Tired of the constant struggle to recruit and retain volunteers at your club?
Like some ideas about how to best resolve conflict within and around your club?
Northern NSW Football is excited to announce an exciting series of FREE club training workshops to be held across the State during March. These specially designed sessions will give club representatives practical ideas and strategies relating to two key areas of running a successful club:
:: Volunteer Recruitment & Retention
:: Conflict Resolution
Each session will be delivered by a professional presenter from NSW Sports Federation and designed to be interactive with opportunities to discuss your clubs experiences.
I urge all clubs to send representatives along to the session (details below) so that your clubs do not miss out on this opportunity to enhance their clubs success.
FOOTBALL MID NORTH COAST CLUBS
Thursday 25th March 2010
6 - 9.00pm
Club Taree, Taree
or
Friday 26th March 2010
6 - 9.00pm
Country Comfort, Port Macquarie
Peter Haynes
Community Football Manager
Northern NSW Football
10th March 2010
EAP Girls Step Up To Herald Women's Premier League
The Northern NSW Girls Emerging Ahletes Program (EAP) has taken a number of major steps forward in 2010 following their inaugural season in the Inter District 15 A Boys competition.
The Under 16's side will compete in the 2010 Herald Women's Premier League and will play their first match against Merewether United in the region's top women's competition on Sunday 14th March.
A second team, an Under 14's squad has also been formed who will compete in both Inter District 13 Boys and also the State Youth League Girls Under 16 Competition.
The Under 16's squad is made up of players born between 1994 and 1996, including new players Bethany Starkey, Laura Austin, Emmalee Harris, Annie Senkalski and Grace MacIntyre (all from Hunter), Jodie Harris (Armidale) and Nadja Squires (Taree) who replace the girls who have moved onto other Women's Premier League sides.
The Under 14's Girls team is made up of players from the Hunter Region and working under the watchful eye of Ryan Campbell, with all eight players in the Under 13's age group have been selected to participate in the Northern NSW State Under 13's squad who will be competing in the FFA National Championships in Canberra during April.
David Smith
High Performance Manager
Northern NSW Football
10th March 2010
Steve Dunne Memorial Report
Port United Soccer Club's annual March six-a-side tournament, the Steve Dunne Memorial was played out over the weekend at Dixie Park. In total, 126 matches were held and for the most part, the weather held off which pleased organisers and the 370 plus players from 39 teams competing. Major winners were Wallis Lake (A Grade Men's), Port United (B Grade Men's), Armidale (A Grade Ladies) and Gloucester Scorpions (A Grade Over 35's). The Open Men's competition proved to be very competitive this year with some very tight games and final group standings.
Port United secretary Justin McIntyre said "The men's format saw each team playing 6 group games and you really couldn't afford to drop points if you wanted to get into the A Grade finals". In Group A, Norths United from Armidale won 5 of their 6 matches to top the group with Port United in second having 4 wins and 2 draws. Group B was taken out by Maitland who had 4 wins and 2 draws with Port FC in second following 4 wins, a draw and a loss. And in Group C Wallis Lake and Custard Guts United (from Armidale) both managed 5 wins and a loss, with Wallis Lake taking top spot on goal difference. CG United then qualified for the A Grade finals as the best second placed team.
In the Ladies competition, the A Grade final was played out between the 2 form sides for the weekend with Green Point Rovers winning all 5 of their group matches and The Orange People (from Armidale) winning 4 matches with their only loss being to Rovers. Port United Legends finished in 3rd place.
The Over 35's was once again closely contested especially Group A. Three teams finished level on top of the group with 10 points courtesy of 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. Those teams were Boca Seniors (from Forster), Port Tree Fellas and Gloucester Scorpions. Goal difference decided the order with the Scorpions edging the Tree Fellas out of an A Grade final and Boca consigned to a C Grade final in third place. Group B was a little more clear cut with Berkeley Vale Rustics finishing on top of the group 3 wins, a draw and a loss followed by Port FC with 3 wins and 2 losses. In 3rd place was Backyard United with 2 wins, 2 draws and a loss.
In the A Grade Final of the Over 35's, Gloucester proved too strong for Berkeley Vale winning the match 3-1. An early strike from Greg Leighton was quickly followed by a second from Geoff Hawkins to give the Scorpions a deserved lead after starting well. Right on half time though, the Rustics pulled one back via Jamie Metcalf. Despite that setback, the eventual champions put the result beyond doubt midway through the second half with a goal from Mark Lukas.
