29th July 2010
Football Administrator position

Football Administrator

Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) is the peak body charged by Football Federation Australia with the responsibility of growing, developing and promoting the sport of Football throughout Northern NSW.

NNSWF seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Administrator to effectively administer a myriad of programs and services, which are implemented by the Community Football and High Performance Departments.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in the sport and will be able to effectively manage a number of projects concurrently.

Knowledge, skills and behaviour required (Competency)

· Relevant and recognised administration qualification

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· High level computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and knowledge of web applications

· Highly organised with a strong attention to detail

· Effective time management skills

Applications close: Friday 13 August 2010

Applications to: pa.ceo@northernnswfootball.com.au

Position Description: Click here

Enquiries to: Jacinta Brain ph 4964 0702 or pa.ceo@northernnswfootball.com.au

Jacinta Brain
PA to Chief Executive Officer
Northern NSW Football

27th July 2010
Brisbane roars in Port Macquarie

- Report by Rod Thompson, courtesy of: Port Macquarie News

THE Newcastle Jets' poor record in Port Macquarie continued yesterday.

In five attempts, the Hyundai A-League club has yet to win a pre-season game at the Regional Sports Stadium – and the Brisbane Roar added further woes with a last gasp 1-0 victory.

While the Jets had more genuine chances to claim the honours, the visitors from north of the border only needed one.

In the 84th minute, Ivan Franjic converted a simple spot penalty after a team-mate was felled in the box.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou, although concerned with a couple of areas, was pleased to pick up a win.

"The players have two weeks to freshen up before our match against Gold Coast United at Skilled Park on August 8, so I think it's been a good pre-season," he said. "I thought our defence looked sharp today. However, we need to work on some little things still."

The combatants went into the long break locked at 0-all.

But, the Jets upped the ante in the second period as Jobe Wheelhouse, Sean Rooney, Kaz Patafta and Marko Jesic all fired shots at Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos. Wheelhouse looked certain to score in the 51st minute, however, Theoklitos pulled off a brilliant one-on-one save.

Rooney also went unrewarded on at least three occasions (59th, 68th, 74th). Patafta, with one of his first touches of the ball, went close in the 64th minute too.

All those shots, and opportunities, made no difference in the end, as Franjic's well-placed penalty sealed the deal 1-0.

BRISBANE ROAR 1 (Ivan Franjic 84th minute) defeated NEWCASTLE JETS 0
Crowd: 2100

- Report by Rod Thompson, courtesy of: Port Macquarie News

26th July 2010
Newcastle Jets Meet U6 Port United Goannas



GOANNAS MEET JETS

Newcastle Jets players took some time out before training on Saturday morning by visiting some local soccer fields in Port Macquarie where juniors were taking to the field in scheduled matches. To the great surprise of Port United juniors playing on the western side of Tuffins Lane, several Jets players made their way around the eight playing fields posing for photographs and signing autographs.

Some juniors even took the chance to pass on some tips to their more illustrious visitors including the U6 Port United Goannas pictured with Jets players - (left to right) Ljubo Milicevic, Taylor Regan, Ali Abbas, Ruben Zadkovich, Sasho Petrovski and Jobe Wheelhouse.

The Goannas (left to right) - Alani Cockshutt, Ebony McIntyre, Mason Osmond-Dreyer, Izzac Munro-Blanch and Ashton Mentoor with coaches Scott Blanch (left) and Justin McIntyre were very excited to meet some of the stars of the A-League including Milicevic, Zadkovich and Petrovski who have played for the Socceroos and Abbas who has played for his home country Iraq.

26th July 2010
Community Coaching Update

Community Licence Extensions

Coaches who did the old-style Community Courses will have their licence expiry date extended, to give them time to adapt to the new re-accreditation policy (see policy below).

All Community Accreditations that expire between 1/1/2010 and 31/12/2012 will be extended to an expiry of 31/12/2012.

A new ID Card will not be sent out, unless you request one through your State Football Federation. ID Cards are sent out approximately 3-4 times per year by FFA.

Expiry Dates

Do I need to update my Community Licence if I have an Advanced Licence?
Only if you want to be accredited in both the Community and Advanced Pathway.
Keep in mind that the Advanced Pathway Courses are higher than Community Pathway Courses therefore it’s not necessary to update your Community Licence if you have a current Advanced Licence.

My Community Senior Licence expires before my Advanced Licence. Seeing as though the Advanced Licence is higher than the Community Licence, does the expiry date for my Community Licence get pushed forward to be in line with my Advanced Licence?
No, the expiry date for your Senior Licence won’t get pushed forward. If you want to be a Community Coach only, you will need to Re-Accredit your Community Licence. Remember that if you have a current Advanced Licence, there is no need to update your Community Licence because you already have a higher level course. But if your Advanced Licence expires and you want to keep your Community Licence, you will need to re-accredit your Community Licence before it expires.

If the minimum coaching requirement for a particular competition is the Senior Football Licence, and I have a C Licence, can I coach in that competition? Or do I need to do the Senior Football Cert I, II, and Licence?
If you have an Advanced Licence you are at a higher level than all the Community Licences therefore you're eligible to coach in that competition.

Community Course Re-Accreditation Policy

All FFA Community accreditations are valid for a four-year period.

What happens when my Certificate or Licence has expired?
You are no longer accredited for that level of coaching and you may not be able to coach in some competitions.

For information on Minimum Coaching Requirements click here.

How do I get my accreditation back?
To become an Accredited Coach again you will need to either attend the course again, or get assessed for the Licence.

Your State Football Federation is responsible for running 'Assessment Days'. Alternatively, a coach can be assessed at their own club, if their club has an FFA Accredited Assessor.

If you have a licence and need to be re-assessed:

The Assessment Days will be published on the page Enrol for a Coaching Course. These will be advertised as 'Junior Football Licence', 'Youth Football Licence', or 'Senior Football Licence'.

If you have a certificate and need to do the course again:

Go to Enrol for a Coaching Course and register for a certificate course.

Do I need to pay the certificate/licence fee when I'm doing it for the 2nd time?
Yes.

Do I get another certificate and ID Card once I’ve re-accredited?
Yes.

David Smith
Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

22nd July 2010
Jets & Roar schedule for this weekend in Port Macquarie

Community Appearances

Training Sessions Sat 24/7 at Port Macquarie Regional Stadium
Newcastle Jets: 10.00am to 11.30am
Brisbane Roar: 2.30pm to 3.30pm

21st July 2010
Pacific Palms FC - in memory of our mate 'Zep'

21st July 2010
FMNC 15s on show before Newcastle Jets & Brisbane Roar



Photo: Football Mid North Coast 15s boys representative side
Front L-R Olivia price, Liam Clarke (c), Jack McDonald
Middle L-R Kaleb Langbien, Josh Johnston, Corey Nash, Blake Latimer, Mitchell Wilson
Back L-R - Gregg McDonald (coach), Dean Rounsevell, Thomas Rienstra, Aaron Grose,
Daniel Freeman, Anthony Clarke (Asst. Coach)

Not only is some of the best senior football in Australia coming to Port this week also on show is some of the best young footballers on the Mid North & North Coast's on show as well.

Supporting the main game between Newcastle Jets & Brisbane Roar is an 15 years boys State Youth League match between Football Mid North Coast & North Coast Football. Both sides compete in the monthly State Youth League competition with Mid North Coast also in the weekly Regional Youth League. Both competitions comprise most of the best age based players across Northern New South Wales.

This week's matchup is the third between the two sides with a preseason trial and then they met in March in Round 5 of the State Youth League with Mid North Coast victorious 3-1 winners on that occasion.

