Congratulations Jenna Rose and Zara Button

Thunderbirds players Jenna Rose and Zara Button helped Illawarra Bungarra to their fourth consecutive title at the National Indigenous Football Championships in Nowra.

Jenna (top, third from right) and Zara (bottom right) played in the Bungarra side, coached by Albion Park’s Richard Davis, which defeated the Newcastle All-Stars 3-2 in the final at Ison Park on November 2.

It was Jenna’s fourth tournament with Illawarra Bungarra, while Zara was playing for the first time.

Jenna was selected after last year’s National Indigenous Football Championships in the Australian First Nation’s ‘Mariya’ open age women’s team that played New Zealand Maori at the 2019 Trans-Tasman Football Series in January.

Photos: Jakki Haydock

Thunder dominate District League Awards

Congratulations to Thunder players Nathan Mucci and Liam Harris, and coach Kevin Lewis for their awards at the Football South Coast Men’s Council Presentation.

Nathan was awarded the Neville Arrowsmith Medal as the 2019 District League Player of the Year, while Liam received the Golden Gloves award as the competition’s best goalkeeper..

The awards were in recognition of the pair’s role in helping the Thunder to within one win of a first grade grand final berth.

It was the first time Thirroul JFC players have dominated the District League awards.

Kevin, who guided the Thunder to a fourth consecutive Reserve Grade grand final win, was honoured for Services to Football.

Here is a brief summary of Kevin’s involvement with our club and the game.

Kevin Lewis Services to Football Nomination

After emigrating from Wales to Australia at the age of 10, Kevin Lewis resumed his football career with Woonona Junior Football Club where he played for 8 years

At 18 he moved to Bulli FC where he played for 11 years including their 1986 Grand Final win

In 1995 he played a season at Tarrawanna FC

In 1996 he returned to play for Woonona FC and in 1997 joined the coaching staff. He took their Youth Grade to the 1999 Grand Final

1998-2001 he coached both his son’s teams and was the Registrar at Woonona Junior Football Club.

2002 to 2008 he coached his two son’s teams at Bulli Junior Football Club and held the positions of Vice President and President. In 2008 Bulli JFC made him a Life member

He coached his first Grand final win in 2002 Bulli under 10 4th div

In 2008, he joined Thirroul Thunder FC in their inaugural year as youth grade coach

He has continued on the Club’s Coaching staff as Youth Grade Coach, Women’s First Division Coach and Reserve Grade Coach.

Since 2012, he has coached 3 Youth Grade League Champions, 2 Reserve Grade League Champions, 2 Youth Grade Grand Final wins and 4 Reserve Grade Grand Final wins. In the last 8 years alone, he’s been the Thirroul Coach on Grand Final day on 7 occasions for 6 wins and 1 loss including the last 4 consecutive Reserve Grade Grand Final wins.

Kevin’s enormous contribution to player development and his substantial role in many Clubs’ Football histories makes him a worthy recipient.

Thunder Reserve Grade Grand Final Gallery

Thunder make it 4 in a row

Thirroul secured their fourth premiership in a row under coach Kevin Lewis with a dramatic victory prevailing on penalties at Crehan Park on Sunday in the Illawarra District League Reserve Grade Grand Final.

This was the Thunder’s sixth final in nine seasons and they did in difficult circumstances after losing Tom Goodier with a broken leg in just the eighth minute.

The injured delayed the match for about 30 minutes as Goodier was treated by medical staff on the field before being transported by ambulance to hospital where he later underwent surgery.

Thirroul opened the scoring in the 70th minute when Mitchell Jones powered a volley under the keeper from inside the box.

Jones’ strike was cancelled out seven minutes from time when a low ball across the box allowed Kyle Tipping to convert from close range.

A goalless period of extra time left the prospect of a penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper Liam Harris was the hero for the Thunder saving three penalties and scoring one of his own.

For the full match report, click here.