Wallis Lake Defeat Maitland 3-2 in Quality A Grade Final
PHOTO: A Grade Winners Wallis Lake - (squad) Mick Berrigan, Beau Wynter, Brodie Wynter, Chris Cheers, Griffen Prestwidge, Daniel Kirkman, Jared Cummins, Roan Whiteman, Blake Barnes-Riddell
The Men's A Grade Final saw Wallis Lake and last years winner Maitland go head to head. Wallis Lake had defeated Armidale outfit Norths United 3-0 in the semi final following their 5 victories in the group stage. Maitland had remained undefeated with a 3-1 semi final win over Custard Guts United (Norths United's second team) from Armidale) following 4 wins and 2 draws in their group.
The Final was a good quality match with some fine goals, four of which came in an action packed first half. The opening exchanges saw both sides with chances with good goal keeping on display to keep the scores locked up. In the 5th minute, Wallis Lake took the lead after a break away saw a good finish from Griffen Prestwidge from a wide angle. Just a minute later though, Maitland were level via Blake Thompson with a great finish from not far inside halfway as he chipped the ball over the keeper who was off his line. In the 9th minute a corner resulted from a strike on goal for Wallis Lake. The next phase of play saw a goal mouth scramble which resulted in Jared Cummins scoring for Wallis Lake to take the lead. Right on half time, the lead was doubled with Blake Barnes-Riddell finishing well from a wide angle after good lead up play from Wallis Lake.
In the opening minute of the second half, Maitland should have leveled through Thompson who missed when it was easier to score from close range. His side were back in the match moments later though with another good finish from a wide angle from Mailtand's Stuart Campbell to make it 3-2. The next few minutes of play saw Maitland applying all the pressure with Wallis Lakes defenders working hard to preserve their lead with some fine tackles and blocking of strikes on goal. That trend continued into the final stages with Maitland not being able to find a way through to force extra time. A strike just over the bar with a minute to go was as close as they came, and Wallis Lake held on, to take the title with a 3-2 victory in a top quality final.
Hosts Port United Take Out B Grade Final 3-0 Over MVR
PHOTO: B Grade Winners Port United - back - Greg Baldwin (coach), Brodie Collins, Josh Moore, Sam McLean, Matt Moore, Ryan Moon, middle - Simon Filipek, Andy Collins, Adam Woonton, Adam Breust, Matt Denham, front - Matt Lacey
The Port United side remained undefeated for the weekend with a win in the B Grade Men's Final. After 4 wins and 2 draws in the group stage, they just missed the A Grade Semi's with Wallis Lake taking the best second place team courtesy of their 5 group stage wins. United defeated Port FC 2 in the semi final 4-1 to book their place again in the B Final (which they won last year). Their opponents MVR 2 came through the tough Group B with 4 wins and 2 losses. They defeated Port FC1 3-1 in their semi final.
The opening minutes of the final looked to be providing a very even game with both sides not manufacturing many clear chances. The first real opportunity came in the 6th minute and it was duly taken by Port United via a Brodie Collins free kick. In the 11th minute, Collins nearly turned provider as his cross found Matt Moore whose goal bound header was blocked. Right on half time, the two combined again, this time Moore squared the play up to Collins after breaking down the left. Collins finished well across the MVR keeper from an angle to send United to 2-0 lead.
In the second half, it was United threatening early with Josh Moore and Simon Filipek shooting on goal. Andy Collins in goals for the injured Matt Denham proved a good deputy when he claimed the ball to command his area in the 4th minute of play before Sam McLean tackled well to prevent an opportunity for MVR. The follow up was then saved by Collins. The match was put beyond doubt in the 6th minute when Filipek found Collins who fired home for his hat trick and a 3-0 lead for the host club. The lead was nearly extended when Ryan Moon found McLean who volleyed over. Moon then had his own strike on goal well saved by the MVR keeper before Adam Breust also saw his shot saved. In the 10th minute, MVR pulled a goal back with a fine effort, before McLean and Adam Woonton both nearly extended the United lead in the final stages of the match.
