Welcome to what we hope will be a monthly review of our team's performances. These snapshots will provide an update on how each team went during the month, and allow all our members and sponsors to keep up to date with all our footballing activities.
We'd like to thank our Social Media photographer and budding journalist Harmony Romsloe for her efforts in pulling this together.
NPLW
May was a busy month for the NPLW squad as they played five games and lost just one when they were beaten by local rivals Balcatta. The almost flawless performance in the month propelled the team to the top of the table, 3 points ahead of Murdoch University Melville FC, followed by Fremantle City FC.
Probably the standout out game of the month was the away match against Murdoch. Down 1-0 at half time the team bounced back with a penalty from Kim Carroll and goals from Larissa Walsh and Jacinta Coleman. Jacinta’s goal was included in the goal of the round, and she dedicated it to her new son who her partner gave birth to earlier in the week.
The next month will see more high-pressure games, but if the team can maintain their May form, they will put pressure on the chasing pack to try and chase them down.
The NPLW Redbacks have been resilient so far and, the team spirit has been noticed by onlookers and proud coach, Carlos Vega Mena.
The team has set themselves up for a great season, and we all wish them well as they attempt to win more silverware for the club.
Under 23s
The Under 23s had a slow start to the season, but during May things have started to turn around and they finished the month with a win and a draw after 2 earlier losses.
The team is one of the youngest in the league and they have sometimes been exposed by other older players during games. The introduction of Jessica Wheatman has given the team some much-needed experience and a renewed sense of confidence has seen results improve, with the most notable result being a 2-0 win against MUM FC with goals from Siena Crevacore and Krystal McCluskey earning the points.
With results slowly improving the squad is hoping to turn draws into wins during June and will also be hoping that more of the team will be given opportunities to play in the NPLW squad.
Amateurs
At the end of May, the Amateur team were 9th on the ladder on 4 points, 12 points behind leaders Curtin University. Playing only 3 games in May, the results have been a mixed bag with one loss, a draw and a win.
An outstanding game against Perth AFC saw them win 5–2 win which moved them nicely up the table.
They have also been doing exceptionally well in the Metro Cup and will be looking to book a place in the semi-finals of the competition when they take on Metro Division 2 South side Brooklands FC in a quarterfinal game in July. Until then the squad will be working hard at securing more wins in this month’s games against Balga Soccer Club, Hamersley Rovers SC and Fremantle SC.
Metro Division 2 North
May was a tough month for our Metro North Division 2 team, with just one win and 3 losses. At the end of the month, they were sitting in 5th spot, 12 points behind the leaders Wanneroo City.
The team has suffered a few injuries, and this has disrupted their normally settled lineup, but they are working hard at training and had a big boost to their confidence when they beat Noranda in a tight game 1-0.
They now face June with renewed confidence and will be hoping to see more wins in the games against Ashfield, South Perth United and league leaders Wanneroo City.
Under 14s
The Under 14s team has been amazing so far this season, and the month of May saw them continue their unbeaten run and maintain a completely clean sheet for the campaign so far. The team has scored a phenomenal 43 goals and conceded 0, boasting the best defence and attack in the league.
The highlight game of the month was against the previously undefeated Carramar Shamrock Rovers who they beat 4–0. Coach Cam Robertson has been impressed with the way these junior Redbacks play, as they are showing encouraging signs of moving the ball to create and score chances but also being strong in defence.
The league has been somewhat uneven this year with the teams varying in skill levels compared to last year, with a few change-ups.
A 20–0 defeat saw the Murdoch University team drop down to Division 2, and the ECU team has folded—seeing some of the players move to Kingsley Westside.
The team has now returned to close to full strength after a few injuries, with a further three players joining halfway through the season to really boost the numbers. In the coming weeks, the Under 14s are expecting a shake-up of positions to really round out their skills and to keep the colder training sessions interesting.
The Under 14s have had plenty of opportunity for growth, often training with the Under 16s and a few even showing off their talent in the Under 16s League. In his fourth year of junior coaching, Cameron Robertson has already eyed off some serious potential in this squad, boasting a few of the players as potential NPLW athletes.
The Under 14s have done a great job at championing the Redback values, supporting each other both on and off the field.
Under 16s
The Under 16s are also enjoying a great season and were second on the ladder at the end of the month, being denied the top spot by goal difference only. The only blemish on their otherwise perfect month was a 1-1 draw against Fremantle City at the beginning of May.
Coach and Redback NPLW player, Larissa Walsh, felt the 3–0 win against Balcatta was the best of May, as the players showed some real composure with the ball and putting into practice what they had been doing at training. She gave a special shout out to Jasmine Batson, who has really warmed to the skills learned at training.
A good attitude and work ethic has rung true amongst the Under 16s squad, particularly in the great atmosphere they create in their Monday training sessions. Just a day after their Sunday game, the team shows up ready and eager to learn and take feedback.