Thunderbirds support headspace Wollongong

Thirroul Thunderbirds are supporting headspace Wollongong in Sunday's FSC Women's Charity Round and the club is collecting donations on their behalf.

Donations for any amount from $5 can be made by visiting the TJFC Shop or clicking on this link.

Representatives of headspace Wollongong will be at Gibson Park on Sunday for the Thunderbirds Division 1, 2 and 3 matches to raise awareness and funds for mental health services for 12-25 year olds.

Kirsten Ward, Dani Blackett and Hannah Bowen, with Ollie

Thirroul JFC will forward the total of donations made through the TJFC Shop or collected at the ground to headspace Wollongong.

More than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25.

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.

Over the years FSC has partnered with a number of organisations to raise awareness and funds to support the work of many great causes.

This year FSC, through the Women’s Competition, will support headspace as part of its Charity Round on Sunday 16 May.

Participating clubs will support headspace through their collections, events and raffles.  Representatives from headspace will also be in attendance at Thomas Gibson Park, Thirroul from midday to 2pm this Sunday.

headspace Wollongong participates in projects for young women in partnership with multiple organisations who work in the youth and health sector including Kiama Youth Services, Port Kembla Youth Project, Careways and MCCI. These programs for young women focus on wellbeing, self-care and healthy relationships and the Charity Round will assist these initiatives.

A bit more information about headspace:

Many traditional services aren’t equipped to address the unique barriers that young people face to accessing mental health support. headspace began in 2006 to provide a tailored and holistic mental health support to 12 – 25 year olds. With a focus on early intervention, we work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

At the heart of our services is ensuring we meet the evolving and unique needs of young people and those who support them. Therefore, young people are at the centre of everything we do and they play an active role in designing, developing and evaluating our programs.

Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace centres in 124 communities across Australia, our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.

Introducing new sponsor Hallmac Electrical Contractors

Thirroul JFC is delighted to welcome Hallmac Electrical Contractors to the club's family of business supporters.

Hallmac Electrical Contractors will sponsor the Under 8s Purple Thunderbolts in 2020, with the team to wear the company's logo on their playing shirts.

Specialising in retail and commercial fit-outs, Hallmac has a reputation for completing complex projects in pressure-filled situations.

Among the clients Hallmac has recently provided high-end electrical solutions for are H&M Wollongong and Macarthur Square, Grand Cru at Sydney International Airport, Bungalow 8 and Cargo Bar at King Street Wharf, Pyrmont's Terminus Hotel and Zara stores around Australia.

Further information about Hallmac Electrical Contractors can be found by visiting hallmac.com or visiting the company's Facebook page.

Thiroul JFC would like to thank Andrew McIntosh for instigating Hallmac's sponsorship of the Under 8s Purple team in 2020.

The club offers a variety of sponsorship packages for all Thirroul JFC teams, from Under 6s Thunderbolts to our senior Thunder and Thunderbirds teams.

Thirroul JFC is a not-for-profit organisation and relies on community support to enable the club to provide facilities, equipment and playing kits for our 650 registered players.

Further details about supporting the club can be found by clicking the Sponsorship tab on the thirroul football.com.au website.

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.

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.

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

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.

Grand Final Photo Galleries

Ann Odong, founder and editor of The Women's Game website, photographed the FSC female grand finals for the launch of the FFA's bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup. Get behind the bid and support The Women's Game.

Thirroul JFC would like to than Ann, the FFA and FSC for sharing her photo of the Thunderbirds WYL, W16s and W15s grand finals.

Click or tap on a photo to view a slide show.  

Thunderbirds WYL League and Grand Champions

Thunderbirds W16.2 Grand Finalists

Thunderbirds W15.1 Grand Finalists

Thunderbirds claim first Women's Grand Final win

The Thunderbirds WYL team created history when they became the club’s first senior women’s side to both win a Grand Final and achieve the League and Grand Championships double.

The Thunderbirds beat Warilla 1-0 in the Grand Final at Myimbarr Field to cap off a season in which the team finished top of the inaugural Women’s Youth League competition after losing just one match.

The team will now represent Football South Coast in the FNSW W21s Champion of Champions, with pool matches against St George on October 7 and Nepean on October 14.

Thirroul JFC had three other teams in Grand Finals at Myimbarr on the weekend of September 7-9.

The Thunderbirds W16.2 team lost 2-1 to Bulli and the W15s Thunderbirds went down 3-0 to Shellharbour, while the Thunder U16.2 side were beaten 2-1 by Kiama.

A big thanks to the FSC photographers who took the photos in the gallery below:

John Cropper to coach Thunderbirds in 2019

Thirroul JFC is pleased to announce the appointment of John Cropper as Thunderbirds Women’s Division 1 Coach for the 2019 season.

John has an extensive coaching background at all levels of the game, including stints in charge of Woonona and Wollongong Olympic First Grade Men’s teams.