The 3-1 result was a fitting end for the United team who finished the weekend as the only undefeated side in all three competitions with 6 wins and 2 draws.
Armidale Defeat Green Point 3-2 in Ladies A Grade
PHOTO: A Grade Winners Armidale (Orange People) - (squad) Emma Cooper, Lauren Hough, Holly Housten, Jessica Vannucci, Felicity Ward, Rhiannon Kentish, Sarah Watson, Miriam Newley
Defending champions, Green Point Rovers took on newcomers The Orange People from Armidale in the A Grade Ladies Final. Rovers went into the game following their 4-1 win when the sides met in the group matches and they also had the better of the early exchanges. As often happens though, a goal came against the run of play with Armidale taking the lead in the 5th minute when good lead up play lead to Emma Cooper opening the scoring with what would be the first of a Grand Final hat trick. The lead was short lived though with Lisa Bullivent netting a fine strike to level the scores. Rovers then took the lead just before half time when from a wide angle, Lana Spicer struck with a good finish that went in off the post.
In the early stages of the second half, Green Point had two chances to extend their lead however fired over on both occasions which would prove costly. In the 5th minute, a penalty was awarded to Armidale which was converted by Cooper to level the match at 2-2. Just a minute later, Cooper completed her hat trick with a fantastic strike worthy of winning a final. In the final five minutes of the match, Rovers tried hard with a couple of attempts on goal that went wide, the best of which came in the closing seconds with a stunning long range effort clipping the top of the bar which would have forced extra time. It wasn't to be though, with Cooper's hat trick proving to be the difference in a 3-2 win for the Orange People from Armidale.
Justin McIntyre
Secretary
Port United
5th March 2010
Steve Dunne Memorial on this weekend
PHOTO: Ready for Action - United duo Ryan Moon and Adam Woonton will be key players for the host club
Port United Soccer Club will host it's annual March six-a-side tournament this weekend at Dixie Park with all the action kicking off tonight. Approximately 370 players in 39 teams will contest 126 matches in Open Men's, Ladies and Over 35's competitions. Teams from Armidale, Newcastle and Sydney will take on Football Mid North Coast outfits with a total prize pool of $3500 up for grabs.
Some exciting football will be on offer with everyone encouraged to come along and enjoy the weekend. Port United Secretary Justin McIntyre said "it's always a top weekend of action and with the end to end nature of the six-a-side version of our game everyone will certainly be entertained. Despite our on going clubhouse renovations, we'll still have canteen and BBQ facilities, so we invite everyone along for a good weekend and some exciting football".
Information for spectators -
* Full canteen, alcohol and BBQ facilities. No glass bottles allowed at Dixie Park.
* Fields numbers are marked on the light poles (1,2,3,4), with field 5 being down the far end.
* Players and officials only allowed inside the playing area, all spectators to remain outside the fence.
All three divisions shape up as competitive affairs with numerous teams in the hunt for honors. In the Men's competition, last years winners Maitland return with two teams as do Green Point who won the Ladies competition last year. "It looks very even in all competitions, it would be hard to pick a winner" said McIntyre. "The Over 35's which begins tonight looks like a very tough competition again this year and in the Open Men's the group fixtures provide some very good match ups".
When pressed for some predictions, McIntyre said "obviously it's hard to call being pre season, but the usual suspects is where you'd look for a winner. I don't think there will be a surprise result. >From Group A, you'd be looking at our guys (Port United), the lads from Armidale (Norths United) and the Port FC side. It'll be interesting to see how Kempsey Saints go in their maiden tournament as a Premier League outfit. Group B on paper looks to be the toughest. Port FC and Maitland headline it, but Demon Knights (Armidale) and Great Lakes will hold their own. And in Group C you can't really go past Rangers (Macleay Valley), they're always a major threat with perhaps Wallis Lake and Port United stating a case".
