Sydney United 58 FC and Canberra FC kick off NPL Finals

Sydney United 58 FC host Canberra FC in the first match of the National Premier Leagues 2013 Finals Series this weekend.

The first match of the National Premier Leagues 2013 Finals Series will kick off this weekend when Sydney United 58 FC host Canberra FC at Edensor Park (kick-off 3pm Sunday 29 September 2013).

National Premier Leagues 2013 Finals Series will see clubs from five member federations battle it out over 3 weeks for the title of the inaugural NPL 2013 Champion.

Canberra FC (Capital Football), Sydney United 58 FC (Football NSW), Olympic FC (Football Queensland), Campbelltown City FC (Football Federation South Australia) and South Hobart FC (Football Federation Tasmania) will play in a knockout finals series format to decide the competitions first ever national champion.

Sydney United 58 FC earned their place in the National Premier Leagues 2013 Finals Series after claiming the 2013 IGA National Premier League NSW Men-s 1 Premiership on the last day of the season. Coached by former Hyundai A-League defender and current Fox Sports pundit Mark Rudan, Sydney United are brimming with talent and eager to add more silverware to their already impressive collection at Edensor Park.

Standing in their way are Canberra FC who claimed their 21st league title by seven points over their closest rival. With a large number of young, local born and bred players, striker Alex Oloriegbe is clearly one to watch after he scored 22 goals during the 23 match National Premier League: Capital Football season.

The winner of the opening match will face Olympic FC from Brisbane in the first semi-final match the following weekend with South Hobart FC hosting Campbelltown City FC in the other semi-final.

The winners of each semi-final will meet in the National Premier Leagues 2013 Grand Final which will be played on the 12th or 13th October. The host of the National Premier Leagues 2013 Grand Final will be determined and awarded to the best performing team of the two semi-final matches (game 2 & 3) via a points system (listed below):

Win within 90 minutes - 3 points Win during extra time - 2 points Win on penalties - 1 point Goals For (excluding penalty shootouts) - 3 points Goals Against (excluding penalty shootout) -1 point Yellow Card -1 point Red Card -3 points

For the latest news regarding the National Premier League 2013 Final Series, including a live match centre, please visit www.footballaustralia.com.au/nationalpremierleagues