Westfield FFA Cup - the fast facts

We have compiled a brief rundown on the who’s who of the 22 Member Federation clubs ahead of the start of the Round of 32. Get the lowdown here.

Capital Football
Tuggeranong United (NPL)

Website: http://home.tufc.org.au/
Twitter: @tufc_tuggies

Qualified as the 2013 ACT Federation Cup winners
With Capital Football not having had a registered Cup competition, it was agreed by the local clubs and the Federation that their spot in the Westfield FFA Cup would be allocated to the 2013 ACT Federation Cup, which was Tuggeranong United.

Currently sitting mid table in the NPL ACT, the history of ‘Tuggies’ dates back to 1977 from its origins as Kambah United Soccer Club. Notably, Tuggeranong has been a breeding ground for some quality football talent, boasting the likes of Socceroos trio Tom Rogic, new Melbourne Victory signing Carl Valeri and Western Sydney Wanderers defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley who played at the club in their early years.

Football NSW
Blacktown City (NPL Men’s 1)

Website: http://www.bcfc.com.au/
Twitter: @BlacktownCityFC

Qualified as semi-finalist of the 2014 Waratah Cup
One of New South Wales’ biggest clubs with a long and proud history. At the time of writing they are right in the mix for the NPL NSW premiership, a feat they have achieved five times since 2001. Notably, they are also known for having famously signed former England captain Kevin Keegan on a guest stint.

Manly United (NPL Men’s 1)
Website: http://www.manlyunitedfc.com.au/
Twitter: @ManlyUnited

Qualified as semi-finalist of the 2014 Waratah Cup
Have been in the NSW top flight since 2004/05 when they won the NSW Super League division. The club appears to take a liking to the Waratah Cup (NSW knockout Cup competition) having won it in 2011 and making it into the Final again this year where they will face Blacktown City.

South Coast Wolves (NPL Men’s 1)
Website: http://southcoastwolves.com.au/
Twitter: @scwolves

Qualified as semi-finalist of the 2014 Waratah Cup
Formed in 1981 and previously known as Wollongong Wolves, Wollongong FC and Wollongong Community FC, the Illawarra based club won back-to-back NSL championships in 1999/2000 and 2000/2001, while they also lifted up the Waratah Cup in 2007.

Sydney Olympic (NPL Men’s 1)
Website: http://sydneyolympicfc.com.au/
Twitter: @sydneyolympic

Qualified as semi-finalist of the 2014 Waratah Cup
Another proud NSW club with an impressive list of honours, there is no doubt the former NSL powerhouse will be licking their lips with the chance to come up against Hyundai A-League opposition. The level of their ambition is evidenced when they enticed former Liverpool and Greek international Sotirios Kyrgiakos to the club for a guest stint earlier this year. The Blues scored ten goals across their final two games of qualifying after scraping through in a penalty shootout against the Central Caost Mariners Academy in their first match of the Waratah Cup.

Sydney United 58 FC (NPL Men’s 1)
Website: http://www.sydneyunited58fc.com/
Twitter: @SydUtd58FC

Qualified as winner of play-off of quarter finals losers
An injury time goal from Mirjan Pavlovic was enough for last year’s national NPL champions to progress for the Round of 32 in a play-off after they lost their Waratah Cup quarter final to rivals Sydney Olympic. Coached by Hyundai A-League championship winning defender Mark Rudan, and a sister club of Victorian club and fellow FFA Cup entrants Melbourne Knights, United’s league form has been somewhat indifferent but they are sure to be a threat come Cup time.

Hakoah Sydney City (Men’s State League 1)
Website: http://www.maccabi.com.au/NSW/HakoahSydneyCityEastFC/
Twitter: -

Qualified as winner of play-off of quarter finals losers
One of two State League clubs around the country to qualify, Hakoah Sydney City’s journey has been somewhat the romantic story of the Round of 32. Inspired by former Adelaide United striker Lloyd Owusu – the Englishman bringing experience of playing in the FA Cup – and together with John Kosmina’s two sons also in the squad, Hakoah cannot be underestimated. Notably, Hakoah were the last winners of the Australian Cup in 1968.

Parramatta FC (NPL Men’s 2)
Website: http://www.parramattafc.com.au/
Twitter: -

Qualified as the winner of the play-off 2
The final Football NSW club to qualify, Parramatta FC currently find themselves at the top of the table of NPL Men’s 2 Division. The Eagles have been around since 1956 and were part of the NSL in which they won two titles in the 1990’s.

Northern NSW Football
South Cardiff (NPL)

Website: http://www.southcardiff.com.au/
Twitter: -

Qualified as finalist of the State Cup
Established in 1989 and nicknamed ‘the Gunners’ after English Premier League club Arsenal’s nickname, South Cardiff are not enjoying the best season in the league as they currently sit in eighth spot on the ladder. However, history of Cup competitions around the globe knows anything can happen in the Cup and South Cardiff could be a smokey, particularly if they host a home game in the Round of 32.

Broadmeadow Magic (NPL)
Website: http://www.magicfc.com
Twitter: @BMagicFC

Qualified as finalist of the State Cup
Since its inception in 1966, Broadmeadow Magic has gone through its share of name changes, from Broadmeadow United to Hamilton Red Star to Newcastle Macedonia (it’s original name) to what it is called currently. Regardless of this, they would be arguably known throughout the region having been one of Newcastle’s most successful clubs. The Magic have also been a breeding ground for a number of Newcastle Jets players.

