I am writing to welcome you to season 2021. Football is kicking off right now, and we’re so excited that the season is getting underway.
After everything that happened last year, all of our clubs, North Coast Football, Northern NSW Football and Football Australia, have been working hard to make 2021 our biggest year yet. I am pleased to report that our player numbers have rebounded from the losses last year due to the pandemic. Indeed, we’re on track to exceed the number of players we had in 2019.
Football is in for a great year. As the region grows, so too does football. Locally, we have more players and teams; a new club has joined the MiniRoos competition (welcome to BDC Barracudas), and later this year, the new all-weather all-year synthetic pitches will open in Coffs Harbour. We’ve also been buoyed by the visits to Coffs twice by the Newcastle Jets, who took on Brisbane Roar in December and Perth Glory just this week.
The Coastal Premier League is heading into its second season with many lessons learned from last years’ disjointed but nonetheless excellent inauguration. On a wider front, the A-League is having a great year, unearthing outstanding new talent. Internationally, the Matildas are back on the pitch, and the Socceroos have World Cup Qualifiers on the horizon. All in all, it’s going to be a great year for football.
It’s also important to send a special welcome to the many first-timers. We hope your first season is the start of a lifelong association with the beautiful game. Anyone playing this year can look forward to fun with friends. Football with friends equals fun, and that’s what it’s all about. We must never lose sight of that.
Season snapshot
- Competitions: MiniRoos, junior competitive, seniors, masters and Coastal Premier League.
- Season starts: 15,16, 17 and 18 April 2021
- Season concludes: 8, 9, 10 and 11 September 2021
- Formats: 15 to 18 scheduled match weeks plus finals in most competitions
- Number of players: Approximately 5,000, Clubs: 25, Teams: 314.
- Range: Scotts Head in the south, Dorrigo and Grafton in the west, Iluka in the north
- Player age range: 5 to 65
Finally, I would like to thank all of the players and match officials for committing to the game again. You wouldn’t be on the pitch without the tireless work of your club committee members, other volunteers, coaches and managers. So, if you see one of your club volunteers this weekend, say thanks. They really deserve it. It’s a great team effort. Enjoy your football season.
Olé, Olé, Olé!
ANDREW WOODWARD
General Manager