Match details: Saturday, September 21, 2019 @ Crehan Park, Cringila

Man of the Match: Liam Harris

Thirroul Thunder – 1 (Jones 70’) (3)

Helensburgh Thistle – 1 (Tipping 83’) (2)

Thirroul Thunder: Liam HARRIS, Jeremy HARRISON, Mitchell JONES, James TOWNSON, Adam WARD, Lachlan DUNN, Jonathon DELYALL, Jonathon TOBIN, Oscar PRUKS, Matthew KELLOND, Thomas. GOODIER

Substitutes: Samuel ALLISON (TOWNSON), Matt SPARGO (JONES), Benjamin WALCHLI (DELYALL), Simon WARD (GOODIER), Lachlan JONES

Helensburgh Thistle: Matt WARDLE, Blake KIRKLAND, Aaron DARK, Nick HARRIS, Adam COFFEE, Bradley MATIUSCENKO, Aiden BROOKS, Andy GARCIA, Josh BRADY, Reggae ROWLEY, Jason WELLINGS

Substitutes: Adam THOMPSON (BROOKS), Luke FALKINER (MATIUSCENKO), Kyle TIPPING (COFFEE), Andrew RUSSELL (GARCIA), Braden GILBERT

Referee: Blake HERBERT

Assistant Referees: Caleb BLANCH and Brendan FOTHERINGHAM

Fourth Official: Mick AGIM

Report by Timothy Gibson, on Twitter @Timg123_

Photo by Pedro Garcia

Thunderbolts U12s Grand Final Photo Gallery

Congratulations to Dale Eglitis, Ben Hogan and the players in the Thunderbolts Under 12As team, sponsored by Barrington Homes, on qualifying for the 2019 grand final. Photos courtesy of Rachael Murrie.

Thirroul JFC Secures Funding For Weather Shelter

Thirroul JFC would like to thank everyone associated with the club and others who supported the submission to construct a Weather Shelter at Thomas Gibson Park.

Thirroul JFC is excited to announce that the club has been successful in securing funding for the Weather Shelter through the NSW Government’s My Community Project scheme.

The grant will enable the construction of awnings over and adjacent to the existing amenities building at the cricket/soccer fields at Gibson Park, along with additional seating and water tanks to store water from the roof that can be used to improve the playing surface.

This will benefit the the entire community and continues an ongoing plan by Thirroul JFC to develop Gibson Park to cater for the increased use of the facility.

More than 1800 projects across NSW were considered for the My Community Project scheme and Thirroul JFC’s proposal was one of 248 chosen after 61,437 people voted for their favourite local projects.

The successful projects were announced on Thursday, 5 September.

Miniroos Presentation Gallery

Updated: Finals Schedule for Graded Juniors

Junior Finals

Please find the draw for the FSC Junior Finals Series. More specific details can be found in the match centre on the FSC website. Note, these details are subject to change.

2019 TJFC CLUB AWARDS

Each year Thirroul JFC recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the club through a series of awards.

Nominations for the 2019 awards close on Friday 30th August. 

Please use the form below to submit your nominations.

Coach of the Year

This award is to recognise significant contributions a coach has made towards the club.  Nominations should detail why the nominee deserves the award and how they have contributed, as a coach, to benefit the club.  You may nominate a coach for any reason that you see fit. This may include such things as developing players, being a good a coach, handling difficult situations, creating a good team environment etc. The nominations should detail the coach's history, performance and role in developing players and football at the club.

Community Award

Each year Thirroul Junior Football Club presents a Community Award to an individual or family who have shown dedication and great commitment to the club. Nominations should outline the positive contribution the nominee has made to Thirroul JFC during the previous 12 months or over a longer period, and the reason you believe they are worthy of the award.

Senior Club Person of the Year

A senior (over 18) member of the club, player, coach or official who has made an outstanding contribution to the operation of the club in the past year.

Junior Club Person of the Year
A junior (under 18) member of the club, in a playing, coaching or supporting role who has made an outstanding contribution to the operation of the club in the past year.

Life Membership

This award is in recognition of a club member who has performed  a continuous (at least five years) outstanding contribution to the operation of Thirroul JFC.

Vote for our Gibson Park Weather Shelter Proposal

Thirroul JFC needs your help to secure funding through the My Community Project scheme for the construction of awnings over and adjacent to the existing amenities building at the cricket/soccer fields at Thomas Gibson Park.

