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The NPL Women’s NSW competition starts this weekend, when Manly United begin their campaign with an away trip to Lynwood Park. Ahead of Sunday’s season opener, we caught up with First Grade Head Coach Tom Hopley to discuss the squad and his ambitions for the group in 2026.

MUFC: It’s your 16^th year with Manly and 6th year as the First Grade coach. What are you most looking forward to seeing from this group of girls?

Tom: I’m really excited to see how far this squad can go.  We’ve got a tight knit group of girls that are all hungry for success and who want to all play for each other. To watch them working hard as a collective and then getting the results they deserve – this is what we all want to see as a group.

MUFC: 2025 was a great effort – almost a top four finish. What do you put this down to?

Tom: One of our keys to success last season was just taking each week as it came and focusing on the next match. If we continue to work hard at staying humble and doing this, I’m sure good things will follow this season.

We also back our culture here. Providing that clear pathway and developing from within creates a great culture all the way to First Grade, where the girls want to show up every game and back each other.

MUFC: Obviously, the pathway is important. How do you balance homegrown talent and players from elsewhere?

Tom: Traditionally we do retain pathway players, and a lot is down to that culture as well as the commitment of everyone at Manly to reward effort.  Competition for spots is really high, and our club ethos of “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” means that players know to work hard each and every week and the rewards will come. That message works internally but also strikes a chord with players from outside who hear about how we work.

MUFC: This season’s squad feels like a proper mix of experience and energy.  Who do you think is most likely to have a stellar season?

Tom: There are too many to name only one player! I must say though, I have real respect for the more experienced girls who seem to be getting better with every season. The likes of Nicole Stuart, Ruby Jackson, Emily Minett, Chloe O’Brien and Phoebe Gilbane have really taken charge of this group, and they drive the intensity both at training and in games.

MUFC: You also have a few new additions for 2026. Who should the fans be looking out for as the breakthrough players?

Tom: Brinley Gentle, Sarah Moore and Kayla Osborn are our key additions to the First Grade. I think Manly supporters should feel excited about all three of them!

Also, I feel we have really strengthened the 23s group, thanks to a number of players being promoted from the U18s team after they had two huge seasons. So, this whole group will be worth the watch.

MUFC: What’s the message to the Manly Massive as the season kicks off?

Tom: Show your support! We aim to play exciting football in both grades so please come down and fill the stands at every home game!

The Senior Women begin their campaign on Sunday, March 8th playing away against the Macarthur Rams. First Grade KO is at 3pm, followed by the U23s at 5pm.

With the 2026 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s season about to get underway, Manly United FC is proud to unveil its Senior Women’s squad ahead of Sunday’s opening round.

The squad reflects the identity that has become synonymous with Manly United’s women’s program – a strong core of experienced players, exciting new additions and a continued commitment to developing talent through the club’s pathway.

After narrowly missing out on finals football last season, the group enters the new campaign with a tight-knit squad focused on building momentum quickly and pushing further up the ladder in 2026.

First Grade: Experience and New Energy Combined

Continuity remains a key strength for Manly United this season, with several established leaders returning to anchor the First Grade side.

Experienced campaigners Ruby Jackson (captain), Phoebe Gilbane (vice captain), Nicole Stuart, Emily Minett and Chloe O’Brien form the backbone of the squad, bringing composure, leadership and a deep understanding of the club’s identity.

Alongside this experienced core, the squad has welcomed several exciting additions expected to make an immediate impact. Brinley Gentle, Sarah Moore and Kayla Osborn join the First Grade environment for 2026, adding further depth and energy.

Pathway Strength Continues

As always, the pathway remains central to Manly United’s overall approach.

Several players within the senior squad have progressed through the club’s youth ranks, reinforcing the strength of the development structure that feeds into the NPL Women’s program. Additionally, a number of standout performers from the Under 18s step into the Under 23s group after two impressive seasons at youth level.

No question, Manly’s senior program continues to blend experience with emerging talent, ensuring strong competition for places while maintaining a clear route for young players aspiring to reach First Grade.

With a strong culture, healthy competition for positions and a squad committed to working for one another, Manly United is ready for the season ahead and keen to make its mark quickly.

