulted closely with Member Associations around the current status of their local competitions, field availability to host Cup matches, and ongoing discussions with respective local Councils.

The wet weather had already placed an incredible burden on Member Associations’ and competition administrators’ capacity to deliver domestic competitions in their entirety. Considering this, Football NSW reluctantly made the decision to cancel the State Cup for the 2022 season.

2022 Waratah Cup

NWS Spirit FC secured a sensational 2-1 victory over Sydney United 58 FC to claim the 2022 Waratah Cup at Blacktown City Sports Centre.

Goals to Michael Konestabo and Richard Darko in the first half gave Spirit the advantage, but Sydney United 58 came out with renewed vigour in the second half.

Chris Payne managed to get one back for Sydney United 58 FC in the 68th minute, but it wasn’t enough for them to climb back into the match as the League One outfit took the glory. For NWS Sydney Spirit, the match gave them a great opportunity to show they can hold their own against NPL NSW Men’s heavyweights, after earning promotion to the top tier competition in 2023.

2022 Australia Cup

It was a memorable year for Football NSW clubs as the 2022 season heralded the best year yet for any Member Federation club in the competition with Sydney United 58 making a run to the Cup Final and finishing runners-up to Macarthur FC.

Football NSW was represented by the Bonnyrigg White Eagles, NWS Spirit FC and Sydney United 58, alongside a grassroots clubs, Wollongong United, in a first ever for the prestigious nationwide knockout competition.

Unfortunately, the White Eagles, NWS Spirit FC and Wollongong United all bowed out in the Round of 32 but it was Sydney United 58 who progressed onwards.

Miro Vlastelica’s troops defeating the Monaro Panthers in the Round of 32 before taking care of A-League Men’s side Western United 4-3 on penalties in the Round of 16. United 58 then defeated Peninsula Power in the quarter-finals before knocking out yet another A-League Men’s outfit in the Brisbane Roar 3-2. That set up a Final, a first for any non – A-League Men’s side, where they courageously went down 2-0 to Macarthur FC.