Tag: Peninsula Power FC

‘I’ll Return Stronger’: World Cup Hero Cortnee Vine Takes Mental Health Break

Local World Cup hero Cortnee Vine, who first made her mark at Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power, has announced she will step away from soccer to focus on her mental health.

Read: Redcliffe Parade Redevelopment: A New Era for the Coastal Precinct

Cortnee Vine takes a break from whirlwind success

The 26-year-old, who became a household name after scoring the winning penalty in Australia’s quarter-final victory over France during last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, has experienced a dramatic transformation in her career since her early days at Peninsula Power.

“I’m sure many people can appreciate that my life has changed dramatically over the past two years,” Vine said in a statement released by her management on 15 November. “Due to these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, I’ve discovered that identifying, managing and prioritising my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on.”

Vine Time goes global

Following a successful four-year stint with Sydney FC, Vine made a significant career move to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club North Carolina Courage in June. Despite scoring one goal in five appearances and participating in the team’s recent playoff campaign, the Redcliffe star has chosen to take time away from the sport.

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni confirmed Vine’s unavailability for the upcoming international window, which includes four home matches against Brazil and Taiwan. “Cortnee has chosen, at this stage, not to be considered to be selected,” Sermanni said. “We’ve had a chat before the last window and had a chat within the last week. She’s good but just not available for these upcoming games.”

Matildas at home

For supporters hoping to see the Matildas in action, the team will hold a free public training session at QSAC’s Main Stadium on 26 November, with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.

The national team will then compete in four home internationals:
November 28: vs Brazil (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
December 1: vs Brazil (Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast)
December 4: vs Taiwan (AAMI Park, Melbourne)
December 7: vs Taiwan (GMHBA Stadium, Geelong)

Read: Street Name: Prince Edward Parade , Redcliffe

Despite the current challenges, Redcliffe’s World Cup hero remains optimistic about her return. “Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult ones, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance,” she said. “I truly appreciate everyone’s support and concern, and I’m confident I’ll return stronger than ever.”

Published 25-November-2024

Vine Time Immortalised: Cortnee Vine’s Historic Penalty Honoured in Bronze

Peninsula Power FC standout Cortnee Vine has been forever etched into Australian sporting history with a stunning new mural at Suncorp Stadium alongside the Matildas. Unveiled on Tuesday, the artwork celebrates the team’s unprecedented success and their impact on Australian sport.

Read: From Civic Hub to Legal Centre: The Evolution of Redcliffe’s Historic Chambers

Cortnee Vine, Matildas immortalised

Located at the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium, the 5.5m-long and 2.1m-wide bronze bas-relief depicts one of the most significant moments in Australian soccer history. The mural captures the Matildas’ jubilant celebration following Cortnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France, the moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.

Matildas star Tameka Yallop expressed her appreciation for the tribute. “It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.

“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”

From Redcliffe to the world stage

Cortnee Vine’s rise from Redcliffe to World Cup stardom has inspired young athletes across the region. Following her World Cup heroics Vine returned to Sydney FC for a fourth season, where she dominated with 10 goals and 6 assists. Averaging 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes, she quickly caught the attention of international scouts.

In June, Vine secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), marking her debut on the international club stage. Her impact was immediate; she scored her first NWSL goal during her Courage home debut on 1 September, helping secure a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current.

Read: Ambitious 9-Storey Development Proposed for Alfred Street at Woody Point

Inspiring future generations

This mural complements the existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.

It represents a significant step towards greater recognition of women’s contributions to Australian sport. For generations to come, the mural will inspire young athletes to dream big and chase their goals, just like Cortnee.

Published 27-September-2024

Peninsula Power FC Bolsters Squad with Three New Signings

Peninsula Power FC has announced the signing of three new players ahead of the 2024 National Premier League Queensland season. The additions look to strengthen the squad after the club’s miracle playoff run in 2023.

Read: $9.6 Million Allocated for FOGO Collection in Moreton Bay

Yuta Hirayama adds firepower up front

Yuta Hirayama
Photo Credit: Facebook/Peninsula Power FC

Twenty-six-year-old forward Yuta Hirayama returns to Queensland after a season with Chiangmai FC in Thailand. With over 50 goals in three seasons with Brisbane City and Western Pride, he will surely add firepower to the squad.