The Senior Women’s campaign begins this Sunday against Macarthur Rams at Lynwood Park. KO: 1^st Grade 3pm / U23 5pm.

Images credit: Football NSW

Manly United’s unbeaten start to the 2026 NPL NSW campaign came to an end on Friday night, with a 2–0 defeat away to Sydney United 58 in a match that proved a stern test – particularly after going down to ten men before the break.

The hosts struck early, capitalising in the seventh minute after a driving run through midfield released Tomoki Wada, who finished clinically to give Sydney United the advantage.

Manly responded positively. A series of corners midway through the half put the home side under pressure, with Adam Pavlesic forced to command his area strongly as the visitors looked for a foothold in the contest.

Sydney United extended their lead in the 33rd minute, finishing off another quick transition to make it 2–0. Mackenzie Syron was called into action soon after, producing a sharp save from close range to keep Manly within touching distance heading into half-time.

The game shifted decisively just before the break when William McCreery was shown a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident, leaving Manly with a mountain to climb for the entire second half.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Manly refused to retreat.

Early in the second period, Luca Krizan produced a heroic goal-line clearance, diving to head the ball away and prevent a third. Aaron O’Driscoll followed with a crucial last-ditch intervention later in the half, highlighting the defensive resolve on display.

Manly continued to search for a way back into the contest. Benjamin Koop came closest in the 73rd minute, his effort flashing narrowly wide as the visitors pushed forward with intent despite being a man down.

While Sydney United managed the final stages professionally, there was no shortage of character from Manly. Reduced to ten men for over half of the game, the squad showed resilience, defensive grit and a willingness to compete until the final whistle.

A close contest for the U20s

Earlier in the evening, the U20s were involved in a five-goal thriller, eventually going down 3–2 in a tightly contested battle. Ryan Parkes and Lewis Morsella were on target for Manly, with the side pushing right to the final whistle in what was a spirited performance on the road.

Despite the results, there were clear signs of fight and the Senior Men’s squad has plenty to build on as the campaign progresses.

For match stats visit Football NSW

Image credit: Football NSW

Manly United had to settle for a point on Friday night, with APIA Leichhardt snatching a late equaliser in an entertaining 2-2 contest at Cromer Park.

In a match full of quality, it was Manly who showed resilience and attacking intent – and deep into regular time, looked the more likely to take all three points.

The tone was set early in a high-tempo opening. APIA threatened inside the first minute, while Ayumu Kimura nearly capitalised soon after, pressing their keeper into a desperate race to the ball. All early signs of a fiercely contested encounter.

Both sides created chances through the first half and both defensive units stood strong. Shortly after the restart, APIA number 8 Michael Konestabo lifted the ball over Mackenzie Syron to give the visitors the lead.

The response from Manly was immediate – and emphatic.

Awarded a free kick on the edge of the area in the 62nd minute, Darcy Burgess stepped up and delivered an incredible shot, curling the ball into the top corner to level the scores and ignite Cromer Park.

Five minutes later, our boys had turned the game on its head. Luke Nieuwenhof reacted quickest inside the box after Stephen De Robillard’s effort was deflected, driving the ball home to give the locals a deserved advantage.

It was time for the defenders to dig deep as APIA’s forwards continued to push hard. With only three minutes remaining, Max Court rose highest from a free kick, heading the ball into the net from close range to level the scores at 2-2.

A frantic finish followed, with both sides pushing for a winner that ultimately never came. Frustrating, and yet a fair result of the match-up from start to end.

Despite it finishing as a draw, Manly’s performance showed plenty of character as the squad continues to build momentum in the early rounds.

A Narrow Defeat for U20s

Earlier, the Under 20s suffered their first defeat of the campaign in a game packed with drama. It was always set to be a tight contest with both teams sitting on six points after two rounds – and unfortunately, it was the locals who fell shy in the 1-2 finish. While the penalty awarded to APIA snatched vital points, it doesn’t change the team’s strong performance and Rhys Webster’s goal.

Round 4 sees the Senior Men playing away at Sydney United 58 FC, Friday Feb 27 – KO 7.30pm (U20s 5.30pm).

For match stats visit Football NSW

Image credit: Football NSW