Tag: Peninsula Power FC

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.

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The Tokyo native will provide a focal point in attack, able to play as a centre-forward or in a withdrawn role as an attacking midfielder or winger.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

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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.

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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