Click here for details on How to Vote

The cricket and soccer fields at Gibson Park currently have an amenity building containing change rooms, toilets and canteen. The building roof provides a great viewing area for both sporting activities.

However, there is no protection from harmful UV rays during summer and no shelter, at all, from rain storms all year round.

This construction of a Weather Shelter will ensure:

• Protection from the weather and additional seating for all the activities that take place in Thirroul's "Village Green".

• Environmental benefits, including water tanks to store water from the roof to be used to improve the playing surfaces.

• Continuation of an ongoing plan to develop Gibson Park to cater for the increase in the use of the facility.

Enhancing the "Village Green" of Thirroul

Gibson Park is Thirroul’s "Village Green”. It is used by joggers, dog walkers, the local schools, as well as organised cricket and soccer. It also, provides walking and cycling connections between the nearby housing and Thirroul Beach, as well as Thirroul Railway Station. This proposal provides respite from the sun for this community, as well as a refuge from the rain showers that can suddenly occur.

Thirroul Junior Football Club, the users of the soccer fields, will carry out the project. The club has a history of carrying out projects to the benefit of Gibson Park and the community in general, including field drainage and lighting to night game standard.

A Development Application has been prepared for this proposal and if approved, work could be completed by the beginning of this year's cricket season.

HOW TO VOTE

Go to the mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au website

1. Select your electorate - KEIRA

2. Log in or create a MyServiceNSW Account - The same account used to claim the Active Kids rebate

3. Verify your identity

4. Shortlist your favourite projects - VOTE 1 for Weather Shelter for Gibson Park

5. Arrange your top 3 to 5 projects - VOTE 1 for Weather Shelter for Gibson Park

6. Submit your vote - VOTE 1 for Weather Shelter for Gibson Park

Washed out matches re-scheduled

Graded Junior matches washed out on the weekend of July 5-7 have been rescheduled as set out below.

Most games will be played as double-headers on the weekend of July 19-21.

Details of the day, venue and time for each team’s games can be found in the Match Centre on the FSC website.

Under 12s

• 12 Division 1 – Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14)

• 12 Division 2 – Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14). (Matches on Saturday 20 July are now in R13 in the match centre)

• 12 Division 3 – Matches were played at Ian McLennan Park

• 12 Division 4 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14). (Matches on Saturday 20 July are now in R13 in the match centre)

Under 13s

• 13 Division 1 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14).

• 13 Division 2 – Matches scheduled to Sunday 11 August (R19). 

• 13 Division 3 – No matches scheduled for July 6

• 13 Division 4 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14). (Matches on Saturday 20 July are now in R13 in the match centre). 

Under 14s

• 14 Division 1 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14).

• 14 Division 2 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14). (Matches on Saturday 20 July are now in R13 in the match centre). Round 12 washed out matches reschedule for 28 July.

• 14 Division 3 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R15).

• 14 Division 4 - No matches scheduled for July 6.

Under 15s 

• 15 Division 1 – Matches scheduled to Friday 19 July or Saturday 20 July (R14).

• 15 Division 2 – Helensburgh v Balgownie rescheduled to 21 July. Fernhill v Figtree – Saturday 3 July (Both teams have a bye for this round previously) (R17)

• 15 Division 3 - Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14)

 Under 16s

• 16 Division 1 – Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R14). 

• 16 Division 2 – Matches scheduled to Friday 19 or Saturday 20 July (R13).

• 16 Division 3 – Matches scheduled to Friday 29 July Saturday 20 July (R13).

 Under 17s

• 17 Division 1 – Matches scheduled to Sunday 11 August (R18). No games scheduled previously.

GIRLS

• 12 Girls D1/13 Girls D2 – Matches scheduled to Saturday 27 July (R15).

• 14 Girls Division 1: - Shellharbour v Bulli scheduled to Friday 26 July (R16).

• 14 Girls Division 2: - Matches scheduled to Friday 26 or Saturday 27 July (R15) (Coledale v Bulli reversed to Bulli

• 15/16 Girls Division 1 -  Matches scheduled to Sunday 21 July (R12)

FSC Adult Refereeing Course

Football South Coast would like to invite adults (18 years and older) to complete a Level 4 Referee Course being held on July 2-3.

