Sydney Uni SFC
ABOUT US
We are Sydney Uni SFC
Sydney Uni SFC proudly stands as Australia's premier university endorsed soccer club.
Our club has won numerous Premiership and Championship titles in the National Premier League, establishing our program as one of the most accomplished and respected representative pathways in soccer in NSW.
As a professionally operated entity, we actively participate in Football NSW state level competitions, providing representative opportunities for talented individuals seeking advanced training and skill development. We take pride in our player development pathways within the National Premier League, nurturing success for young athletes through skills acquisition programs that transition them from youth league to senior playing levels. Alongside our participation in the National Premier League, we provide tiered All-Age division teams that cater to senior soccer players of diverse skill levels and experience who are committed to excellence.
Sydney Uni SFC stands out for our steadfast commitment to fairness and honesty, valuing talent for its true merit. We deeply respect each member of our club for their unique contributions to our success. While proud of our history and achievements, we stay humble and celebrate every success, big or small. We function as a unified team, working together towards a shared vision and goal. Embracing diversity, our club is dedicated to inclusivity, nurturing players from all backgrounds. We believe that the strength of our club comes from valuing diverse perspectives.
At Sydney Uni SFC, we foster a nurturing environment where individuals flourish, dedicated to refining skills and unlocking true potential.
We are Rich in History
Established in 1946, Sydney Uni SFC boasts an illustrious history of success in both men’s and women’s soccer, nurturing talents that have gone on to shine on the international stage with the Matildas and Socceroos. Our identity and values have been shaped since the early twentieth century with many football matches laying the foundations to what the club has evolved into today. The oldest state cup Commonwealth challenge, the Gardiner Challenge Cup was played at University Oval as early as 1895, marking our enduring presence in competitive soccer and the titles won since our foundational year1.
Supported by Sydney Uni Sport, one of the most ambitious sporting organisations in the Southern Hemisphere, we are seriously committed to shaping Australian football's future and nurturing talent across individual player development, coaching and sports management. Our training and development programs create pathways to the A-League Women's, international opportunities, and national team representation building player confidence, mindset and integrity. We are more than just football; we are committed to developing individuals as respectful athletes with strong values.
Long before our establishment year, our club has been deeply rooted in football, engaging in playing, managing, spectating, and celebrating football for over a century. We are proud of our esteemed heritage. Committed to ongoing development as a premier football club, we support each other to achieve the greatest results in our pursuit of excellence. Together we take pride in honouring the individuals who laid the foundation for the cherished club we are today.
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CLARE WHEELER
Current Matilda Clare Wheeler played National Premier League for Sydney Uni SFC..
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CLARE HUNT
Current Matilda Clare Hunt played National Premier League for Sydney Uni SFC
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MICHAEL THWAITE
Played for Sydney Uni SFC before being selected for the Australian Men's National Team
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CORTNEE VINE
Current Matilda Cortnee Vine played National Premier League for Sydney Uni SFC
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MICHELLE HEYMAN
Current Matilda Michelle Heyman played for Sydney Uni SFC in the National Premier League
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HEATHER GARRIOCK
Heather Garriock a former Sydney Uni SFC head coach, ranked 4th as the highest-capped international women’s football player with 130 matches for the Matildas
We Develop Players, Coaches and Sports Managers
Several of our former players have reached the pinnacle of representing Australia on the world stage, a source of immense pride for our club. Thirteen Matildas and one Socceroo have proudly worn the Blue & Gold jersey, a testament to our commitment to fostering excellence in Australian football. Most notable among them are our University of Sydney Alumni, Clare Hunt and Clare Wheeler, who have both made significant contributions after their time with Sydney Uni SFC in the National Premier League. In addition to Clare Hunt and Clare Wheeler, we are proud to have had the following accomplished women represent Sydney Uni SFC including Heather Garriock, Cortnee Vine, Kaitlyn Torpey, Rachel Lowe, Amy Sayer, Michelle Heyman, Eliza Campbell, Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Amy Harrison, Jenna Kingsley and Charlie Rule.
Michael Thwaite represented the Australian national team as a Socceroo for many years commencing in the under-20s team in the 2003 FIFA World Club Youth Championship, the 2014 World Cup and many international appearances in-between including the 2007 Asian Cup. Thwaite has had an incredible professional football career starting at Sydney Uni SFC on a Warren Segal university scholarship offered through our Elite Athlete Program. His career has seen him play for Marconi Stallions, Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory, Gold Coast United, Western Sydney Wanderers, Sportsklubben Brann (Norway), Wisła Kraków (Poland) and the Chinese Super League.
Success in football involves more than just developing players; it requires coordination and collaboration across all aspects of the club. Our coaches and sports administrators have played a crucial role in providing an elite platform for players to excel while developing their experience in sports management. We take pride in the transition of established players into coaching roles, offering an international perspective. Notably, figures like:
Heather Garriock a former Sydney Uni SFC head coach, ranked 4th as the highest-capped international women’s football player with 130 matches for the Matildas, exemplify this commitment. Heather was inducted into the 2023 Sport NSW Hall of Champions, further highlighting her impact and our club's legacy.
Alex Epakis, who currently coaches Perth Glory, coached both our Men’s and Women’s First Grade during his time with us before going on to be Perth Glory head coach in the A-League. Prior to that he coached Sydney FC youth and formed part of the Philippines national team for the 2023 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Miles Downie began with Sydney Uni Sport as the High Performance Manager, while simultaneously coaching the junior Skills Acquisition Team. His impressive abilities to help players develop propelled him to numerous roles at Football Australia. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Head Coach for the National Futsal Team, the Futsalroos, showcasing his exceptional expertise and experience.