The Tokyo native will provide a focal point in attack, able to play as a centre-forward or in a withdrawn role as an attacking midfielder or winger.

Experienced Josh Phelps anchors defence

Josh Phelps
Photo Credit: Facebook/Peninsula Power FC

Peninsula have also recruited experienced centre-back Josh Phelps from Melbourne Knights in the National Premier League Victoria. Turning 31 this February, the veteran from Tamworth will bring leadership to the backline. With his 1.93m frame, Phelps will provide an aerial threat on set pieces as well.

Ken Akamatsu returns from injury layoff

Ken Akamatsu
Photo Credit: Facebook/Peninsula Power FC

Another new addition is attacking midfielder Ken Akamatsu. The 28-year-old joins from Miramar Rangers in New Zealand, where his season was cut short by injury. Akamatsu is a former Japan youth international who has also played in Sweden and the United States. The talented right-footed playmaker from Niigata will give Peninsula another creative threat in the final third.

Building on last season’s playoff run

In 2023, Peninsula Power finished sixth in the regular season with a 9-7-6 record. They beat third-placed Gold Coast United 3-1 in the elimination final before losing 5-0 to eventual champions Gold Coast Knights in the semi-finals.

Read: Tom Gilbert Plotting Powerful Dolphins Return

With these new signings strengthening the squad, Peninsula will be looking to build on last season’s play-off run when they kick off the 2024 season against the Queensland Lions on 24 February. Before the league campaign begins, Peninsula will take on Capalaba in the QLD Pro Series starting on 2 February.

Published 30-January-2024

Local Youth Star and World Cup Heroine Cortnee Vine Stays Loyal to Domestic Football

The incredible journey of Cortnee Vine has taken her from the youth ranks of Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power FC to World Cup stardom. But despite her international fame at this year’s World Cup, the local junior star has decided to remain with Sydney FC and continue to promote the domestic game.

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Humble beginnings with Peninsula Power FC

Long before she became a national heroine, Cortnee Vine was just an eager young player developing her skills at Redcliffe’s Peninsula Power FC. Vine first joined the club as a 12-year-old in 2010, playing for coach Garry Dye’s U-12 girls’ side.

Dye recalls that the lanky Vine arrived blessed with great athleticism but little technical prowess. Her blistering pace, however, stood out. Dye worked to hone her skills and she soon became one of the youth team’s top strikers. Vine often played against boys’ teams in higher divisions to test herself.

World Cup journey

Cortnee Vine
Cortnee Vine scored the decisive penalty that sent Australia to a historic semi-final berth in the World Cup. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Vine’s dedication and constant improvement paid off, eventually earning her selection for the Matildas. Earlier this year, she led her professional club Sydney FC to the A-League championship with 15 goal contributions in 18 games.

After being named in Australia’s squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Vine started the opening matches, bringing her trademark speed and finishing ability to the Matildas attack. However, a defeat to Nigeria in the group stage prompted head coach Tony Gustavsson to change tactics and switch formations. As a result, Vine lost her place in the first XI.

But the team player embraced her new role as a super-sub. Coming on as a substitute against the likes of Denmark and Canada, Vine provided fresh legs and energy . This team-first mentality was rewarded in the tense quarter-final against France – with her scoring the decisive penalty to send Australia to their first Women’s World Cup semi-final. Her composure in the high-stakes moment showed her maturity on the world stage.

The journey may have ended in the semis, but Vine left her mark on the tournament. For the girl who started out chasing a ball in Redcliffe, it has been a long but rewarding road to World Cup glory.

Read: Redcliffe Padres’ Blake Barlow and Tom Chessell Named to Australia’s Talent-Rich U18 Baseball World Cup Squad

Cortnee Vine returns to Sydney FC

Despite gaining recognition that could open doors at elite European clubs, Cortnee Vine has re-signed with Sydney FC for a fourth consecutive season. The Matildas’ run has already had an impact on membership, with Sydney FC’s women’s team enjoying record sales. The World Cup buzz has fans eager to see the World Cup heroine back on home soil.

Keeping such a prominent talent in the Australian league is an important step in energising the domestic game. The effects of an invigorating World Cup are already being felt, but Vine’s star power will help keep the momentum going next season.

Published 31 August 2023