Port Macquarie Open Men's Squads
Port United 1 - Andy Collins, Brodie Collins, Matt Lacey, Matt Denham, Adam Woonton, Josh Moore, Simon Filapek, Ryan Moon, Matt Moore
Port United 2 - Nathan Attwells, Neil Bruns, Nathan Wade, Damian Cross, Alex Perry, Blake Johnston, Tony Raymond, Lewis Barton, Cody Boylen
Port Macquarie FC 1 - Terrance Stafford, Troy Mountain, Luke Buckley, Matt Edwards, Paddy Coehto, Matt Ramm, Ibrahim Khodary, Toby Glover, David Kennedy, Dilly Prestagard
Port Macquarie FC 2 - Nathan Day, Adam Howell, Dylan Baker, Jackson Pett, Jordan Morris, Brad Spokes, David Robson, Zac Khodary, Todd Lavis, Aaron Thompson, Luke Foley
Port Saints - Daniel Gardner, Craig Woodcock, Pavel Deak, Peter Boskovski, Dean Glen Holmes, Chris Nicols, Robert Field, Nathan Kelly, James Naylor, Trent Carroll, Liam Jackson
4th March 2010
Instructing Referees - Referees Recognition Day
In November 2009 I forwarded the 2010 Match official fee structure to all members. I also indicated that a fee had been included for 10/11's small sided football and a fee for 8/9's instructing referees.
In relation to Instructing Referees the fee was introduced as part of our initiative to attract and recruit younger referees lost to many branches following the replacement of Roo Ball with Small Sided Football.
The following processes are currently being implemented to attract instructing referees for the 2010 season.
1. FFA has now completed course material for Instructing Referees. The course will be very basic and is based on the game regulations for 8/9's small sided football.
2. Kean Marshall ( FFA Participation Officer ) and Peter Haynes ( NNSWF Community Football Manager ) will conduct 'Instructing Referees' courses in conjunction with all referees branches prior to the commencement of the 2010 season.
3. A match official fee of $10.00 has been implemented for any Instructing Referee who completes the Instructing Referees course through their local referees branch. Only those referees who complete the course will be entitled to claim match official fees.
4. Participants will be given a certificate and Instructing Referees card upon completion of the course.
5. Through our sponsorship with McDonalds, all clubs in NNSW will be given five 'Instructing Referees' bibs for use at their ground.
6. Clubs will appoint 'Instructing Referees' to fixtures at their club or Hub as per Small Sided Football rules and current procedures.
7. Instructing Referees will not be required to affiliate with the local referees branch but rather encouraged to acquaint themselves with the branch for future opportunities to affiliate and become a NNSWF Referee.
8. Referees branches are encouraged to mentor and assist Instructing Referees where possible throughout the season.
REFEREES RECOGNITION DAY
A further initiative for recruitment and retention of referees is the introduction of a Referees Recognition day. Saturday the 26th June has now been scheduled for this event.
The intent of this initiative is to recognize the contribution of Referees across the State on one particular day of the year and all clubs who are conducting HOME fixtures on this day will be asked to assist with its promotion.
Peter Haynes will provide further information in due course for all zones and clubs.
Thank you in anticipation of your support for the above.
Alan Nisbet
Operations Manager
Northern NSW Football
4th March 2010
Big Football Weekend Ahead
PHOTO: Last years Champions Maitland will look to go back to back
Port United will host a hive of football activity this weekend when the annual Steve Dunne Memorial 6-a-side competition will be held. A total of 36 teams in all will contest the Men's Open Division, Men's Over 35's and Ladies competitions.
Raiders from the north include Norths United and Demon Knights FC from Armidale plus two other combined sides from Armidale as well as two sides from Gunnedah. From the south come last years open men's winner Maitland who are joined be fellow Hunter outfits Hamilton Azzuri and Newcastle Permanent. Others taking on the locals include - Granville Waratahs, Berkeley Vale Rustics and Fairfield City from Sydney.
Representing Port Macquarie in all divisions will be Port Saints, Port Macquarie FC and hosts Port United. They'll be joined by fellow Football Mid North Coast clubs - Great Lakes, Wallis Lake, Camden Haven, Tuncurry Forster, Macleay Valley Rangers, Green Point, Gloucester and Wauchope as well as new comers to Premier League, Kempsey Saints.
With prize money up for grabs in all three competitions and clubs well into their pre season schedules the action will certainly be enjoyed by both players and spectators alike according to organisers. "It's shaping up as another fantastic weekend in this competitions history with growth in team numbers including some new sides. All spectators are assured of some great action all weekend and we invite everyone to come along" said United secretary Justin McIntyre. "It's good to see Maitland return after winning last year at their first attempt and also to have Kempsey Saints who are new to Premier League this season" he added.