Nathan Kosmina began his career in sports administration with Sydney Uni SFC in the early 2010s, before moving into operational roles are at Football Federation Australia. Nathan is currently the CEO of Adelaide United.
Emily Husband grew professionally as Head Coach for Sydney Uni SFC’s Women’s National Premier League team bringing with her international experience as a player at Leeds United and Huddersfield Town before coaching for Princeton in the USA, Leeds United, Chelsea and Canberra United. Emily is now the Head Coach for A-League’s Central Coast Mariners. At the time of taking up the role, Emily was one of only two women coaching A-League Women’s teams in Australia.
Sydney Uni SFC is dedicated to player development and fostering confidence through equality. We create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive, focusing on skill enhancement and unlocking each person's full potential. Every member of our club is valued. Driven by tradition and inspired by success, we are committed to helping everyone reach their best.
Our Technical Directors Bring Expert Experience
Our technical directors and head coaches bring extensive coaching experience, having managed the training and development of world-class football players globally. They have also enjoyed remarkable football careers both internationally and within Australia.
Our Mixed SAP/JDL Technical Director, Jean Narde, has had a distinguished playing career, progressing from the São Paulo youth program to the first team and later competing in Europe with Dynamo Moscow and Gremio. He has played alongside renowned stars such as Kaká, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo. Back in São Paulo, Jean contributed to junior academies, and he now brings his international experience to Sydney Uni SFC, where he is dedicated to developing confident and skilled individuals within our junior program.
Recently, Amy Shepherd moved on to coach A-League’s Wellington Phoenix but began her coaching career as a teenager at Royston Town FC and later took on a role as a Football Development Officer with Cambridge United FC. After earning a degree in Sport Management from the University of Brighton and advancing her career as a Sport Development Officer, Amy continued coaching at local UK clubs and Watford FC before transitioning to full-time coaching in New Jersey, USA. Having held various roles at Sydney Uni SFC, Norwich City FC and Watford FC, Amy brought a wealth of international experience to Sydney Uni SFC as the Football Development Officer and coach for the club’s Women’s National Premier League 1.
“The Club is built around family, tradition, hard work and success, and has been a great platform for me to pursue not only my coaching journey, but also my administration and football management career.”
Amy Shepherd | Former Sydney Uni SFC Coach
Current Wellington Phoenix A-League Women’s Assistant Coach
We offer Elite Athlete Program Scholarships
The University of Sydney champions education for all.
Whether your ambitions lie in representing Sydney Uni SFC, a professional team, or Australia, we are dedicated to supporting student-athletes across diverse aspirations and achievements. Through our Elite Athlete Program, talented football players have the opportunity to earn academic scholarships while studying at The University of Sydney, equipping them for outstanding accomplishments in both sports and academics.
We create an optimal environment for success through proven sporting programs, state-of-the-art training facilities and services, dedicated academic and wellness support, comfortable living arrangements, and financial aid. Many of our senior men’s and women’s football players are currently engaged in the Elite Athlete Program allowing them to follow their dream in sport at an elite level while gaining academic support while achieving a degree at the University of Sydney.
That’s the Sydney Uni SFC difference.
We Celebrate the Annual Blue & Gold Dinner
In 2005, Sydney Uni SFC introduced the inaugural Blue and Gold Dinner, the club’s annual gala fundraising event. This prestigious occasion has hosted numerous distinguished speakers from the football community and has successfully raised substantial funds for the club1.
The tradition of awarding Blues began at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and has since been adopted by many British and Australian universities. Blues are the highest honours in university sports, awarded annually to university students who exhibit exceptional athletic performance at the highest level of sporting competition.
At the University of Sydney, the excitement of Blues nominations begins each October, right after the annual sporting season ends. Nominees who excel in their sporting categories are honoured at the annual Blue and Gold Dinner, where the final winner for each category is announced and celebrated. Blues are awarded the privilege of wearing their Blues jacket, featuring the distinguished 'Blue and Gold' stripes at all future events.
The Blues Association at Sydney Uni Sport offers further sporting scholarships to those awarded a Blue or Gold honour to help them further their sporting dreams.
Blue and Gold Award Winners 2024: Amelia Kirby, Jesse Hirschowitz and Amelia Feeney.
We Celebrate the Commitment of our Volunteers
Over the course of our history, our club has been privileged to rely on dedicated volunteers who contribute diverse knowledge, skills, and talents crucial to our success. Each volunteer shares a profound connection to our club and our vision, and generously dedicates their time and expertise to ensure our ongoing achievements. We deeply appreciate and take pride in the contributions of parents, friends, soccer enthusiasts, tertiary students, and skilled professionals who are committed to enhancing our club's reputation and creating lasting value and impact.
Our Values
Integrity and Respect
We value every member of Sydney Uni SFC for the contribution they can make to our success.
We respect academic freedom, teamwork, and open, considerate discussion
When we disagree, we will not dismiss each other’s ideas, nor undervalue expertise.
Developing Toward Excellence
We are continually learning, and working toward bettering the club as a whole.
We support one another and encourage them in their pursuit for further learning and development.
We embrace diversity and are an inclusive club dedicated to nurturing players from all backgrounds.
Welcoming and Stronger Together
We operate as a cohesive team, moving forward together towards a common vision and goal.
We are committed to learning and enhancing the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
We believe our club is stronger because we value and encourage different and unique perspectives.
Club History
If you are interested in learning more about our Club, you can download the complete Sydney Uni SFC history written by our Club Historians, Peter Smith & Tom Bailey-Smith.