Please find the course details below:

• Date – Tuesday 2nd July & Wednesday 3rd July

• Time – 6pm-9pm (3 hours/night)

• Venue – Football South Coast Boardroom – 11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow (our entrance is to the right of the Fraternity Club main entrance, up the stairs)

• Course Cost – $75 (includes course fee and course equipment i.e. flags, cards & whistle)

Course Requirements:

• Participants must complete the online Laws of the Game certificate, BEFORE they can complete a Level 4 course. Please reply to this email with an electronic copy of the LOTG certificate, and also bring a printed copy to the course.

• You will also need to print the Level 4 course workbook (doesn't need to be in colour) and bring it with you to the course.

• The course does include a field component, you will need to wear appropriate clothing (boots NOT needed), and if wet weather the course will still commence. You will be supplied with your course related equipment (flags, cards & whistle) at this time.

Course Registration & Payment:

• You will need to REGISTER HERE for the course. Please register and pay by COB Monday 1st July.

• Payment – please pay $75 via direct bank transfer, details below

  • Football South Coast

  • BSB – 641 800

  • Acc – 200744102

  • Reference – your name & level 4

FSC Referee Registration:

After you have completed your Level 4 Referee course, FSC encourages you to register as an FSC junior referee for the remainder of the 2019 season. FSC is offering those who complete this course a discounted registration fee of $70. You will be contacted once you have completed the course with instructions on how to register as an FSC referee.

Uniforms:

Payment of the course excludes the referee uniform (shorts, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, socks), but does include the cost of the course and the course related equipment required (flags, cards & whistle). Referee uniform packages (shorts, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, socks) are available for purchase after you have completed your course from the FSC office at a cost of $95.

Please contact the FSC office if you have any questions.

PH: 02 4285 6929
Email: referees@footballsouthcoast.com

Women's Charity Round

Thirroul Thunderbirds are playing in the feature match of Football South Coast Women's Charity Round at Ian McLennan Park on Sunday 26th May. Kick off is 5.30pm.

Any donations to Illawarra Women's Health Centre would be greatly appreciated and can be made at the game.

These include Pamper packs (toiletries), warm winter goodies (heat packs, lavender eye masks, hot water bottles, fluffy socks, warm throws), Opal cards, fuel cards (transport can be a problem), movie vouchers, Rebel vouchers (sports gear, especially for kids).

Please support the Thunderbirds and help a great cause.

Thirroul JFC welcomes new sponsor Barrington Homes

Thirroul JFC is pleased to welcome Barrington Homes to the club as a new sponsor for the 2019 season.

Barrington Homes has taken up a sponsorship package with the Under 12As team, coached by Dale Eglitis and managed by Ben Hogan.

A multi-award winning builder, Barrington Homes is an Australian owned and operated family business, which employs local trades and has a focus on giving back to the Illawarra community. 

Further details about Barrington Homes can be found by clicking here or on their logo, which is located on the home page of the Thirroul Football website, or by visiting barringtonhomes.com.au.

Please support Barrington Homes and those who support Thirroul JFC.

For information about sponsoring Thirroul JFC, including details of Sponsorship Packages and Player Sponsorship, please go to the Sponsorship tab at the top of the thirroulfootball.com.au website.

2019 Juniors Photo Gallery

Photos courtesy of Football South Coast.

FSC Flare Football Program

FLARE FOOTBALL PROGRAM: Term 2: Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July 2019

Term Coaching is a high intensity training environment focusing on the development of the player in accordance to the FFA National Curriulum. Discovery Phase and Skill Acquisition Phase age related activities provide a fun, challenging and a rewarding environment for the players to develop.

Located in hubs across the Illawarra, this is a great opportunity for junior community players to develop their football whilst playing for their local club.

