Courtesy: Manly Daily


Nicola's double-header

11 Mar 11

by Andrew Prentice

A COUPLE of years ago Nicola Drakopoulos was coasting.

The gifted shot-stopper was doing her thing at training, but wasn’t being pushed.

A chance introduction to former Australian futsal goalkeeper Craig Carlisle opened her eyes to what she could achieve if she applied herself, and she hasn’t looked back.

“It is hard to put into words how big an influence he has been,” the Seaforth teenager said.

“Craig is very patient, and gets the best out of me. I feel I have improved out of sight the past two years, Craig is definitely the reason why.”

Like many of her team-mates at Manly United, the 16-year-old uses futsal to refine her game.

She represented an Australian under-17s squad in a tournament in Brazil last November and is coming off a fantastic season with the Northern Beaches Breakers Open women’s team.

Undefeated leading into their recent Football NSW grand final against the West City Crusaders, the futsal girls showed no signs of nerves, coasting to a 4-0 victory.

“We all spend so much time together, and are friends away from soccer as well,” Nicola said.

“Our combinations are good, everyone knows their role. Hopefully we can have an equally successful season with Manly United.

“On a personal level I am looking at a big year between the sticks so I can achieve my goal of playing in the W-League.”

Carlisle expects Nicola to have a big winter following her success indoors.

“She will definitely be in the frame for Manly’s first grade squad, which will be great for her development,” he said.

“She works hard and knows where she wants to be long-term.

“I always like seeing kids like Nicola succeed, she does everything right.

“She is very easy to coach, has good hands and a great attitude.”

IN a great all-round result for the Breakers, the open men’s squad upset defending champions Maccabi 2-1 and the under-16 girls hammered the Northern Tigers 4-0.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com