'Very frustrating': Some teams yet to play as rain deluge forces more changes
Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season.
Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer.
As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds.
Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one.
In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds.
And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally.
Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible.
He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played.
Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs.
"In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald.
"In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather.
"We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds."
Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks.
The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again.
"From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said.
"We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway.
"That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute.
"But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football."
Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures.
Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night.
It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks.
The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending.
The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic.
Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one.
"It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said.
"After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else.
"The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play.
"It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks.
"We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached."
Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather.
Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain.
On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season.
Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer.
As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds.
Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one.
In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds.
And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally.
Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible.
He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played.
Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs.
"In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald.
"In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather.
"We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds."
Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks.
The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again.
"From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said.
"We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway.
"That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute.
"But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football."
Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures.
Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night.
It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks.
The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending.
The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic.
Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one.
"It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said.
"After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else.
"The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play.
"It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks.
"We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached."
Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather.
Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain.
On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season.
Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer.
As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds.
Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one.
In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds.
And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally.
Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible.
He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played.
Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs.
"In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald.
"In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather.
"We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds."
Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks.
The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again.
"From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said.
"We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway.
"That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute.
"But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football."
Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures.
Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night.
It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks.
The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending.
The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic.
Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one.
"It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said.
"After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else.
"The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play.
"It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks.
"We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached."
Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather.
Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain.
On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season.
Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer.
As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds.
Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one.
In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds.
And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally.
Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible.
He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played.
Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs.
"In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald.
"In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather.
"We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds."
Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks.
The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again.
"From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said.
"We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway.
"That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute.
"But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football."
Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures.
Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night.
It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks.
The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending.
The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic.
Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one.
"It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said.
"After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else.
"The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play.
"It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks.
"We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached."
Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather.
Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain.
On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
