NAMBUCCA Strikers men and women are raring to kick off the 2023 season on Saturday 22 April.

Women’s first team coach Rhys Jones provided insights into what’s happening at the Strikers.

“Senior men’s coach Ricky Welsh is very optimistic about how the men’s team will fare this season,” he said.

“After some major changes in the team with new and exciting players joining the club plus junior players making their senior debut.

“The feeling around the team is that a new dawn is looming.

“Especially with a new breed of younger players being available to play in the next few years, the future looks very bright indeed,” said Rhys.

A new team leadership group was announced at an open training session.

Coach Ricky Welsh and his assistant Jenna Welsh named Zac Baldwin and Brody Faulds as joint captains this year.

Women’s coach Rhys Jones is pleased to inject pace and skill into the squad,

“The Women’s team who came so close last year to making the finals have recruited well in the off season,” Rhys said.

“The team is very well balanced, we still have a strong defence, however more encouraging is the recruitment of pace and skill up front giving our consistent goal scorer and new captain Sarah Mander some support up front.

“Both teams have been training hard since January and are ready to go for the upcoming season; with some very impressive performances in the preseason both sides will be extremely competitive this season,” said Rhys.

The 2023 season kicks off with both the men and women playing at home in Coronation Park, Nambucca Heads on Saturday 22 April.

The men kick off at 1pm against the Boambee Bombers followed by the Women at 3pm versus Orara Valley Dingoes.

“Come down and see some great community football, there is still room in the squad for men’s players so anyone interested can contact the club on coaching@nambuccastrikersfc.com,” enthused Rhys.

By David WIGLEY