North Coast at the time were coming off a high having competed at the prestigious Manchester United Nike Cup in Melbourne as Northern New South Wales representative.

The team's fortunes differed from that point with North Coast climbing the competition ladder to currently sit equal first in the monthly State Youth League while Mid North Coast sit on the bottom.

A different story in the weekly based competition with Mid North Coast sitting just out of semi final contention with solid performances beating Newcastle and drawing with Hunter Valley in the past two weeks.

Based on results North Coast seem to have the edge over Mid North Coast but in past meetings both sides have been fairly equal which should provide a very entertaining lead into the main attraction of the A-League game.

- Report & photo supplied by Gregg McDonald

15th July 2010
Top Up Insurance Premiums

Larissa Adamczyk
Marketing Coordinator
Northern NSW Football

14th July 2010
Can the next Tim Cahill please stand up?


- Report courtesy of: www.portnews.com.au

The next Tim Cahill could be unearthed as part of the Mid-North Coast School Holiday Coaching Clinic.

Fifty-eight children from soccer clubs around the Hastings are taking part in the three day clinic being held at Wayne Richards Park. The clinic started yesterday for children aged between six and 12 years.

Eleven-year-old Patrick Hamilton took part in activities on day one and said he was having a ball. "So far it has been really good," Patrick said. "We have been learning a lot about what to do in match situations and working on all the basic skills. It beats sitting at home being bored."

The youngsters were drilled by some of the best-in-the-business, too. Tony Griffiths who runs the Newcastle Jets clinics along with several of the area's representative coaches were on hand yesterday to offer advice to all the budding soccer stars.

Mid-North Coast representative coordinator Gregg McDonald said the clinic was a good way of giving back to the community. "It is another way for representative coaches to put back into the football community aside from their other representative and development programs," McDonald explained.

"Plus it is another step in the direction of talent identification and player development. And it gets the kids outdoors, taking part in a sport they enjoy, instead of sitting at home in front of the TV."

McDonald said the clinic was designed to work on the children's skill levels but there was also a heavy focus on fun. "It teaches them a variety of skills working on technique and development but most importantly it is focused on having fun."


- Report courtesy of: www.portnews.com.au

13th July 2010
Northern Competition - Withdrawal of Crescent Head YD1 Team



Northern Competition
Withdrawal of Crescent Head YD1 Team

The Crescent Head YD1 Stingrays Team has withdrawn from the competition.

I have spoken to the draw manager and at this late stage of the season a total redraw for the entire Friday Night is not possible.

From this date any team scheduled to play the YD1 Crescent Head Stingray's should consider this match a forfeit (3-0) win to that team.

Clubs: This result must be placed on the weekly competition result sheet by the home team Secretary. Could you please notify your teams.


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

13th July 2010
Newcastle Jets back into Port

NEWCASTLE JETS BACK INTO PORT

Local football fans are again set to see former A League Champions Newcastle Jets play a game in Port Macquarie when they take on the Brisbane Roar from 2pm on Sunday 25th July.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Sports and Events Manager, Mark Ella said, "Because of the great reception they have received locally when playing in the Hastings during the past few years, the Jets make sure we are on their 'must play' list for away games.

"The Regional Stadium is a first class venue for these type of games and teams like the calibre of the Jets and the Roar are more than happy to come and put on a great game."

"Its great that local companies like Country Energy, The Mercure Hotel and Better Homes are sponsoring the event to bring first class football action to regional areas like the Hastings," Mr Ella said.

Grand Stand tickets prices are:
$20.00 for adults and $10.00 general admission and $5.00 for children.

Tickets are now on sale at the Glasshouse for the match on Sunday 25th July.

Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre
Glasshouse
Corner Clarence and Hay streets, Port Macquarie
Oh: 6581 8888

6th July 2010
Heidi off to Nationals

- Report courtesy of: www.macleayargus.com.au

TALENTED sports woman Heidi Tamblyn will join the best young female footballers from across Australia for the Westfield National Youth Championships for girls.

More than 300 players from across Australia will compete at BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour from today until Friday in the under 15s and under 17s age divisions.

Northern NSW Football has hosted the Championships at Coffs Harbour since 2006, when Football Federation Australia (FFA) granted the rights to host the prestigious tournament for three years from 2006-08.

Such was the success of the tournament and the accolades given to the quality of the facility, that the FFA then granted Northern NSW Football the rights for a further three years (2009-11). The first matches in the Championships get underway today at 9am, with the National Champions in both age divisions determined in the final series of interstate match-ups scheduled for Friday.

Heidi was selected in the rep side after an invitational camp held during the last school holidays.

The St Paul's College student was in the under 15s Northern NSW side last year and she is looking forward to the championships.

"I really want to play well and hopefully turn some heads," she said.

A new system will be introduced this year and teams will be given points for using the correct technique, as well as points for winning a game.

- Report courtesy of: www.macleayargus.com.au

1st July 2010
U15 / U17 Girls National Youth Championships

NORTHERN NSW TEAMS PREPARE FOR WESTFIELD NATIONAL YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR GIRLS

The best young female footballers from across Australia are set to converge on Coffs Harbour next week for the Westfield National Youth Championships For Girls.

Over 300 players from across Australia will compete at BCU International Stadium from July 6-9, in Under 15 and Under 17 age divisions.

Northern NSW Football will have a team in each division, with players represented from across Northern NSW Football's seven member zones. (See squad lists below).

Macksville's Kellie Langham and Kempsey's Heidi Tamblyn have been selected in the Under 17 side, with Nadja Squires of Pampoolah and Olivia Price of Port Macquarie selected in the Under 15 side.

Northern NSW Football has hosted the Championships at Coffs Harbour since 2006, when Football Federation Australia (FFA) granted the rights to host the prestigious tournament for three years from 2006-08.

Such was the success of the tournament and the accolades given to the quality of the facility, that the FFA then granted Northern NSW Football the rights for a further three years (2009-11)

"These Championships are a valuable vehicle to gauge the talent we have across Australia and provide a great opportunity for FFA staff to identify young female players who may one day go on to emulate the recent success of the Matildas in the Asian Cup and ultimately the World Cup", Northern NSW Football Chief Executive Officer David Eland said.

Testament to the importance of the Championships will be the presence of National Women's Head Coach Tom Sermani, who as well as observing games during the tournament will also take the opportunity to conduct an exclusive coaching session for all Youth Championship coaches in attendance on Wednesday 7th July from 6.00-8.00pm.

The first matches in the Championships get underway on Tuesday 6th July at 9.00am, with the National Champions in both age divisions determined in the final series of interstate matchups scheduled for Friday 9th July.



A copy of the draw is available below
(to download, right click on file & choose 'Save Target As...')

2010 Girls Nationals - Draw.pdf
(pdf file, 59kb)

28th June 2010
Solo Cup Finals Series

After seven rounds and fifty four Solo Cup fixtures across Northern NSW, the prestigious club teams event has reached the Quarter and Semi final stage.

The remaining teams will converge on BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th July to determine the Grand Finalists who will contest the Solo Cup Grand Final on Saturday 7th August.

The venue for this clash will be determined once the final two sides in the Solo Cup are decided.