A couple of clouds still hang over this years event with the weather predictions causing some concern as well as the venue still to be confirmed. The club is in the process of renovating their clubhouse and due to some unforeseen circumstances, some areas are yet to be in working order to host such an event. Club president Peter Moore said "as well as the rain that has appeared, our facilities at Dixie Park are not quite ready to handle the amount of people we'll have on hand so we may have to hold the event elsewhere. There is options we can put in place to still have it at Dixie Park, but they are being looked into and it will be confirmed shortly". At the time of submission, confirmation was not too far away.
PHOTO: Last years Port United Rookie of the Year Matt Moore in the picture for a spot in United's number 1 side
Port United will have two teams in the open men's competition. Coach Greg Baldwin said "the teams will be a mixture of youth and experience as we continue on a rebuilding phase after losing half of last years Premier League first grade squad".
"Although the 6-a-side game is played at a continuous frantic pace on a smaller field, the basic defence and attack principles from the full version of the game still apply so the experience gained by the likes of youth players Matt Moore, Ryan Moon, Peter Hingston, Blake Johnston, Jack Symons and Gerard Howard will be invaluable for their development and transition to the Premier League competition".
After this weekend United will be focusing on the first round of the new State Cup competition with a trial game against Premier League newcomers Kempsey Saints and their annual trip to the Nambucca Challenge Cup to be used as preparation.
See Fridays copy of the Port Macquarie News for more information on this weekends Steve Dunne Memorial 6-a-side competition including the full draw and confirmation of venue.
Justin McIntyre
Secretary
Port United
4th March 2010
FMNC Womens Rep V NNSW EAP
PHOTO: Photo: 2010 FMNC Womens Representative Team
Football Mid Nth Cst Women's Rep squad took on the NNSW EAP team on Saturday in extremely hot conditions.
The game was played at a frantic pace with both sides keen to get on the scoreboard first. The underrated FMNC girls took charge early & held good possession in the first 20 mins of the game.
Both teams played good fast technical football but FMNC managed to force NNSW into playing some errors in their game with building pressure.
NNSW put a ball over the bye line 25mins into the game to give FMNC a corner, Lisa Bullivant(capt) stepped up to take the corner, it was a high ball across the 6yd line that would find the head of Chloe Foley with a fine finish to put FMNC up 1-0.
The game continued on at pace with both sides giving it their best efforts til half time.
In the second half, the NNSW team came out firing & did manage to eat into FMNC's possession with the pace of the play & a rev from the coach.
However it would not be enough for them as the locals finished strongly leaving NNSW frustrated with an unchanged score line due to solid defence across the park, good counter attacks & some great goal keeping from Kim Hillier.
It was FMNC's 4th game at this level with the team improving on every outing. FMNC Women's hope to enter the WPL competition next year in Newcastle to give our talented women a chance to go onto higher levels of football.
FMNC women are seeking interested sponsors for next year to those interested in sponsoring.
The team on Saturday included Kim Hillier, Danielle Burn, Nicole Crowne,
Melissa Norup, Savana Purss, Chloe Foley, Sarah O'Conner, Hayley Burn,
Emily Clarke, Lisa Bullivant, Lana Spicer, Destiny Tate-Hobman & Gemma Davey. Well done guys.
19th February 2010
Valentine Trial Matches Prove a Success
PHOTO: Danielle Mifsud (U16s Girls and Ladies), Brock Longworth (U14s), Liam Clarke (U15s) and in front Luke Rogers (U13s)
With registrations still on going, seniors just getting into pre season training and other sports starting to finish up, the football season started to get into full swing with a highly successful day against Newcastle outfit Valentine Phoenix. The Phoenix who play in the strong Newcastle NBN State League (Men's) and in the Herald Women's Premier League (Ladies) also bought along their junior sides for a big weekend. In total, five junior games were played as well as four senior match ups with the day finishing up an all round success.
Valentine secretary Bruce Potter thanked everyone for their hospitality saying "the facilities and organisation were excellent and all games were of a very high standard, played in great spirit! Our players and supporters were made to feel very welcome and should the opportunity be available we would be very pleased to return in 2011. We would also be pleased to host a return visit by FMNC teams at any convenient time".
