In 2017, The Hills Football Premier League Mens 1 competition will see 8 teams battle it out for the honors of our inaugural champion. Leading into round 1, we will be previewing each of the teams.
First Up – CASTLE HILL UNITED
The CHUFC Green Machine is back on board for 2017 with the majority of their 2016 squad returning.
In the Club’s 45th Year, the PL1 squad hope to build on what they built in 2016. Having not had a squad since 2009, CHU certainly made their presence felt early on in 2016, with the Reserve Grade appearing in the Grand Final against a very polished Baulkham Hills. At an average age of 18 in 2016, it was no small achievement.
In 2017, they welcome back Head Coach Steve Berry, assisted by Bruce Baker, who most recently took his U17’s to CoC Finals in 2015. Steve has worked tirelessly on the recruitment of some new heads, whilst preserving the nucleus of CHU-raised boys. With 9 players celebrating more than 10 years with the club in 2017, CHU knows how to breed and retain local talent.
Adding a Personal Trainer late December to their support crew has ensured the team are at peak fitness levels.
The club celebrates the return of past-juniors Brad Mitchell, Adam DiMartino, Mitch Shorrock and Braydon Kirkley from various outside ranks, and will be looking to new comers Daniel Polkinghorne, Chad Lumley, Luca Bonanni and Jared Vella to make an early impact within the existing structure. The team have added to the family element, pairing the club-loyal Ben Welch and younger brother Ryan for the first time.
At CHU there is never any shortage of players to step up from within; they welcome Luca Crisanto in the back line and Joel Baker wearing the gloves. Forecasting a strengthened competition, Bezza’s Boys will be buzzing in 2017.
Castle Hill united take on Sydney North West FC at The Hills Sports High School. KO 1pm res, 3pm 1st Grade