The Solo Cup finals series has come down to teams from Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Maclean and Tamworth, with the fixtures for the weekend as follows;

FINALS
Saturday 10th July – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
2:00pm - Weston Workers Bears v Coffs City Utd - Field 1
2:00pm - Woolgoolga FC v Valentine Phoenix FC* - Field 2
4:00pm - Maclean FC v Broadmeadow Magic FC - Field 1
4:00pm - Oxley Vale Attunga* v Toronto Awaba - Field 2
* Lucky Loser (drawn out of the hat)

6:00pm - Semi Final Fixtures Drawn (All winning Captains required to be present)

SEMI FINALS
Sunday 11th July – BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
11:00am: TBA v TBA Field 1
11:00am: TBA v TBA Field 2

SOLO CUP GRAND FINAL
Saturday 7th August
Venue – TBA

The state wide competition with a total prize pool of $10,000 attracted 56 teams from across Northern NSW Football's seven zones.

The Solo Cup launched a new partnership between Schweppes Australia and Northern NSW Football with both organizations excited about the opportunity to develop the game at grassroots level, commencing with the inaugural Solo Cup.

A state knockout was first held in 1884 however encompassed only the southern corner of Northern NSW, along with Sydney and Central Coast teams. The first Northern NSW side to win the competition was Hamilton Athletic in 1887.

The Solo Cup however represents the first state wide knockout competition to encompass all of Northern NSW's seven zones.

- above info courtesy of: www.northernnswfootball.com.au

22nd June 2010
McGrath Foundation Day - Barbarians FC




For more information, visit: www.oldbar.info

22nd June 2010
Football Mid North Coast Welcomes Coastline Credit Union



FOOTBALL MID NORTH COAST
WELCOMES COASTLINE CREDIT UNION

The Coastline Credit Union and Football Mid North Coast have joined forces to promote football throughout the Mid North Coast.

Graham Pilkie the President of Football Mid North Coast said, "We are ecstatic to have Coastline Credit Union as a sponsor."

"We look forward to having a great friendship with them over the years to come. I think we all see some exciting times ahead and I believe Coastline will be part of that."

Keep a look out on our website for future Coastline Credit Union deals and specials.
For more information about Coastline Credit Union, please visit: www.coastline.com.au


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

21st June 2010
Local Sport Champions Program

Juniors find it difficult to meet the ongoing and significant costs associated with participation at sporting competitions, particularly those from regional areas.

The Local Sporting Champions program is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for juniors towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state or national sporting competition or a School Sport Australia national championships.

For further information please go to www.ausport.gov.au


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

21st June 2010
Under 17 Asian Tour

As part of our ongoing football programs we are seeking interest from players in the 1993-94 age group for a possible Asian Tour in December 2010.

Our initial aim is to try, if sufficient numbers to put together two squads
- a Hunter and Regional based.

We are looking at a number of options with three different football tour operators China – Malaysia / Singapore – Thailand.

Below is information outlining the proposed tour and how to lodge an interest in the tour.

Info Sheet Link
Info Sheet

Nomination Form Link
Nomination Form


David Smith
Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

17th June 2010
12s State Championships Wrap Up

Competition amongst the best Under 12 male and female footballers from across Northern NSW wrapped up on Monday at BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour on the final day of the Northern NSW Football Under 12 State Championships.

The Championships commenced on Saturday and in the third day of competition today, teams were faced with testing conditions as persistent showers pushed across the stadium.

Each of Northern NSW Football's seven member zones participated, with teams in both the Under 12 male and Under 12 female divisions.

In the Girls Under 12's, Newcastle Football went through undefeated to finish on top of the table with 16 points.

Football Mid North Coast finished 2nd (12 points); Football Far North Coast 3rd (12 points); Macquarie Football 4th (7 points); Hunter Valley Football 5th (7 points); North Coast Football 6th (6 points) and Northern Inland Football 7th (1 point).

In the Boys Under 12 division, both Macquarie Football and Newcastle Football finished the Championships undefeated, with Macquarie Football finishing on top of the table with 14 points and Newcastle Football in 2nd place on 12 points.

Football Mid North Coast finished 3rd (9 points); Football Far North Coast 4th (8 points); Hunter Valley Football 5th (6 points); North Coast Football 6th (5 points) and Northern Inland Football 7th (3 points).

16th June 2010
Play by the Rules

7th June 2010
Northern NSW Football Sets Out To 'Capture' World Cup Fever


Northern NSW Football Sets Out To 'Capture' World Cup Fever

As excitement builds towards the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Socceroos' campaign in South Africa, Northern NSW Football is aiming to capitalise on the opportunity to secure interest from prospective players for season 2011.

A new website has been established where players, young and old, can register their interest in playing football in 2011 should the exploits of the Socceroos and the global spotlight on South Africa for the month ahead inspire them to do so.

The website, www.play-football-in-2011.com allows prospective players to register their contact details online, with the information collated by Northern NSW Football. Early in 2011, those who have registered will receive an Information Pack on details of their local clubs and registration days in their area for the new football season.

"This is the biggest sporting event in the world and the biggest event on the football calendar, so we could not let an opportunity like this go by without trying to capture the excitement and passion for the game that the World Cup generates amongst the community," Northern NSW Football CEO David Eland said.

"We anticipate that thousands of people, young and old, male and female, will be swept up in the excitement, patriotism and atmosphere that is generated by the FIFA World Cup."

"It may be an 8 year old who has never played or it could be someone over 35 who wants to slip on the boots again. What we know is that for football, the next month is as good as it gets and it is a great opportunity for us to seek to engage with fans in this way and translate that excitement into players on the field for our 2011 season," Mr Eland concluded.

The new website, www.play-football-in-2011.com will be promoted through a series of press advertisements across Northern NSW Football's expansive region which already services over 50,000 registered players and encompasses from Lake Macquarie in the South, to the Tweed in the Far North and into the Northern Inland including major centres such as Armidale, Tamworth and Moree.

3rd June 2010
World Cup at Panthers, Port Macquarie

24th May 2010
Coaching Courses - June 2010

Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

24th May 2010
Solo Cup - Round 3 Draw

SOLO CUP - ROUND 3 DRAW (NORTH)
Saturday 29th May

Oxley Vale Attunga
Gipps Street Oval (Goonoogoonoo Road, Tamworth)
1.00pm - Coffs City Utd v Oxley Vale Attunga

Goonellabah FC
Weston Park (Reserve Street, Goonellabah)
1.00pm - Goonellabah FC v Maclean FC
3.00pm - Byron Bay Rams v Woolgoolga Wolves


SOLO CUP - ROUND 3 DRAW (SOUTH)
Wednesday 26th May

Jack McLaughlan Oval - Park Street, EDGEWORTH
6:00 PM Hamilton Olympic Warriors vs Broadmeadow Magic
8:00 PM Lake Macquarie City Football vs Edgeworth FC

Warners Bay Oval, John Street, WARNERS BAY
6:00 PM Weston Workers Bears FC vs Warners Bay
8:00 PM West Wallsend SC vs Valentine Phoenix FC

Lyall Peacock, Cnr Cook and Thorn Streets, TORONTO
8:30 PM Toronto Awaba FC vs New Lambton Senior Soccer Club

11th May 2010
"Thanks Ref" Day - Saturday 26th June 2010

Referees Recognition Day

"Thanks Ref" Day

Saturday 26th June 2010

Peter Haynes
Community Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

11th May 2010
Blake Dohnt - McDonald's Junior Player of The Week



This is Blake Dohnt and he is our McDonald's Junior Player of The Week.

Blake plays for Old Bar Gladiators Under 6.

"This is my second year of playing Soccer for Old Bar Under 6. I train on Tuesday but i'm always harping at mum to play with me. I like it when she's the goal keeper cause I can kick the ball at her and if it hits her I don't get in trouble".

