Nelson Bay Football Club has kicked off the 2022 season in great style after two years of pandemic interruptions, with a hugely successful and well attended Newcastle Jets coaching clinic.
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Nelson Bay welcomed players and staff from Newcastle Jets to Tomaree Sports Complex on May 3 as part of the 'Jets in the community connect' program currently being run across the Hunter region.
More than 100 junior soccer players, ranging in age from six to 12 years old, worked through fun football activities with Nelson Bay coaches and volunteers, as well as senior Jets female and male players Cassidy Davis, Dane Ingham, and Dylan Murnane.
Martine Shaw, the club's junior registrar and female participation officer, said that the clinic provided local players with a great opportunity to get on the park with their role models engaged in mini-game time.
"And it was great to see the Jets girls and guys who generously obliged with signing autographs and participating in photo calls," she said.
Shaw said that the Nelson Bay members were is in a buoyant mood post-COVID.
"Players have been starved of game time and the opportunity to socialise in recent seasons, so are excited to be back playing football, with record numbers in registrations across both juniors and seniors.
"The club has started the season with all age groups represented in both male and female football, building a pathway for player and coach development."
To support this commitment to building community links and opportunities for players and coaches to participate and develop, the club has launched several in-house initiatives this season.
"We are offering junior players development centre sessions with additional coaching on Mondays and Fridays, as well as celebrating 'Female Football Week' and 'The Kick-On for Women' program - an introductory football program, designed specifically for women to fit into busy lives whilst juggling day to day commitments," Shaw said.
Nelson Bay will be hosting the MiniRoos certificate workshop (aimed at coaches working with players 4-11 years) on May 18, from 6-7.30pm and plans to offer more opportunities for coaches to learn and develop.
New Nelson Bay club coach coordinator Steve Punshon, a former English FA coach developer, says that there is huge potential at NBFC.
"The new committee is supporting several initiatives that will lead to an improved experience and learning opportunities for players and coaches. It's great time to be involved at a community club with access to such a pool of talent, excellent facilities and big aspirations."
For further information on all activities at Nelson Bay Football Club email football@nelsonbayfootball.com.au.
