Scott Balderson: The Best Feeling

For Back To Manly Day weekend, we spoke to Scott Balderson, the Wakehurst junior who started with a Manly United U10s train on squad and ended up being part of our famous 2017 NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final victory.

Balderson has experience playing overseas and also had a stint with Newcastle Jets in A-League Men’s, but the majority of his playing career was spent at Manly United. He reflected on what kept him playing for the club, year after year.

“Once you become such a big part of the club and you become good friends with everyone, I guess that you feel comfortable. Being from the area is obviously a massive part of that, I love living on the Northern Beaches.

“It’s great to see the club’s really gone on in leaps and bounds, we really pushed to make it a more professional environment in terms of the football. The professionalism off the field and on it is top notch.”

As you would expect, Balderson has vivid memories of Manly’s run to the 2017 NPL NSW Men’s Championship.

“Back then, with the squad that we had, I picked us to definitely get in the top five. That year, we did some excellent recruitment all around the park. We’d brought in a couple of players who had finals experience. Nikola Taneski had already won the league and had many finals appearances. We also had Saşa Macura, who came in from Blacktown, he’s a Northern Beaches lad through and through.

“The day in general, winning the penalty shootout, it’s fairytale stuff. We were the underdog, but we were quietly confident at the same time as well and I think that helped massively.

“When the ball went in the net for the last penalty, it was the best feeling ever.”

Balderson’s love for Manly United is clear, not only because he helped us end a title drought that lasted for more than 20 years, but also because of the environment at the club.

“I’ve been there a long time and I’ve created so many friendships. It makes you feel quite special, not just what we achieved, trophies and winning the league, but also being a part of the culture.

“I go to most of the home games and I’m still really friendly with all the players, being involved in that way is great. I just love going down there.”

On Sunday April 2, our Men’s game is at 2:30pm, while our Women’s team play at 5pm. Back To Manly Day will be a wonderful occasion and a chance to catch up with all the people who have contributed to the history of this club, so make sure you head to Cromer Park – The Far Post will be open from lunch until late into the night!