"I would love to be player of the week cause I have been practicing my soccer ever since i could walk. My coach is Alan Sercombe".

"Old Bar Gladiators rock!"

Well we think you rock Blake, so congratulations on being player of the week.

We'll be sending you some great football gear including two new footballs that you can take aim at mum with next time she is in goals.




Peter Haynes
Community Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

5th May 2010
Golden Balls 2010

3rd May 2010
Grassroots Week Thankyou

The 2010 Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) Grassroots Week has now ended, with over 700 participants taking part in free Grassroots and Instructing Referees Courses.

During the week of April 19th – 25th, 430 participants took part in 17 Grassroots Courses and 305 kids aged 10-13 years attended 7 Instructing Referees Courses across Northern NSW's seven zones.

Involvement exceeded Community Football Manager, Peter Haynes expectations and target, and NNSWF would like to thank all clubs which hosted courses run by NNSWF Community Football Staff throughout the week.

"These courses are extremely important as they ensure there are more accredited coaches at the grassroots level and also to introduce kids to refereeing while creating a clear pathway towards becoming an official referee in future years. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every coach and instructing referee that participated in Grassroots Week 2010. These volunteers play a vital role in young footballers development and enjoyment of the game " said Mr Haynes.

Following the success of Grassroots Week, NNSWF will continue to run both Grassroots and Instructing Referees Courses throughout the year.


Peter Haynes
Community Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

28th April 2010
Solo Cup - Round 2 Results

RESULTS Sat 1st May
Maclean Bobcats 2 Port United 1
Goonellabah 4 Club Taree Wildcats 3
Woolgoolga Wolves 3 Macleay Valley Rangers 1
Byron Bay Rams 5 Tamworth 1
Sawtell Scorpions 1 Oxley Vale Attunga 2
Coffs City United 7 Pacific Palms 1


Earlier Info...
The second round of the Northern NSW State Cup, sponsored by Solo, will be played this week in all participating centres within Northern NSW (from Newcastle to the Queensland border).

The State Cup gives local club sides the opportunity to test themselves against clubs from other zones in Northern NSW. It's a straight knockout competition with a first prize of $4000 cash which is part of a $10,000 total prize pool offering prize money to all quarter final participants and above.

The competition has been split into northern and southern pools to make travel distances shorter in the earlier rounds.

The southern pool round 2 matches will be played on Wednesday night April 28th, while the northern pool matches, will play this Saturday, May 1st.

Round 2 matches:

Woolgoolga High St
1:00pm: Woolgoolga FC v Macleay Valley Rangers FC
3:00pm: Byron Bay Rams v Tamworth FC

Maclean Showground
1:00pm: Maclean FC v Port Utd
3:00pm: Goonellabah FC v Club Taree Wildcats

Toormina Oval
1:00pm: Sawtell FC v Oxley Vale Attunga
3:00pm: Coffs City Utd v Pacific Palms FC

It is a straight knockout competition with no second chances before rounds 3 and 4 whittle the teams down to quarter finalists who will all share in the money.

The quarter finals and semi finals will then all be played on one weekend: 10th/11th July 2010 at Coffs Harbour's BCU International Stadium with the final scheduled for Saturday 7th August at a venue to be determined.

GOOD LUCK to the FMNC teams
- Macleay Valley Rangers, Port Utd, Club Taree Wildcats, Pacific Palms

13th April 2010
FFA Game Development Newsletter



The FFA Game Development Newsletter has some interesting information on FFA activities. This will be distributed on a quarterly basis and will focus on the activities and programs being delivered by FFA and Member Federations.

In the future it will also profile more grassroots volunteers and highlight the enormous contribution they make to the sport.

Complimenting this publication, the intention is to also create a ‘Technical’ newsletter which will be aimed at coaches, particularly at a higher level, and will provide content around all aspects of the National Curriculum.

FMNC advise that it may be a good idea to circulate this newsletter throughout your club, particularly to your coaches.

To read the FFA Game Development Newsletter, please click on the link below:
(to download, 'right click' on the filename & choose 'Save target as...')

GD Newsletter - April.pdf
(pdf file, 2.34mb)


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

1st April 2010
Grassroots Week 2010

Grassroots week 2010 will be conducted this year by Northern NSW Football on Monday 19th, Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st April.

The aim of Grassroots Week 2010 is to accredit over 600 coaches with their Grassroots Football Certificate over the three days.

The Grassroots Certificate course is a FREE, 3 hour course that is aimed at people who are in any way involved with footballers aged between 5 and 10 years old, however information gained from this course can also be applied throughout all age groups!

This 100% practical, attendance only course (No Assessment conducted) is usually aimed towards interested parents, coaches, older players, teachers, and volunteers. Everyone involved in grassroots football is encouraged to complete fun and interactive this course.

What will you get out of completing your Grassroots Certificate?

• A Grassroots certificate recognized by FFA and you will be added to the national coaches database

• FFA's Grassroots Coaching Book full of ideas and practical games and practices

• You will be able to plan and implement practical, age appropriate training sessions for young footballers that are in line with the FFA's National Curriculum

• Confidence in your ability to plan and put on training sessions for players under 10 years of age

• Practical experience in coaching and the thought processes behind training children

• You will be engaged in an enjoyable night of fun, practical football activity alongside like minded people.

VENUES

Monday 19th April
5:30 - 8:30pm
Taree Wildcats FC

Tuesday 20th April
5:30 - 8:30pm
Port Saints FC

Wednesday 21st April
5:30 - 8:30pm
Great Lakes SC, Forster

All courses presented by FFA Trained Presenters.
Register online at: www.northernnswfootball.com.au
Or contact Jacquie on (02) 4964 0766

I urge you all to encourage your coaches, parents at your club, friends, work colleagues, family etc to register and attend one of the courses during grassroots week 2010 as keeping with FFA's coach education slogan 'Better Coaches, Better Football'.


Peter Haynes
Community Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

30th March 2010
Solo Cup - Port United cruise past Kougars

PORT UNITED CRUISE PAST KOUGARS IN STATE CUP


PHOTO: 4 goal haul - Young gun Ryan Moon drives home his 3rd goal of 4 in the match

Port United got its 2010 season off to a flying start with a comprehensive 12-0 demolition of Kootingal District SC in the first round of the newly formed Solo State Cup competition. In hot conditions at Dixie Park, the visitors from Tamworth were no match for a slick United side that completely outplayed their opposition in all aspects of the game.

With a new look side, it was the young guns who stole the show with Ryan Moon scoring four times, Sam McLean netting with three skilful goals and Adam Woonton once. They were repeatedly given plenty of ball by Matt Moore (man of the match) and Brodie Collins who controlled the midfield as the opposition gave them plenty of time on the ball. The experienced Adam Bruest got amongst the goals with a double and two own goals were also added by the visitors themselves.

Kootingal started off competitively pressuring United while they attempted to keep possession but when Moon knocked in a cross from Woonton for the first of the match after ten minutes and an own goal followed shortly after, it was obvious the Kougars were in for a torrid afternoon.

United went to the break with a 5-0 lead and the instructions were to not drop down to the oppositions level and work on final third movement and possession. This was followed to the letter with United's passing and movement resulting in four quality goals in the next seven minutes with Kootingal hardly being allowed to touch the ball. The hosts had an enormous amount of possession and were running at will to rack up a total of seven goals in the second half resulting in a 12-0 victory.

The best goal of the day came midway through the second half when a good switching movement saw Matt Lacey deliver a perfect ball towards goal that McLean met from the opposite side on the full to volley past the keeper. Another of the quality finishes made on the day was Moon's second goal as he produced a perfect chip over the keeper from outside the penalty area after he broke clear of the defensive line.