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2 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Our biggest challenge': Facilities heads list of goals for NNSW football board
NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game."
The Advertiser
16-05-2025
- The Advertiser
'Very frustrating': Some teams yet to play as rain deluge forces more changes
Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground. Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground. Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground. Northern NSW Football has contingency plans in place but is not yet hitting the panic button as a strong sense of deja vu settles on another water-logged season. Wet weather is causing havoc to winter sport, but perhaps none moreso than soccer. As the region's premier men's competition reached its halfway point last weekend, defending NPL premiers and champions Broadmeadow had only played eight of 11 fixtures after three successive matches were postponed due to rain-affected grounds. Most other clubs have two rounds to catch up with three teams having only one. In the community space, run by the member zones of Newcastle, Macquarie and Hunter Valley, some teams were yet to kick a ball after three rounds. And, with more rain falling during the week and forecast for this weekend and beyond, those teams are set to stay stuck in mud, literally. Newcastle Football general manager Chris Brain has urged players and clubs to remain patient, flexible and "to think outside the square" where possible. He said one club, at their own expense, had booked synthetic courts at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Speers Point to get some of their miniroos matches played. Other clubs were ground-sharing and some venues, such as upgraded Smith Park in Hamilton North, were being used as hubs. "In comparison to last year, we're in better shape because we've just encouraged clubs to play where we can but be mindful of what council restrictions have in place," Brain told the Newcastle Herald. "In the main, we're getting games played. We've got a backlog but we're crossing our fingers that we can get at least some of the backlog put away in the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we're going to get some better weather. "We've got hubs and clubs are sharing grounds between each other and opening grounds for each other. We've just got to make sure we don't overload those grounds." Northern NSW Football general manager of football operations Liam Bentley said the first phase of premier youth league boys competition has already been extended by two weeks. The senior premier seasons were extended last year and that could be an option again. "From a senior point of view, we're just continuing to monitor the situation," Bentley said. "We've got a bunch of catch-up rounds and wet weather contingencies within that, and we do have a fair bit of this season to go. We're only roughly halfway. "That being said, though, we're definitely not getting complacent. We really need to keep an eye on how many games are getting postponed and make any type of call that we would need to make in an emergency, earlier rather than last minute. "But we're not quite at that point yet with senior football." Extra "wet weather" rounds were built into premier and community soccer seasons this year after competitions had to be extended last year to accommodate a backlog of washed-out fixtures. Broadmeadow coach Jim Cresnar was pleased to get their Australian Cup exchange in against Charlestown at Magic Park on Tuesday night. It was the first hit-out for Magic, who won 3-0 to advance to the next round of the national knockout competition, in four weeks. The NPL's second-placed side, on 21 points, are set to face unbeaten leaders Edgeworth (23 points) at Magic Park on Sunday (2pm), weather pending. The top-of-the-table clash comes after three consecutive wash-outs - away games to Maitland, Valentine and Cooks Hill - for Magic. Edgeworth, whose past two competition games have been postponed, beat Magic 1-0 when they met in round one. "It was very nice to get a game in," Cresnar said. "After about three or four weeks, you're trying to work out where the team is in terms of their fitness and everything else. "The three or four weeks has been very frustrating, the inability to potentially play. "It was a very solid performance, and it gives us a bit of a guide to see where we are as well, missing three or four weeks. "We haven't beaten Edgeworth in three or four years. They've got some good individual players and are well-coached." Round 12 of NPL men and women is scheduled to kick off on Friday night, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, some of this weekend's games have already been shifted in Newcastle Rugby League due to the rain. On Saturday, Wests' home game against Macquarie will now be played at Lyall Peacock Oval in Toronto and Souths' home clash with Kurri Kurri has been moved to Kurri Kurri Sportsground.
News.com.au
03-05-2025
- News.com.au
Pride Of Jenni books her ticker for Queensland winter carnival with Anniversary Vase victory
Pride Of Jenni has beaten tougher opposition but the mare still notched a crucial win in Saturday's Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) at Caulfield. A Brisbane winter carnival trip hinged on Pride Of Jenni showing a semblance of her imperious best in the Anniversary after her last-start flop in the Group 1 Australian Cup in March. Another moderate performance would have prompted questions about the multiple Group 1 winner's future but the Ciaron Maher -trained Pride Of Jenni did what was required despite being short of peak fitness. While enjoying favourable weight terms under the quality conditions of the Anniversary Vase, Pride Of Jenni still needed to give her rivals up to 7kg at her first run for six weeks. Tactics remained the same as jockey Craig Newitt persevered for the lead after early opposition from Regal Zeus before Pride Of Jenni got into her work from the 1200m. Pride Of Jenni carved out strong mid-race sectionals before rounding the home turn with only a two-length break on her rivals. However, that was enough as placegetters Scheelite ($5) and Pounding ($5) could get no closer than 2¼ lengths from the bold frontrunner on the line. SHE'S BACK! ðŸ˜� Pride Of Jenni is back to her best with a win in the Anniversary Vase at Caulfield! Bring on the Doomben Cup. @cmaherracing @craig_newitt â€' 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) May 3, 2025 Newitt said Pride Of Jenni didn't quicken in the second half of the race but showed little sign of fatigue in the last 200m. 'She never quickened any more but she never weakened. She just kept up her gallop,' Newitt said. 'Her stamina really kicked in. 'I sensed there was something there at the top of the straight so I thought, 'today's the day we'll find out what is there' and, to my surprise, she really kept her gallop through the line.' Newitt said he was more relieved than jubilant about Pride Of Jenni bouncing back to winning ways after the disappointing Australian Cup run. 'She's always fun to ride,' Newitt said. 'The ground was very quick today and she's obviously very effective on wet ground, which she'll get in Brisbane. 'It's just a relief really because we know how good she is on her day.' Owner Tony Ottobre said the Group 1 Doomben Cup would be Pride Of Jenni's next appearance but Maher would determine the rest of her Brisbane winter program. 'She's got a bit more condition than we hoped but obviously she got more (fitness) to come,' Ottobre said. 'She's just a superstar. 'There's more improvement to come, so that's good. 'She's got no niggling issues or anything like that so she's perfect and that's what you see when she's 100 per cent right.'
