The Sapphire Cup is a women's knockout cup competition in New South Wales, run by the governing body of football Football NSW. Teams competing in the competition come from the female National Premier League and NSW League One competitions, as well as clubs from senior women's clubs of semi-professional and amateur competitions from across the state. The competition is held during the Women's National Premier League season.
| Founded | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Region | New South Wales |
| Number of teams | 162 (in 2022) |
| Current champions | Northern Tigers (1st title) |
| Website | Sapphire Cup |
 2024 Sapphire Cup | |
History
editAhead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup which was to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the governing body of football in New South Wales, Football NSW announced a new women's knock out cup tournament, that would replicate the men's Waratah Cup[1] The name of the competition was a nod to the historical roots of women's football in NSW, named after the NSW Sapphires who represented New South Wales between 1996 and 2004 in the Women's National Soccer League, which was the precursor competition to the professional A-League Women.[2]
It was announced by Football Australia that starting in 2024, the winners of the Sapphire Cup will have the opportunity to qualify for the Women's Australia Cup, which will run parallel to the men's competition. The winner of the women's Australia Cup will have the opportunity to participate in the AFC Women's Club Championship.[3]
The first Sapphire Cup final was contested by two Sydney-based teams, APIA Leichhardt and Northern Tigers.[4] APIA Leichhardt would take the inaugural title, defeating Northern Tigers 2-1 at Leichhardt Oval.[5]
The following season, the Northern Tigers went one step further, lifting the trophy after a 2-1 victory over Sydney University SFC.[6]
Honour Roll
edit| Year | Winners | Score | Runners-up | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | APIA Leichhardt | 2-1 | Northern Tigers | Leichhardt Oval |
| 2024 | Northern Tigers | 2-1 | Sydney University | Valentine Sports Park |
References
edit- ^ Stavroulakis, Mark. "FOOTBALL NSW ANNOUNCES NSW SAPPHIRE CUP". Football NSW. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Football NSW to capitalise on World Cup with exciting new venture". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ Lewis, Samantha (10 March 2023). "Football Australia to launch Women's Australia Cup in 2024 as part of Women's World Cup legacy". ABC News. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ Stavroulakis, Mark. "HISTORY TO BE MADE AS LEICHHARDT OVAL SET TO HOST THE SAPPHIRE AND WARATAH CUP FINALS". Football NSW. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
- ^ "APIA LEICHHARDT CROWNED INAUGURAL SAPPHIRE CUP CHAMPIONS". Football NSW. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "SAPPHIRE CUP CHAMPIONS". Northern Tigers FC. 21 August 2024 – via Instagram.