Although the Kougars were obviously outplayed, credit must be given to them as they never stopped trying till the final whistle and didn't resort to rough house tactics when the result was well beyond them.

United's defence never really came under pressure with goalie Jack Symons only having to make a couple of regulation saves.

Attention now turns to the Mid North Coast Premier League competition that gets under way in a couple of weeks. Despite the comfortable victory, United are under no illusions how tough the upcoming season will be and know they are unlikely to experience such opposition again this year.

In the earlier game at Dixie Park, Tamworth FC defeated Coffs Harbour's Northern Storm in a penalty shoot-out (6-5) after the game was tied at 1-1.

- above report by Justin McIntyre, Port United Secretary

29th March 2010
Positions Vacant: Community Football Officer

29th March 2010
Volunteer Grant Opportunities

In keeping with the series of club training seminars that are currently being held across NNSW and with the theme of volunteer recruitment and retention I am pleased to be able to forward you on some information regarding grant opportunities for your volunteers.

The 2010 Volunteer Grants opened on March 11 and applications will close on 16th April 2010.

The aim of these grants is to recognizes the valuable work of volunteers and it is part of the governments commitment to supporting volunteers within our society.

Eligible non-profit community organizations to assist their volunteers and encourage volunteering are able to apply for funding between $1,000 and $5,000 to assist with:

• Contributing towards the costs of training courses for volunteers and / or undertaking background screening checks for volunteers

• Purchasing portable, tangible, small equipment items to assist volunteers

• Contributing towards fuel reimbursement for their volunteers, including those who use their cars to transport others to activities, deliver food & assist people in need

If you are interested in these grants, further information can be obtained from the following website: fahcsia.gov.au


Peter Haynes
Community Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

24th March 2010
School Holiday Coaching Clinics

SCHOOL HOLIDAY
COACHING CLINICS

Easter School Holidays

CANCELLED DUE TO

INSUFFICIENT APPLICANTS

Cost: $75.00 includes

Nike Football

Water Bottle

Certificate of participation

Fruit and drinks each day

BBQ (last day only)

7½ hrs quality coaching by accredited Fmnc Coaching staff

Venues:

1. PORT MACQUARIE
WHERE:- Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie
WHEN:- April 13, 14, 15
TIME:- 9.30am to 12.00pm
WHO:- Boys and Girls 6 to 15 years of age


2. KEMPSEY
WHERE:- Kemp Street, Kempsey
WHEN:- April 13, 14, 15
TIME:- 9.30am to 12.00pm
WHO:- Boys and Girls 6 to 15 years of age


3. TAREE
(note morning and afternoon sessions at Taree only if sufficient numbers otherwise combined in the morning)
WHERE:- Taree Recreation Ground( Zone Field)
WHEN:- April 13, 14, 15
TIME:- 9.30am to 12.00pm (6 to 10 year olds)
1.00pm to 3.30pm (11 to 15 year olds)
WHO:- Boys and Girls 6 to 15 years of age


Coaches on the Taree clinics will include former Socceroo David Lowe and former Newcastle Breakers NSL Coach Jim Foley.

Application Form is available for download below...
(to download, right click on file & choose 'Save Target As...')

2010 Coaching Clinic Form.doc
Microsoft Word file, 38kb

Applications close 3pm April 9.

24th March 2010
NSR Scholarship Program


NSR and Northern New South Wales Football are giving boys and girls aged 15-18 across Northern New South Wales chances to earn soccer Scholarships to American Universities.

The two trials for the Macquarie and Newcastle regions have been a huge success with many players keen to showcase their talent to NNSWF coaches with the hope of earning a soccer scholarship.

Players from each region aged 15-18 (boys and girls) will receive letters directly from Northern New South Wales Football asking them to register their details in order to trial for the event in their region.

Once you receive your letter directly from NNSW Football follow the instructions and register for the trials in your region.

Trials are open to all players and all skill levels as selectors are there to identify players of for various levels across the USA.

All registered players will also receive a FREE NSR SOCCER AUSTRALIA T shirt on the day of the trials.

Players across Northern New South Wales have only one chance to trial for the US College Scholarships so there is no time to waste, get registering now!

For more information please visit » www.nsrsocceraustralia.com

Any enquiries relating to the program in Northern NSW please refer to:
David Smith
Football Manager
Northern NSW Football

24th March 2010
Solo Cup - Round 1

PORT UNITED HOSTING ROUND 1 OF STATE CUP TOMORROW

Northern NSW Football officially launched it's newly formed State Cup competition, the Solo Cup last week in Port Macquarie at Dixie Park, home ground of Port United, one of the 56 teams competing. Tomorrow, United will host two of the 28 round one fixtures in the state wide knock out competition with two sides from Tamworth (Kootingal District FC and Tamworth FC) joining Coffs Harbour outfit (Northern Storm) and Port United in action.

Northern NSW Football CEO, David Eland who is pleased with the response for the Solo Cup in its inaugural year, said "the competition is a state wide knockout designed to further develop the rich football culture throughout Northern NSW and is a unique opportunity for clubs to compete against clubs from outside their regional competitions".

A state knockout was first held in 1884 however encompassed only the southern corner of Northern NSW, along with Sydney and Central Coast teams. The first Northern NSW side to win the competition was Hamilton Athletic in 1887. The Solo Cup however represents the first state wide knockout competition to encompass all of Northern NSW's seven zones.

Due to the expansive area covered by Northern NSW Football, the competition is divided into two pools, the Northern Pool and Southern Pool, to determine Quarter Final placings. The Northern Pool will comprise of club teams from Football Mid North Coast, North Coast Football, Northern Inland Football and Football Far North Coast.

Tomorrows round one fixtures at Dixie Park (on Hastings River Drive) will see Tamworth FC take on Northern Storm at 1pm followed by Kootingal District FC going head to head with Port United at 3pm.

Tamworth FC who play in the New England Premier League is the most newly formed club in Tamworth District Football, this formation took place in 2008. In its debut season Tamworth FC had a very successful year with it's two junior teams and one senior team winning the Major Premierships in their respective divisions. The second season for Tamworth FC saw a rapid increase in player numbers, with the club now looking at fielding approximately 14 teams with registrations still on going for this season. The club play their home matches at Gipps Street and major sponsors are The Family Hotel and Versalite Windows. First Grade coach Wayne May said "the Solo State Cup is a great initiative started by NNSW Football and Tamworth FC is excited to be taking part in the inaugural season. It creates a good opportunity to play against opposition from outside your zone and to see the level of football in other zones."

Their opponents Northern Storm from Coffs Harbour who play in the North Coast Football First Division were established in 1994 and were then called Korora Soccer Club before changing in 2004. The Storm have approximately 250 juniors and 95 seniors which equates to 24 junior teams and 6 senior teams. They are the largest junior club in North Coast Football and second largest senior club just behind Woolgoolga. The clubs home games are played at Plantain Road Oval with major sponsors being the Plantation Hotel and Geoff King Motors. Club President Rob Manning hailed the concept of the Solo State Cup as a tremendous innovation in the season of the World Cup. He commented "to be able to gauge your strengths and weaknesses against teams you don’t normally play and know very little about can only benefit the team in the long run".

Kootingal District FC will do battle with hosts Port United in the second match of the afternoon. The Tamworth outfit known as the Kougars play in the Tamworth District Football Competition and were formed in 1976. The club has approximately 15 teams from juniors through to seniors and have had plenty of success in recent seasons. Last season their first grade side were minor and major premiers and have been in four of the past five grand finals as well as being minor premiers in three of those seasons. The Kougars home ground is Kootingal Soccer Field with their major sponsor being Kootingal Bowling Club.

