With the mid-point of 2026 here, Manly United Football Club would like to provide a football update across our youth and senior programs.
Results are important but as a place of education for football, success comes in so many ways at Cromer Park.
Our men’s and women’s senior teams have a strong influence of local players (around 70% of total squad) deserving of an opportunity to represent the club in NPL1.
On the men’s side this was on display last Saturday at Cromer, with four teenagers who started at MWFA clubs in the starting line up for the 1-0 success over SD Raiders – Doug John (Manly Vale), Cai Evans (Forest-Killarney), Sam Griffiths (Belrose-Terrey Hills), Jasper Chipman (Wakehurst).
On average, we have the youngest starting line up outside the A-League Academy teams in Men’s NPL1, and have given most senior minutes to under-20’s eligible players across both NPL1 and League One.
Our women’s first grade squad also has a strong representation of players graduating from the youth set-up, and recently welcomed the return of Sienna Dale following her first season in the A League Women’s with Canberra United.
Sienna, who took part in the recent Young Matildas (U20) camp in Canberra, along with young men’s first grader Jasper Chipman, visited her MWFA club Wakehurst. Senior player visits are taking place at MWFA clubs who want them over the next few weeks.
The women’s squad is heavily represented by local juniors, with two in particular, Mackenzie Jeffs (Manly Vale) and Sarah Whelan (Wakehurst), adjusting well to senior football after making the progression from U18’s football last season.
Happily, there’s more, with some players receiving representative call ups.
- Ned Howell (BYL U16) U17 Joeys ID camp.
- Sam Griffiths and Jasper Chipman (M 1st Grade) U20 Young Socceroos ID camp.
- Sienna Dale (W 1st Grade) U20 Matildas camp.
- Erin Dunne (GYL U18) Australian Schoolgirls Championships.
- Evie Murphy (GYL U16) Player of the Tournament Emerging Matildas U15 Championship, where a number of MUFC players represented NSW state teams.
Also, nearly 20 boys and girls youth league players have been involved in Football NSW’s Talent Support Program sessions.
Recognition for some is one thing, but individual development is key for all our players, and treated as such.
The development pathway is a long and winding road, full of ups and downs and it’s felt by parents and guardians, who are along for the ride as much as anyone.
Last month we were lucky enough to be joined by Australian tennis great Wally Masur who has a history of coaching and mentoring junior players to reach the global stage. Wally gave us a great insight into what’s important to help young players progress through a pathway system.
“Hurry up and wait” was a key message, pointing out the need for patience as kids grow and learn.
Our coaching department – led by technical directors Jason Bennett and Sharon Egger continue to work closely with MWFA Coach Education Lead Chris Semaan, and equally, we are pumped to see so many former MUFC players now in the MWFA competitions each and every weekend.
Ever since representative football started on the northern beaches, this is who we have been – a club that wants to give northern beaches kids a crack, and further their development for wherever they end up in football.
It is who we will continue to be.
The World Cup has shown it’s a brilliant time to be involved in football (apart from penalty shootouts).
Wish you all well for the remainder of the season, after which we will provide a detailed review of how 2026 played out.
Manly United FC
