THE Newcastle Jets kicked off their 2021/2022 A-League campaign last Sunday with a 2-1 loss to the Central Coast Mariners at home.

Meanwhile, the club continues to extend its footprint on the North and Coffs Coast.

With over 5000 players registered to play football in the North Coast Football region and similar numbers on the Mid North Coast and Far North Coast, football fans don’t have a local A-League club to support.

Football registrations have been booming with several clubs breaking registration records including Sawtell FC, Woolgoolga and Coffs United who had over 500 registered players in the 2021 season.

The Newcastle Jets have embraced the Coffs Coast community with A-League matches, trial matches, children’s free football clinics and open training sessions giving away free merchandise and player engagement.

Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske explained how the club intends to deepen relationships in the communities of the North and Coffs Coast.

“The Jets represent the whole of Northern New South Wales and we are striving to make the region proud of us.

“There’s a strong linkage to the Coffs Coast where we have played trial matches, A-League matches and free children’s clinics which our players and coaches really enjoyed.

“The players and new coach Arthur Papas were looking forward to a training camp in Coffs Harbour last month which included trial matches against A-League opposition and local rep teams, but unfortunately we had to cancel because of the COVID restrictions.

“We want to engage with the community on the North Coast and that’s why we have Coffs Harbour as a training camp venue, to connect with the local community and we would love to see supporters visit our home stadium for both our A-League and W-League teams,” said Mattiske.

The Jets play an attacking brand of football and are renowned for developing home grown talent like their midfield general, Angus Thurgate from Port Macquarie.

Coffs United and RISE player Habib Noorani caught the eye of the Newcastle Jets in a trial match which led to a semi-professional contract with Lake Macquarie based NPL Club Valentine FC.

Shane Mattiske encouraged football supporters on the North Coast to keep an eye out for the home grown and overseas talent at the Jets this season.

“Keep your eye on young Archie Goodwin, he’s had a good pre-season and is one of many exciting youngsters.

“Along with Angus Thurgate and Lucas Mauragis, Goodwin fits into a youthful squad that will form the future for the Newcastle Jets.

“The Jets have attacking flair in Valentino Yuel who scored five goals in the first five matches last season and we have a host of new players.

“Daniel Penha is incredibly exciting for any football fan, the 22-year-old Brazilian gives us something extra in midfield which complements the home grown talent,” said Mattiske.

 

By David WIGLEY