Rychvalsky powers NYU women to historic football championship

Nambour Yandina United Women’s Premier League team created history last Friday (October 15) becoming the club’s first Premier team to win a grand final.

Played in Caloundra in the fog and in front of a Red Army of supporters they won the McDonald's Women’s Premier League decider 3-nil against Sunshine Coast FC Fire.

Coach Matt Croskerry said winning the first championship in the club’s history made the occasion extra special. “The injuries definitely hurt us in the second half of the season but credit to the girls, they never stopped working or believing and they got their reward for the last couple years of good progress.”

Croskerry said mentality was a big focus for the team going in to the final. “We spoke about not getting drawn in to the occasion and just playing the same brand of football that got us to the final in the first place. We knew Fire are a tough physical side, can defend really well and can be dangerous if given the space. Our game plan was to press high player-to-player and try and put all the pressure on them to force the mistake high up the field. We knew there'd be opportunities and when they came our attackers were clinical with all 3 goals being superb finishes.”

Jasmine Evans scored a thunder volley while Kiara Rychvalsky scored 2 excellent long-range strikes. Rychvalsky was named Player of the Final.

“Our back-line was resolute and kept the chances for Fire really limited. It was the first clean sheet we've had against Fire all season so they did really well.”

Croskerry said the win was a special moment for the players many of whom had never won a grand final. 

“It really capped off a fantastic year for NYU with so many teams making the finals or winning their leagues, it's fantastic to see."

While the club ticked off a few 'firsts' this year they will now look to make that success sustainable.

“We will lose a few players to university and other commitments next year, but it's an exciting opportunity to bring in fresh faces. We've got some good young players coming through who deserve a chance and I think we may pick up 1 or 2 from elsewhere in the league.”

He said the team appreciated the support it received from the Red Army. “Wherever we go, we always have the best support.”

Rychvalsky scored 19 goals in the regular season and slotted a penalty to help secure the grand final spot.

She was Sunshine Coast Football’s highest goal scorer for Premier Women in 2021.

Then in her first ever Premier Ladies grand final, at just 17, Rychvalsky scored two out of the three goals and assisted the third and was named player of the final.

• In other grades the Women’s Premier League Reserves were runners up, as were the 4th Division Gold.

Nambour Yandina United Football Club Women’s Premier League team celebrates grand final glory.

Kiara Rychvalsky

From left, Jasmine Evans, Rachel Brook (Captain), Katie Newcome.