Football Queensland
Brisbane Strikers (NPL)

Website: http://www.brisbanestrikers.com.au/
Twitter: @BneStrikers

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Football Queensland Cup
Qualification marks a return to national competition for the Strikers after they were a force during the days of the NSL. Emerging from the demise of Brisbane United, the Strikers were born in 1994 and achieved their spot in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 with a 3-2 win over Lions FC thanks to local favourite Matt Thurtell’s first half hat-trick. The NSL Grand Final they hosted in 1997 against Sydney United was a landmark day for the perception of Australian football as over 40,000 people packed into Lang Park to watch the Queenslanders win 2-0 thanks to goals from one Frank Farina and Rod Brown.

Olympic FC (NPL)
Website: http://olympicfc.net.au/
Twitter: @Olympic_FC

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Football Queensland Cup
Olympic, which was established in 1967, are no strangers to facing interstate opponents having represented Queensland in last year’s National Premier Leagues Finals Series. In 2003 the Yeronga-based club had a total of 190 registered players; by the start of the 2013 season, this had grown to a playing roster of over 855 players between the ages of 3 and 50.

Palm Beach Sharks (NPL)
Website: http://palmbeachfc.com.au/
Twitter: @PalmBeachSC1

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Football Queensland Cup
One of if not the most formidable, successful and fearsome clubs south of the Queensland capital. Did not concede a goal in qualifying and sit top of NPL Queensland. Some of their former prodigies include Socceroo Tommy Oar and Brisbane Roar skipper Matt Smith. The club boasts over 80 junior teams plus seven senior and three women’s teams.

FNQ FC Heat (NPL)
Website: http://www.fnqfc.com.au/
Twitter: @FNQHeat

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Football Queensland Cup
Far North Queensland Heat was formed in 2012, originating from a club named the Far North Queensland Bulls. Last year they were named club of the year at the Australian Football Awards. Scored a total of 15 goals in their three qualifying matches.

Football Federation South Australia
Adelaide City (NPL)

Website: http://www.adelaidecityfc.com.au/
Twitter: @AdelaideCityFC

Qualified as the 2014 Federation Cup winners
Another former NSL club, Adelaide City returns to the national stage after defeating old rivals West Adelaide 4-1 in the Federation Cup Final. The Zebras are coached by well-known Australian football icon Damian Mori, a five time NSL leading goal scorer and two time Johnny Warren Medallist. Impressively, Joel Allwright scored seven goals in the club’s five games on their way to being crowned 2014 Federation Cup champions. Adelaide City has won three NSL titles.

Football Tasmania
South Hobart (NPL)

Website: http://www.southhobartfc.com/
Twitter: @SouthHobartFC

Qualified as the winners of the Lakoseljac Cup
The NPL runners up from last year would have a fair trophy room. The oldest association football club in Tasmania having played their first match on 21 May 1910, they are also one of the most successful, winning the State Championship a record 15 times. Add to this a remarkable 21 Southern titles, 11 KO Cups, 3 Statewide KO Cups and 6 Falkinder Cups plus various other trophies, and they stand out as not only one of Tasmania's but Australia’s most successful clubs.

Football Federation Victoria
South Springvale

Website: http://www.southspringvalesc.com.au/
Twitter: -

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Dockerty Cup
The State League East club are arguably already giant killers before even kicking a ball in the Westfield FFA Cup. Progressing from Round 3 of the Dockerty Cup to qualify, they upset NPL club Hume City 3-0 in the Quarter Finals. The club was formed by local Greek Australians in 1968 as 'Sandown Dynamo'.

Bentleigh Greens
Website: http://www.bentleighgreens.com.au/
Twitter: @BentleighGreens

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Dockerty Cup
Four times the Greens has been the bridesmaids as finalists of the Victorian Premier League without taking out the big one. Started by a small group of former members of Cypriot Community's Soccer Club in 1986, Bentleigh Greens are now coached by John Anastasiadis and saw off Richmond FC to qualify, scoring three second half goals after going behind in the opening 45 minutes.

St Albans Saints
Website: http://stalbanssaints.com/
Twitter: @albans_st

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Dockerty Cup
The junior club of Socceroos and Brisbane Roar defender Ivan Franjic, the Saints were the Victorian Premier League Minor Premiers in 1998. Claimed a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Northcote City to qualify for the Round of 32.

Melbourne Knights
Website: www.melbourneknights.com.au 
Twitter: @Melb_Knights

Qualified as a semi-finalist of the Dockerty Cup
One of the most storied clubs in Australian club history, having won previous national championships and a rich history of producing top players, such as Socceroos Mark Viduka and Danny Tiatto to name but two.

Football West
Bayswater City

Website: www.bayswatercitysc.com.au
Twitter: @BayswaterCitySC

Qualified as a finalist of the Cool Ridge Cup
City are one of the strongest clubs in WA club football coached by former Socceroo Chris Coyne and featuring former A-League stars Adrian Caceres, Todd Howarth and Jamie Coyne.

Stirling Lions
Website: www.stirlinglions.com.au
Twitter: @StirlingLionsSC

Qualified as a finalist of the Cool Ridge Cup
The red and yellow has as strong focus on the development of local talent and has been very successful with a number of talented players going on to represent WA and the Socceroos. Coached for many years by club favourite Doug Hesketh.