Like their opponents, Port United were also formed in 1976. The Port Macquarie club who play in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League have been in some what of a rebuilding stage in recent seasons but have still managed a couple of reserve grade grand final wins. United have approximately 530 registered players this season with 46 junior teams and 5 senior sides making the club one of the largest in the FMNC zone (29 clubs). The club plays their home matches at Dixie Park (tomorrows venue) with their major sponsor being Settlers Inn.

United will start with a new look first grade squad with only four from last year's regular outfit starting this game. They intend to blood some youth into first grade this season with Matt Moore, Adam Woonton, Ryan Moon, Sam Maclean and Jack Symons doing enough to earn positions at this early stage.

PHOTO: Taking on the past - United's Sam MacLean played the majority of his junior football around Tamworth

Coach Greg Baldwin is optimistic for the year. "A lot of our talent and experience from last year have left town but the more we train the more confident I am that we'll have a good season. We have some fine young players who are ready to step up" he said.

Added to the mix will be the nucleus of last seasons premiership winning reserve grade team with the likes of Andy and Brodie Collins stepping up to join the experienced Tony Raymond and Damian Cross. United will continue to have the valuable services of Ben Mailer for a short time before he too soon moves on due to work commitments.

Other young players who have impressed Baldwin so far are Lewis Barton and Gerard Howard who will no doubt press for first grade as the season goes on. United have also signed several new players including Neil Bruns from the UK, Ewan Fraser from Orange and Trent Saville from Taree. Despite over 30 names on the books, injuries are already impacting selections with Matt Denham, Bruns and Barton all recovering from the recent six-a-side competitions and Saville suffering a hamstring injury at training.

One big positive for United is the appointment of new reserve grade coach Jono Toombs who has joined the coaching staff. "It will be great to have somebody of Toombes experience to help out" admitted Baldwin who was concerned about having to handle two sides this year. "His knowledge and ability to read the game will be a tremendous asset" he added. Toombs will handle a very strong reserve grade side brimming with experience. With the likes of Matt Lacey, John Goodman, Adam Bruest, Nathan Wade, Steve Lawrence and Cody Boylon showing the way they will be very hard to stop winning consecutive titles.

Tomorrow's Fixtures at Dixie Park -
1pm - Tamworth FC vs Northern Storm
3pm - Port United vs Kootingal District FC

- above report by Justin McIntyre, Port United Secretary

SOLO CUP
ROUND 1 FIXTURES/RESULTS
NORTHERN POOL
Saturday 27th March

Kempsey Saints FC
Kemp Street Fields (Kemp Street, West Kempsey)
Pacific Palms 4 South Lismore Celtic FC 2
Kempsey Saints FC 0 Oxley Vale Attunga 2

Coffs City Utd FC
now at Coffs Coast Tigers FC home ground
- Polwarth Drive, Coffs Harbour
Coffs City Utd FC 2 Great Lakes Utd FC 2
(Coffs won on penalties 4-3)
Goonellabah FC 6 Norths Utd. FC 3

Byron Bay Rams
Byron Rec Ground (Carlyle Street, Byron Bay)
Byron Bay Rams 6 Port Macquarie FC 1

Old Bar Barbarians
Old Bar Fields (Old Bar and Mudbishops Roads, Old Bar)
Bulahdelah SC 1 Sawtell FC 7
Old Bar Barbarians 0 Woolgoolga Utd FC 4

Port Utd
Dixie Park (Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie)
Tamworth FC 1 Northern Storm FC 1
(Tamworth won on penalties 6-5)
Port Utd 12 Kootingal District SC 0

Urunga FC
Urunga Recreation Ground (Margo Street, Urunga)
Urunga FC 1 Macleay Valley Rangers FC 1
(MVR won on penalties 7-6)
Maclean FC 4 Club Taree Wildcats 3

SOLO CUP
ROUND 1 FIXTURES SOUTHERN POOL
Wednesday 31st March
NB: only 4 fixtures played due to weather washouts
- rearranged date for these matches TBA

Jesmond FC
Heaton Park (Blue Gum Road, Jesmond)
Tenambit Sharks FC 1 Warners Bay 4
Jesmond FC 0 Weston Workers Bears FC 11

Lake Macquarie City FC
Macquarie Field (Creek Reserve Rd, Speers Point)
Kotara South Sen. SC v Mayfield Utd. Sen. FC 6:00pm
Lake Macquarie City FC v Utd Sen New Lambton Sen. SC 8:00pm

Maitland FC
Cooks Square Park (William Street, East Maitland)
Maitland FC v South Cardiff FC 6:00pm
Muswellbrook FC v Newcastle Suns FC 8:00pm

Cessnock City Hornets FC
Turner Park (Aberdare Road, Cessnock)
Cessnock City Hornets FC 1 Hamilton Olympic Warriors 4
Singleton Strikers 9 Nelson Bay District JSC 0

Charlestown City Blues FC
Lisle Carr Oval (Recreation Avenue, Whitebridge)
Adamstown Rosebud FC v Broadmeadow Magic FC 6:00pm
Charlestown City Blues FC v Merewether Advance Sen. FC 8:00pm

Edgeworth FC
Jack McLaughlan Oval (Park Street, Edgeworth)
Thornton Park FC v Dudley Redhead FC 6:00pm
Edgeworth FC v Beresfield Utd Sen. SC 8:00pm

Toronto Awaba FC
Lyle Peacock (Cnr Cook and Thorn Streets, Toronto)
West Wallsend SC v Belmont Swansea Utd SC 6:00pm
Barnsley Sen. SC v Toronto Awaba FC 8:00pm

Valentine Phoenix FC
Croudace Bay Complex (Parklea Avenue, Croudace Bay)
Cooks Hill Utd FC v Garden Suburb FC 6:00pm
Wallsend FC v Weston Swifts 7:00pm
Valentine Phoenix FC v Lambton Jaffas FC 8:00pm

11th March 2010
Northern NSW Football Solo Cup



NORTH COAST'S TEAMS TO TAKE ON NORTHERN NSW BEST IN SOLO CUP

Northern NSW Football officially launched its Solo Cup competition today in Port Macquarie at Dixie Park, home ground of Port United, one of the 56 teams competing.

The official draw was released by leading football commentator Andy Harper and Northern NSW Football CEO, David Eland, along with representatives from Schweppes Australia and local teams.

Eland is pleased with the response for the Solo Cup in its inaugural year.

"The competition is a state wide knockout designed to further develop the rich football culture throughout Northern NSW and is a unique opportunity for clubs to compete against clubs from outside their regional competitions".

"The success of this year's Solo Cup will certainly lead to women's and also Over 35's knockout competitions," Mr Eland concluded.

Northern NSW Football would like to work towards the winner of the Solo Cup progressing to compete against the winner of Football NSW's equivalent competition.

The Solo Cup will culminate in finals to be held at BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour, in July.

The state wide competition with a total prize pool of $10 000 has attracted 56 teams from across Northern NSW Football's seven zones.

The Solo Cup launches a new partnership between Schweppes Australia and Northern NSW Football with both organizations excited about the opportunity to develop the game at grassroots level, commencing with the inaugural Solo Cup. Schweppes has an association already with Football Federation Australia at a national level and is looking forward to now working with Northern NSW Football on grassroots initiatives with clubs located on the North Coast.

