MACARTHUR FA

After a disappointing end to the 2021 season, it was pleasing to welcome back over 10,000 registered players across the Macarthur Football Association (MFA) this year.

Returning to life as it was known prepandemic was never going to be easy, but it certainly was something to look forward to. Whilst restrictions were easing, the threat of the virus was still very real and would certainly impact on community sport participation in 2022.

Well over 830 registered teams were raring to go ahead of Round One, before the heavens opened in NSW like never before. Torrential rain causing severe flooding in our region, not only delaying the start of the Football season but causing far more serious issues for local community members. Unfortunately, MFA had not seen the end of it either with over 2,000mm of rain falling across the state - approximately four times the yearly average - over the course of the season.

Despite the challenges of inclement weather throughout the season, there were certainly many highlights to acknowledge and celebrate.

It was great to put back smiles on the thousands of young footballers faces as the MiniRoos Gala Days returned.

The launch of a 12-team Women’s M-League competition, in partnership with the Southern Districts Soccer Football Association, made for one of the most exciting seasons on record. Congratulations to both the Liverpool City Robins (Premiers) and the Camden Tigers (Champions) on a remarkable season.

As part of the promotion for women’s football, MFA also launched the Football for Women and Girls in Macarthur 2022 – 2027 strategy.

It was great to see the introduction of MOJO Sports as the official grassroots coaching app, as an initiative to help support local coaches and raise coaching standards.

The expansion of the Macarthur ‘SAP’ League and introduction of the M-SAP Cup was also a great achievement in 2022.

MFA also had some exciting upgrades thanks to various Government grants taking place across various clubs and grounds. Picton Rangers FC secured $2.13m to upgrade Fairley Road (Picton Showgrounds), thanks to the NSW Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant, and Wollondilly Shire Council secured $2m for the Tahmoor Sports Complex thanks to the Multisport Community Facility Fund.

Camden Council also endorsed the masterplan for Harrington Park Reserve, with the first stage funded by Council’s COVID-19 Community Sport Package, while progress was made on the Lynwood Park masterplan, with a WestInvest funding application submitted in partnership with Campbelltown City Council.

There were also various club achievements MFA were honoured to promote. From an Anniversary front, various MFA clubs celebrated milestones including Campbelltown Collegians FC (50), Eschol Park FC (40) and Harrington United (20), while the Macarthur District Football Referees Association also marked 40 years of existence.

MFA were proud to see Harrington United FC’s Under 18 Girls crowned 2022 Football NSW Champion of Champions in what was an epic display at Valentine Sports Park.

It was fantastic to see Macarthur FC claim its first historic title, taking out the 2022 Australia Cup by defeating Sydney United 58 while the Macarthur Rams Men’s and Women’s sides added to its trophy cabinet with Championship victories in the League 2 Men’s and NPL NSW Women’s competitions respectively.

It is fair to say that the Macarthur Football Family has much to be proud of, but so much more to achieve.