Head coach Darrel McAllister added "feedback from all our players, parents, committee and coaches has been very positive on how they were treated. So a big thanks and hope to do this again next year. On the football, I watched most games and found them all very competitive which is what everyone was after. All players need a big pat on the back for trying their best on what was a very hot day. To all the coaches, well done for trying to get the players to play football the way we want to see it played".
Seniors -
Valentine U18's (1) defeated Port United Reserves (0)
Valentine U23's (2) defeated Port United (0)
Valentine WPL (1) defeated FMNC Womens Rep. (0)
Valentine Phoenix (First Grade) (6) defeated Macleay Valley Rangers (0)
U13's FMNC RYL On a very hot day for football the boys took the field very excited about their first hit out for the season. The side conceded an early goal to Valentines big and quick striker then were lucky not to go two behind when the visitors failed to convert a penalty. The FMNC side then started to play some good football and kept possession well and made their opponents work hard.
FMNC started to control the game and were rewarded with Luke Rogers equalising with a nice left foot strike. Valentine then took the lead again when FMNC made an error (which was a good lesson for the boys when you make an error at this level you get punished).
The locals still had control of the game however and were able to score a second via Joshua Chambers to once again tie the game. The last 15 minutes FMNC were dominant and added another two goals to run out winners 4-2. In an impressive first hit out, all players played well with extra good performances by Luke Rogers, Evan Clarke, Eli Wade, Daniel Baker and Zach Latham.
U15's FMNC RYL FMNC 15's put in a reasonable effort for its first hit out of the season against their older opponents from Newcastle. The 3-0 result to Valentine was a fair result with both sides playing some entertaining football, but it was the visitors who capitalised on it's chances.
FMNC held possession well at times and managed to play out from the back numerous times to it's advantage. One of these occasions saw FMNC central defender Jack McDonald inject himself into midfielder and with a pin point pass found team mate Josh Johnson who evaded the Valentine defender then blasted his shot past the Valentine keeper.
FMNC took some positives from the game but also identified areas they will need to improve on with it's opening competition game on this Sunday against Hunter Valley at Wayne Richards park.
FMNC Women's Rep. The FMNC Womens Rep side took on the Valentine Women's WPL squad from Newcastle with FMNC having a few players missing due to other commitments requiring several U16's FMNC Girls to fill in the gaps. Valentine on the other hand fielded a near full strength squad.
It was FMNC's third game at this level and the girls played extremely well with both sides having some early opportunities. 20 minutes into the game via a momentary lapse, Valentine managed to find a loose player just outside the 18 yard box and finished a goal past the diving Kim Hillier, who managed to glove the ball whilst out stretched however it still found the back of the net.
FMNC had a lot of possession from this point and probably more shots on goal but the Phoenix keeper (U16's boys rep) was on his game & managed to repel the FMNC attacks. There were several quality strikes from Lana Spicer, Sarah Conner and Rhali Dobson but the elusive goal for FMNC would not be found resulting in a 1-0 score line to the visitors.
A good rap to all players with some great efforts. FMNC Womens now take on NNSW EAP players squad on the 27th of February in Taree for their next outing.
Justin McIntyre
Secretary
Port United
1st February 2010
Port United Juniors Gear Up For Big Season
PHOTO: Senior coach Greg Baldwin instructing at United's Junior Academy
After a successful season both on and off the field in 2009, Port United juniors are getting ready to launch into 2010. On field last season, 11 United teams played Finals football in competitive age groups, 4 of which made Grand Finals. Club Secretary Justin McIntyre said "our juniors certainly had a good season last year, and we're looking forward to another good one this time round. Plenty of sides will be looking to go that little bit further this season and it promises to be a good one".
All age groups most likely will have places available from U6's through to U18's with the club also looking to field an U13 girls team this year after getting an U15 girls team on the park last year.
Off field, United's Junior Academy was once again a hit last year and will once again run this season. The sessions will cater for U9-U14's and will provide them with some extra skills training from senior coaching staff and players at the club. The sessions will be designed and run by United's Premier League coach Greg Baldwin (photo above) with much of the emphasis on developing a player's first touch to control the ball and keep possession.
The United committee recognise that most kids in those age groups may only be getting about one hour of training a week which is often not sufficient to develop the necessary skills. An element of competitive fun will also be included with sessions involving shooting at goals and small sided games. The sessions are open to all skill levels and the naturally more gifted players are very much encouraged to use their skills in the games. The only requirement United expect is that the participants want to be there and are prepared to train hard for the 2 hour sessions.