"Schweppes is very excited to announce its new partnership with Northern NSW Football, and proud to be a partner of football in Australia," said Phillip Flanagan, Account Manager, Impulse & Convenience for Schweppes Australia.

"Connecting our iconic brands like SOLO with the rapid growth of Football in Australia represents a genuinely exciting opportunity for us, and we have been thrilled with the response of the football community to date," Flanagan concluded.

Due to the expansive area covered by Northern NSW Football, the competition is divided into two pools, the Northern Pool and Southern Pool, to determine Quarter Final placings.

The Northern Pool will comprise of club teams from Mid North Coast Football, North Coast Football, Northern Inland Football and Football Far North Coast.

Mid North Coast teams include; Bulahdelah Soccer Club, Club Taree Wildcats, Great Lakes United Football Club, Kempsey Saints Football Club, Macleay Valley Rangers Football Club, Old Bar Barbarians, Pacific Palms Football Club, Port Macquarie Football Club Inc and Port United.

Round One of the competition will be held on Saturday 27th March 2010, clubs will be drawn (see 1st Round Draw below) against clubs from another northern zone. The winners from Round One will then progress into knockout rounds until the Northern Pool quarterfinalists are determined.

A state knockout was first held in 1884 however encompassed only the southern corner of Northern NSW, along with Sydney and Central Coast teams. The first Northern NSW side to win the competition was Hamilton Athletic in 1887. The Solo Cup however represents the first state wide knockout competition to encompass all of Northern NSW's seven zones.

SOLO CUP DRAW
(to download, 'right click' on the filename & choose 'Save target as...')

2010 Solo Cup - Round 1 Draw.pdf
(pdf file, 68kb)

2010 State Cup - Regulations.doc
(Microsoft Word File, 82kb)


David Cromarty
Marketing & Communications Manager
Northern NSW Football

11th March 2010
Club Training Seminars


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

The seminars are FREE for all members to attend.

To register your club representative contact Jacquie on (02) 4964 8922
or at footballadmin@northernnswfootball.com.au


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

CLICK HERE FOR WEEKEND DRAW


Justin McIntyre
Secretary
Port United

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".

Results
Juniors
Valentine U12's (1) defeated FMNC (Kempsey) U12's (0)
FMNC (Pt.Macq) U12's (3) defeated Valentine U13's (1)
FMNC RYL U13's (4) defeated Valentine U14's (2)
Valentine U15's (3) defeated FMNC RYL U14's (0)
Valentine U16/17's (3) defeated v FMNC RYL U15's (1)

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'


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

17th December 2009
2010 Small Sided Football - Instructing Referees




2010 SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL - INSTRUCTING REFEREES

At a recent NNSWF Referees Standing Committee meeting ( November 21st ) a number of initiatives were discussed for the recruitment and retention of referees in 2010.

One initiative agreed upon by the Standing Committee members is to introduce an 'instructing referee' category for the 8/9's small sided games. This would provide opportunities to recruit and identify potential future referees for local branches in preparation for competitive football in the years to follow.

This initiative also falls into line with the Small Sided Football pathway from Team Leader 6/7 yrs to Instructing Referee 8/9 yrs.

The following processes will be implemented in 2010:

1. Referees branches to conduct a grassroots practical session for Small Sided Football 'Instructing Referees'.

2. Referees branches will be assisted with the practical sessions by Peter Haynes ( NNSWF Community Football Manager ) and Kean Marshall ( FFA - Regional Participation Manager )

3. There will be no requirement for Instructing Referees to affiliate with the Referees branch.

4. A match official fee of $10.00 has been introduced for Small Sided Football Instructing Referees

5. Only participants who have completed an Instructing Referees practical session can claim match official fees

6. Referees branches to provide certificates for participants who complete an Instructing Referees practical session.

7. NNSWF to provide 'Instructing Referee' bibs for all NNSWF clubs involved with small sided football fixtures.

8. Instructing Referees appointed to fixtures by club official or hub coordinators.

Zone members are requested to advise their clubs of the above initiative and implementation of the Small Sided Football Instructing Referee in season 2010.

I apologise for the late notice of this initiative as it has taken the last few weeks since the Referees Standing Committee meeting to confirms all aspects required for implementation.

- Alan Nisbet, Operations Manager, NNSWF

NB: Further discussion re the above will be made at the January Club Meetings.


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

7th December 2009
2010 NNSWF State Cup



Northern NSW Football extends an invitation for member clubs to compete in the 2010 State wide knock out competition, the NNSWF State Cup.

The competition is open to all mens NNSWF Premier Competition Clubs and Senior Zone Member Clubs.

The NNSWF State Cup shall be conducted on a straight knockout basis.

This is a great opportunity for all clubs from all divisions to test their ability in the cauldron of a knockout competition whilst competing for a prize purse totaling $10,000.

Due to travel distances and time restraints the competition will be divided into two pools, the northern pool and southern pool, to determine Quarter Final placings.

The Quarter Finals and Semi Finals have been scheduled for the 10th / 11th July in Coffs Harbour with the Final scheduled for Saturday 7th August at a venue to be determined.

Northern Pool: the Northern Pool will comprise of club teams from Mid North Coast Football, North Coast Football, Northern Inland Football and Football Far North Coast.

In Round One of the competition, (Saturday 27th March 2010), clubs will be drawn against clubs from another northern zone. The winners from Round One will then compete against clubs from within their own zone for the remainder of the elimination rounds. The winning team from each of the four zones will then progress to the Quarter Final stage.

Southern Pool: The southern pool will comprise of club teams from Newcastle Football, Macquarie Football, Hunter Valley Football and the NNSWF Premier Competitions.

Clubs will be pooled with clubs from within the zone in which their club resides. The winning club from each of the three zones together with a lucky loser from the final round of the group stage shall progress to the Quarter Final stage.

The Entry fee is $250 and all clubs are encouraged to participate in and support this prestigious state wide competition.

More information is available in the documents below:
(to download, 'right click' on the filename & choose 'Save target as...')

2010 State Cup - Invitation.doc
(Microsoft Word file, 444kb)

2010 State Cup - Regulations.doc
(Microsoft Word file, 75kb)


All clubs wishing to nominate for entry into the State Cup must do so ONLINE at:
www.nnswfstatecup.sportingpulse.net


Alan Nisbet
Operations Manager
Northern NSW Football

3rd December 2009
Kempsey Saints FC enter 2010 FMNC Premier League



Report courtesy of:
Macleay Valley Argus


Kempsey Saints Football Club is to join the Football Mid North Coast Premier League for the first time in its 38 year history.

The club was recently informed of its promotion after undertaking a rigorous interview and application process.

The inclusion of the Saints takes the number of Premier League teams to 10. This will create an 18 game, home and away season with the bye to be done away with.


Governing body Football Mid North Coast has indicated that any future applications by clubs to join the league will result in the adoption of a relegation / promotion system to keep the number of teams at the optimum number of 10.

Kempsey Saints were formed in 1971 making them the oldest continuously operating football club in the Macleay Valley, and one of the oldest clubs in any sport.

Until now Kempsey had only one Premier League club, Macleay Valley Rangers, limiting the opportunities for young footballers to play at the highest level. The Manning and Hastings areas have multiple clubs giving local juniors more opportunities.

The new Saints Premier League team will now provide the same pathway for its own junior players to progress now that the long standing arrangement with the Macleay Valley Rangers to act as a feeder club has been dissolved.

Kempsey Saints FC president Matt Baker is under no illusions about the enormity of the task ahead.

"The club is realistic about how it will perform," he said. "We are determined to be competitive in every game, but our first season will be all about putting in place the structure to enable the club to be successful in the future."

