With the Western Sydney Wanderers bringing top-flight football to Penrith for the first time in 30 years we take a look at Nepean Football Association; the guardians of football in the region.
The Nepean FA cover the Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Wollondilly council areas with around 12,000 registered players from U5s to Over 45s making up 1,039 teams at 31 clubs. As well as the 31 amateur clubs, the Nepean FC also has a strong representative structure through Nepean FC who plays in State League 1.
With Wanderers Mark Bridge as well as Socceroos Mile Jedinak, Mat Ryan and Mark Schwarzer, the region has certainly produced high calibre players.
Nepean FA Football Manager James Rankine puts the success of football in the area down to a number of factors.
“We have a great structure to identify players here at Nepean. All 32 clubs look after their members which allows them to attract and retain players before handing them over to representative teams when ready,” he said.
For the full story, pick-up your free copy of The Wanderer magazine at this Sunday’s match against Wellington Phoenix at Sportingbet Stadium.
Tickets are available here with Members receiving 10% off.