The intention is to run the academy on some Sunday mornings, leaving the kids plenty of things to work on and practice between sessions. The club's main focus is to help develop the kids skills and enhance their enjoyment from the game. Any extra development that the kids can have will have them in good shape for the future, whatever level they play at.
The Academy dates will be worked out later but it is hoped most of the sessions can be run in the first half of the season. Players wishing to join the Academy can express interest on registration day or contact the club at the below listed email address.
Club President Peter Moore said "the club is certainly looking forward to 2010 after last season. Whilst on the park results were very pleasing, off field things like the Academy and a large percentage of our coaches getting their junior or youth license after being put through the courses by the club are also things that are good for the game. It certainly helps the kids with their development and also enjoyment from the sport".
He added "we're also going to be involved with an after schools program this year which is fantastic and something we look forward to. More details are yet to be sorted but it's sure to prove successful and good for young footballers in the area".
For more information about this season you can contact the club at: portunitedsoccerclub@yahoo.com.au or phone club Secretary Justin McIntyre on 0414 431 568 or club President, Peter Moore on 0409 724 384.
Justin McIntyre
Secretary
Port United
18th January 2010
Season 2010 on the horizon for Port United
The Football Mid North Coast 2010 season is around three months away from kick off, however pre season training and and schedules are just about to begin for Port United.
Greg Baldwin will again take the reins as head coach for Premier League with a squad that will see a number of changes. In first grade almost the entire midfield will be moving on.
The biggest loss will be Tom Adams who is moving to Newcastle to play with the strong Lake Macquarie club while Woody Alexander has moved to Sydney. Matt Baldwin will be heading off to university and Ben Mailer's work commitments are likely to see him unavailable. It is also likely that defender Craig Dixon who missed the latter part of the 2009 season will remain sidelined after a knee reconstruction.
It's not all bad news however, with numerous United youngsters ready to step up this year. The talented Ryan Moon (2008 rookie of the year - photo above) will return after he missed last year due to injury. And the likes of Adam Woonton, Sam Cass, Brodie Collins and Jack Symons will all be pressing for first grade, meaning Baldwin is confident of a successful season.
The club will also be bringing a few of their talented YD1 players into the group to assist their transition to the tougher faster pace of the Premier League. "We have great bunch of young players ready to break into the top ranks" Baldwin said. "Last season saw a number of YD1 players break into Premier League, six of which were in the Grand Final winning squad for reserve grade. This season will see last years U16 teams that finished first and third come into the YD1 competition and there is some good talent there as well" he added.
The club is determined to participate in the semi-final series in first grade this year after narrowly missing out last season and Baldwin intends to play a style that suits the playing roster. "We were our own worst enemy last year, we played some good football at times but never for 90 minutes" he lamented. "Our biggest problem last year was conceding first against the better teams and then having to play catch up. That changes game plans and we often fell into undisciplined panic football" he added.
United have only a few weeks before trial games commence on February 13th and 20th.
The first game will be against the very strong Valentine Phoenix club from the Newcastle top flight NBN league with United to go in against their U23 and U18 sides. United will then host two teams from Bulahdelah the following week. Following that is the annual March six-a-side tournament (Steve Dunne Memorial) and the traditional trip to the Nambucca Cup where they hope to go one better than last year when they were runners up. That will lead into the first round of the new State Cup competition which is an FA Cup style knock out competition with $10,000 prize money.
Training will commence at 6pm on Thursday 28th January at Dixie Park. Any current players are required to attend and new players are most welcome. Contact Greg Baldwin on 0409 314 805 for more information.
Port United have also announced their 2010 registration dates. They will be held on Saturday 6th February (1-4pm) and Saturday 13th February (12-3pm) at the clubs home ground at Dixie Park on Hastings River Drive. The club looks forward to seeing all junior and senior players, current or new for registrations. For more information, email the club at:
portunitedsoccerclub@yahoo.com.au
Justin McIntyre
Secretary
Port United
14th January 2010
2010 Small Sided Football - Updated Documents
Updated information concerning Small Sided Football for 2010 is now available for download in the Documents section on this website.
- Please check under the heading 'SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL (SSF) DOCUMENTS'