Mr Baker said at the moment there were 11 first grade slots open and waiting to be filled. "A 'youth first' policy will dictate our selection process and any player who thinks they are up the challenge is welcome to contact us," he said.

The club has also entered into negotiations with Kempsey Shire Council to establish a second Premier League-standard playing field at Eden St. Rangers home field at Dangar St is currently the only Premier League-standard pitch in the Macleay.

Mr Baker is hopeful that the playing schedule can be organised so that there is one Kempsey team playing at home every week.

"It would great if we could have a Premier League game on every week so people that just love the game and don't necessarily follow any particular club get the opportunity to go to a match," he said. "It is important to us that the fans and the game of football are the winners at the end of the day."

Report courtesy of: Macleay Valley Argus

1st December 2009
Offices Closed over Xmas/New Year break


 MERRY XMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 - from all at Football Mid North Coast

All FMNC Offices will be closed over the Christmas Holiday Period
- from Monday 21st December 2009 to Sunday 10th January 2010.


Leon Bean
Secretary
Football Mid North Coast

18th November 2009
North Coast's best enlisted into Centre of Excellence


Report courtesy of:
Port Macquarie News

Fifteen of the North Coast's most talented young football stars have been selected to train in an exciting and challenging new high performance program, the Newcastle Permanent Centre of Excellence, at Port Macquarie.

Evan Clarke, Chloe Rootes (Aldavilla), Brayden Fisher, Kaitlyn Fisher (Yarravel), Paul Galloway, Aaron Oppedisano, Luke Rogers, Michael Snow, Connor Walsh, Claire Coelho, Jarrod Lattimer, Tom Biron (Port Macquarie), Drew Walsh (Frederickton), Courtney Anderson (Telegraph Point), and Hannah Trompert (Dunbogen) were named for the intensive 20-week program implemented by Northern NSW Football and supported by the Newcastle Permanent.

Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said the organisation was delighted to play a part in nurturing junior football development in the region.

"The Northern NSW Centres of Excellence are an exciting initiative created to develop further talent in young North Coast footballers,” he explained. "The participants are outstanding young athletes with a real passion and with a committed dedication to training and improving their game. Newcastle Permanent is committed to supporting junior football throughout the North Coast and this sponsorship complements the other community activities and events we support in the Port Macquarie region including Mid North Coast Surf Life Saving, Port Macquarie Cycle Club and the upcoming Foreshore Film Festival."

David Eland, CEO for Northern NSW Football, was grateful to the Newcastle Permanent for its commitment to this new program. "With the help of the Newcastle Permanent, we will be able to develop the talents already evident in these young players and provide them with the technical ability to progress their football to the next level," he said.

The Newcastle Permanent Centres of Excellence program will be located in four venues in Northern NSW - Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Port Macquarie.

The program will include two weekly coaching sessions over 20 weeks.

Report courtesy of: Port Macquarie News

28th October 2009
FMNC Development Squads - UPDATED TRIALS - NORTH


FMNC DEVELOPMENT SQUADS
- UPDATED TRIALS - NORTH

UNDER 11's GIRLS
TUESDAY 20/10/09 5.00pm to 7.00pm (5.00pm - 5.30pm REGISTRATION)
THURSDAY 5/11/09 5.30pm to 6.30pm
WHERE: WAYNE RICHARDS PARK, PORT MACQUARIE

UNDER 13's GIRLS
TUESDAY 20/10/09 7.15pm to 9.15pm (7.15pm - 7.45pm REGISTRATION)
THURSDAY 5/11/09 6.45pm to 8pm
WHERE: WAYNE RICHARDS PARK, PORT MACQUARIE


Geoff Finch
Technical Director
Football Mid North Coast

28th October 2009
FMNC Womens Rep team play Valentine

FMNC travelled south to Newcastle on Sunday to play their first game in a friendly trial match versus the Valentine WPL trial squad.

The match was played in wet conditions with a severe storm passing through minutes before kick off. The FMNC girls went a goal down after 10mins thanks a quality goal to Valentine ring in & former FMNC player Danielle Buttsworth.

The FMNC girls performed well in the first 10 mins but on conceding the goal looked to be a bit shaky, due to no training or playing together as a team. Minutes later the Valentine team again found the back of the net due to some miscommunication in defense to see FMNC down 2-0 after the first 3rd of the match. Making life hard for the FMNC keeper Kim Hillier though the FMNC girls rallied hard in the 2nd 3rd of the game & started to play as a team testing the Valentine keeper on several occasions before Sammara Smitzter slotted home a well driven goal to lift the FNMC girls & start to take charge of the game.

The final 3rd saw FMNC dominate the game with settled defense from Danielle, Mellisa Norup, Nik Crown, Savanna Purse & Ilana Kelly & few attacking opportunities for Valentine with several great strikes from Lana Spicer, Hayley Burn, Sammara & Lisa Bullivant. FMNC with good pressure from mid field in Sarah Conner, Hayley & Gemma Davey were able to win another corner taken well by Lisa & slotted home by Chloe Foley to level the scores.

FMNC harassed the Valentine defense for the remainder of the game with several good scoring opportunities but due to some good defensive goal keeping were unable to get the win & settled for a 2-2 draw.

All players played well for FMNC with the team having 7 players not available to play - thanks goes out to the 2 shadow players Nik Crown & Danielle that filled in.

A good first hit out for the FMNC squad with a lot of promise shown. Well done girls.


Terry Burn
Coach
FMNC Womens Team

14th October 2009
U11s Boys Dev Squad - Repercharge Trial - North & South



UNDER 11's BOYS ACADEMY/DEVELOPMENT SQUAD-2010

REPERCHARGE TRIAL-NORTH

WHERE: WAYNE RICHARDS PARK-PORT MACQUARIE

WHEN: WEDNESDAY 28/10/09

TIME: 6.00pm to 8.00pm

2ND TRIAL IF REQUIRED TO BE ADVISED ON THE NIGHT.

NOTE: 1. Player registrations WILL NOT be accepted on the night of the Trial.
2. The Trial is for ANY players (born 1999) NOT receiving a letter to Trial from FMNC.
3. The Trial is for FIELD players and GOALKEEPERS.

PLAYERS ARE TO PHONE THE FMNC OFFICE OFFICE ON PHONE NO. 65850351 WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 9.00am AND 3.00pm OR EMAIL: leon@footballmidnorthcoast.com TO REGISTER THEIR NAME TO TRIAL.

CLOSING FRIDAY 23/10/09 AT 3.00pm.


UNDER 11's BOYS ACADEMY/DEVELOPMENT SQUAD-2010

REPERCHARGE TRIAL-SOUTH

WHERE: TAREE RECREATION GROUND

WHEN: SUNDAY 25/10/09

TIME: 10.00am to 12.00pm

2ND TRIAL IF REQUIRED TO BE ADVISED ON THE DAY.

NOTE: 1. Player registrations WILL NOT be accepted on the day of the Trial.
2. The Trial is for ANY players (born 1999) NOT receiving a letter to Trial from FMNC.
3. The Trial is for FIELD players and GOALKEEPERS.

PLAYERS ARE TO PHONE THE FMNC OFFICE OFFICE ON PHONE NO. 65850351 WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 9.00am AND 3.00pm OR EMAIL: leon@footballmidnorthcoast.com TO REGISTER THEIR NAME TO TRIAL.

CLOSING WEDNESDAY 21/10/09 AT 3.00pm.


Geoff Finch
Technical Director
Football Mid North Coast