Judy Masters Oval, Balgownie

• Monday

  • 4:30pm - 5:30pm (5-14 year olds, group will be divided into ages/skill)

Woonona High School, Woonona

• Wednesday

  • 4pm - 5pm (5-14 year olds, group will be divided into ages/skill)

Terry Reserve, Albion Park

• Thursday

  • 4:30pm - 5:30pm (5-14 year olds, group will be divided into ages/skill)

PRICE = $200 for 10 sessions/10 weeks (ie. one day per week for one term). Please note - Balgownie will only have 9 sessions in Term 2, due to the Monday 29th April being a pupil free day (cost will be $180 for Balgownie).

Please note, the term program requires all participants to purchase and wear a compulsory Flare Football uniform (shirt, shorts, socks). For those who already have a term program (formally known as academy) uniform, you are able to continue to wear this to future sessions. Those who are new to the term program will need to purchase this uniform at a cost of $70 through the online registration process. You will then need to contact the FSC office via email (office@footballsouthcoast.com) or phone (02 4285 6929) to place an order for your required sizes.

For further information or to register, go to the Football South Coast website or click here.

School Holiday Coaching Clinics

Football South Coast will run a Flare Football School Holiday Clinic at Gibson Park from Monday 15th April - Thursday 18th April.

Flare Football offer a variety of development programs for our association community footballers all year round delivered by professional, accredited, experienced Football South Coast Coaches.

The vision for everyone at Flare Football is to develop, improve and strengthen grassroots football in the Illawarra region by providing a variety of player development opportunities to meet the needs of our association football community.

Flare Football School Holiday Clinics

WEEK 1: Monday 15th April - Thursday 18th April 2019 

Venues :

• Thirroul, Thomas Gibson Park - (9am-12pm Monday - Thursday) 

• Balgownie, Judy Masters Oval - (9am-12pm Monday - Thursday)

• Kembla Grange, Ian McLennan Park - (9am-12pm Monday - Thursday) including GOAL KEEPER CLINIC

• Albion Park, Terry Reserve - (9am-12pm Monday - Thursday)

Cost : $95

WEEK 2: Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th & Friday 26th April 2019

Venues :

• Dapto, Lakelands Oval - (9am-1pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)

• Helensburgh, Rex Jackson Oval - (9am-1pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)

Cost : $95

• FUTSAL Clinic: Fairy Meadow, Fraternity Club Futsal Courts - (9:30am-11:30am Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)

Cost : $70

Thirroul JFC registration for 2019 now open

REGISTER FOR 2019

A new mobile-friendly registration system has been introduced for 2019, which enables users to access their new Football Account with Facebook and Google log-ins as well as email.

An FFA Number is no longer needed to log-in, and family members can each be registered from a single account.

However, there are a number of changes those who have previously registered with the My Football Club system will notice, including a requirement to upload a passport-type photo.

Please continue reading for important information and details about how to register.

2019 FEES

Thirroul JFC has maintained registration fees for all players - from Under 6s Mini-Roos to the Club’s senior men’s and women’s teams - at $180 per player for the 2019 season. (Further details are outlined below).

Under the new registration system, there will be different packages to choose from displaying different fees. Please ignore these as the total amount to register with Thirroul JFC in 2019 will be $180 per player.

Family Discounts are available and all school-aged players are eligible for a $100 rebate as part of the NSW Government's Active Kids Program. Go to service.nsw.gov.au to claim your voucher code for each eligible player.

HOW TO REGISTER

Go to the playfootball.com.au website or CLICK HERE.

Make sure you are on the Thirroul Junior Football Club page and click on the START MY REGISTRATION tab on the bottom right hand side.

Create your Football Account using your email address, Facebook log-in or Google log-in.

Please Note: FFA has migrated all past registrations to the new system. If you have played previously you will be able to claim profiles from MyFootballClub provided you use the same email address to sign up. To claim your playing history and other details you will need to use the same email address used to register on the former MyFootballClub system.

After logging in to your Football Account you will be presented with a list of matching profiles from MyFootballClub where the email addresses match.

Click “continue” and you will be presented with a list of packages or “products” offered by Thirroul JFC.

Select the relevant package and a new page will open detailing the $180 fee for all Thirroul JFC players. Click “continue” at the bottom.

The next page asks you to check your personal details, including Emergency Contacts. After doing so click “continue”.

You will then be asked to upload a passport-style photo.

