GRANVILLE DSFA

Football returned to some form of normality in the Granville District Soccer Football Association following two interrupted seasons due to COVID-19, however La Nina had other ideas.

As the 2022 grassroots football season kicked off, the rain came down causing many fields to be washed out and matches postponed.

Player registrations were difficult as clubs were unable to train and recruit players, and off the back of two COVID-19 years, there were concerns. However, in true GDSFA football family spirit, the community worked together and finally the season kicked off at the end of April and concluded at the beginning of September.

Even though 2022 was a difficult season, GDSFA still managed to introduce three new competition formats; the XL1, XL2 and a crowd favourite the ‘Mini tildas’ (U6-U7 girls).

The XL league started well but some hurdles saw a few teams unable to fulfil their commitments. Competition matches were played on Friday evenings which saw some difficulties around lights, field availability, amongst a few other issues, arise. The season went on and as the rounds went by, the competition difficulties started to ease in what was a good first season for the new league.

The ‘Mini tildas’ kicked off in 2022 with six teams as clubs from Auburn FC, Holroyd Rangers and Merrylands took part in this exciting new initiative shown by the GDSFA. The matches were played at hubs with each club getting home games every three weeks. All ‘Mini tildas’ players received pink socks and all were so excited to play. There was also disappointment from these players when games had to be cancelled due to the wet weather. Hopefully 2023 sees a surge of ‘Mini tildas’ players, especially with all the hype of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ taking place.

Despite La Nina disrupting the season, it was still able to be completed with 30 grand finals spread across three parks and six fields. Congratulations to all teams that reached the final series and a further congratulations to all the 2022 Champions.

The GDSFA ladies once again participated in the Phoenix League competition within the BDSFA. Of the 23 teams competing, eight GDSFA teams went on to win their Grand Finals in what was a great year for these clubs.

The 2022 season did see the return of the historic GDSFA Cottam Cup competition where 16 Association teams from across the state were invited to compete against 16 GDSFA teams. It was BDSFA’s Marayong FC who proved too strong for their competition, taking out the silverware.

In the individual awards, GDSFA would like to congratulate Granville Waratahs’ Zac Farah who took out the annual Club Person of the Year award. Zac not only works extremely hard for Granville Waratahs, but also assists others as well as the Association when needed.

The 2022 season may have had a shaky start, but the GDSFA family got through it, the community was able to participate in the game they love and are now looking forward to what 2023 will bring.