Continue to the Terms and Conditions, including Code of Conduct. After accepting these you will continue to the final page for payment. Thirroul JFC will not accept registrations as completed until the club has received full payment.

Note: All Junior packages, including Women’s Youth Grade, will have a list of mandatory questions. These are only for Mini-Roos - aged U6s-to-U11s. However, they can not be left blank so please type N/A if they are not applicable.

For further assistance with using the new registration system, CLICK HERE.

REGISTRATION FEES EXPLAINED

The committee of Thirroul JFC has decided not to pass on any increase in fees from governing bodies this year to maintain a registration fee of $180 for all players in 2019.

This includes FFA, Football NSW and Football South Coast fees, as well as insurance, ground hire and lighting at Gibson Park, referees fees. uniforms, trophies and maintenance costs, such as field maintenance and equipment.

It is a policy of Thirroul JFC that all players pay the same registration fee, whether they play Under 6s or First Grade for the Thunder or Thunderbirds.

However, the families of Mini Roos players (Under 6s to Under 11s) are not required to perform canteen duty during the season.

FAMILY DISCOUNT

Where a family has more than one player registering with Thirroul JFC, the following scale will apply – $180 each for the first two players and $150 each for all other immediate family members. The $30 discount applies across the club for players in junior, men’s, women’s and amateur teams.

The Family Discount for three players can be obtained during the registration process if all family members are registered using the same Football Account. In all other instances, the club will reimburse those who are eligible.

REGISTRATION SESSIONS

Thirroul JFC will hold Junior Registration sessions at Thirroul Bowling Club on Saturday, 2 February from 10am-2pm and Thursday, 7 February from 6pm-8pm.

Thunderbirds kick-around announced

All players interested in playing for the Thunderbirds open-aged and Women’s Youth League teams in 2019 are invited to a kick-around at Gibson Park on Tuesday, December 11.

The kick-around, which commences at 6.30pm, will be the only session before training begins in January.

Players from this year’s Thunderbirds W15s and W16s teams are encouraged to attend

Thirroul JFC recently announced the appointment of John Cropper as 2019 Thunderbirds Division 1 coach and will confirm other coaching staff once the club has a clearer indication of teams for next season.

It is anticipated that Football South Coast will next year have an Over 30s Women’s competition and two divisions of WYL, as well as open-aged competitions.

Jenna Rose chosen in Australian First Nation's team

Congratulations to Thirroul’s Jenna Rose on her selection in the Australian First Nation’s ‘Mariya’ open age women’s team to play New Zealand Maori at the 2019 Trans-Tasman Football Series in Wollongong on January 19 and 20.

The 'Mariya' and Maori women's teams will headline the “Clash of Cultures” festival of football at 3pm Sunday at Crehan Park, Cringilla.

The teams will also play at 1pm Saturday at Albert Butler Memorial Park, Kemblawarra ahead of a clash between 'Mariya' men and Wollongong Wolves at 3pm, which will see former Socceroos team-mates Jade North (Mariya) and Luke Wilkshire (Wolves) pit wits against each as rival coaches. Illawarra Stingrays U14s also play on Saturday against Mariya U14s Girls at 11.30am.

Jenna, who plays for the Thunderbirds Division 1 team, was chosen for Mariya women after her performance for Illawarra Bungarras at the recent National Indigenous Football Championships in Nowra.

Jenna and Thunderbirds team-mate Sarah Hanlon helped Illawarra Bungarras to a third consecutive title after a 4-0 defeat of Yuin Black Cockatoos in the women’s final.

It was the third year Jenna and Sarah have represented Illawarra Bungarras at the tournament, which featured more than than 400 Indigenous players from 40 different teams competing for the crown as the top men’s and women’s Indigenous football teams in the country.

Jenna was one of five Bungarras players chosen in the Australian First Nation’s ‘Mariya’ women’s squad, along with Tenaya Davis, Shakiah Tungai, Robyn Moylan and Alyssa Togo.

View fullsize

Australian First Nation’s ‘Mariya’ womens and mens teams to play New Zealand Maori

Jenna Rose (back, 4th from left) and Sarah Hanlon (back, 5th from left) with the victorious Illawarra Bungarras team.