He has also achieved success with Bulli Youth Grade, and most recently coached Thirroul Thunder Youth Grade team in 2016 and 2017.

John was also involved with the Thunderbirds Youth League team which made the final of the 2016 and 2017 FNSW W21s Champion of Champions tournaments.

He has coached players who have gone on to play for the Socceroos or at A-League level, as well as first grade for the Wolves and Stingrays.

With his background and experience, Thirroul JFC believes John is an ideal coach for the Thunderbirds Division 1 team next season.

John will continue in his role as Thirroul JFC Mentor: Coaching and Development.

Thirroul JFC wishes to thank Tina Siskoska for her efforts as coach of the Thunderbirds Division 1 team for the past two seasons.

The Thunderbirds had the youngest team in the 2018 FSC Women’s Division 1 competition and Tina oversaw the development of many players into the first grade squad, which will benefit the club next season and in the future. 

Tina advised Thirroul JFC at the end of the regular season that she would not be able to continue in the role next season and has endorsed the appointment of John as the new Thunderbirds Division 1 coach.

JOHN CROPPER
Background
High School Teacher: Physical Education (38 years).

Player
State League: South Coast United, Balgownie, Penrith.
Illawarra Premier League: Tarrawanna

Coaching
First Grade: Woonona; Wollongong Olympic (2015).
Youth Grade:  Wollongong Olympic; Bulli (2011-2014); Thirroul (2016-2017).
Juniors: Thirroul, Tarrawanna, Wollongong Wolves.
School: Keira High; South Coast Regional Schools.

Qualifications
Level C coaching Certificate/Advanced Pathways (Senior).

Thunderbirds Youth and GPR Super Hoops 2018 League Champions

Congratulations to Thirroul Thunderbirds Youth team and GPR Super Hoops for being crowned 2018 League Champions in their respective competitions.

The Thunderbirds won the inaugural FSC Women's Youth League competition and will play the major semi-final on Friday night at Gibson Park.

The Super Hoops are League Champions in the Community League Masters Division 3.

A number of other Thirroul teams have qualified for the finals in their competitions, including Thunder First Grade, Reserve Grade and Youth Grade teams in the District League, along with Thunder DC team in the Community League Division 1 Reserve Grade.

Thirroul JFC also has seven teams in the FSC Graded Junior semi-finals, commencing next weekend.

Congratulations to the U12G.1, U13G.1, U15W.1 Blue, U16W.2, U12.3, U15.2 and U16.2 teams for qualifying for the finals.

To all of the other teams and players whose season has been completed, thank you for being a part of our club this season. Thirroul JFC looks forward to seeing you at our upcoming 2018 Presentation Awards events.

Also, keep and out for information about the club's Summer 7s Junior and Senior Summer 7s.

New Competition Format for W17/18s Teams

A Women’s Youth League competition has been introduced for the 2018 season for all female players aged 17-to-21.

The Women’s Youth League is jointly run by the Football South Coast Junior and Women’s Councils and will be an expansion of the W21s competition to include teams who would have played in the W17/18s competition.

The teams will be graded into divisions with other teams of similar ability rather than by age only.

The reason for introducing the Women’s Youth League is to create more even competitions for teams and players as they transition from juniors to all-age women's competitions.

A number of other associations, including Canterbury, have adopted this model with positive results. Below is a basic outline of the competition.

What is the Women's Youth League

This is a competition for players aged between 17 (turning 17 before December 31, 2018) and 21 (turning 21 before December 31, 2018).

The Women's Youth League would be graded into divisions based on the ability of teams.

What does this mean for my team

• The Women’s Youth League will enable teams to stay together longer and provide an easier transition to all age competition.
• There will also be greater scope for clubs to form teams by combining W17 players with W18 and W21 players.
• This will increase the variety of the competition (more teams, more divisions, and the opportunity to play different teams).
• Teams will be matched against opponents of similar ability, which improves the quality of playing experience much more than being matched on age only.

Why is a Women's Youth League needed

Statistics show a drop off in playing numbers for female players in their late teens. As a result, there has been a disparity between the ability of teams in each of the U16s, U17/18s and W21s competitions.

FSC conducted a survey of players in these age groups who had not returned to the game in recent seasons and this was cited as one of the reasons.

How will a Women's Youth League change that

The aim of a Women's Youth League is to provide two or more competitive divisions and to ensure that teams play against other teams of a similar ability.

The Women’s Youth League allows teams to stay together as they transition from W17/18s to All Age Women’s competitions, and means that clubs do not have to dissolve teams that have some players outside the age requirements, or lose teams that have faced much stronger competition.

If all teams from the 2017 W16s, W17/18s and W21s competitions returned in 2018 there would be 25 teams in the Women's Youth League - enough for up to 3 divisions.

FSC statistics support that.

The following table shows the ages of players in the W16s, W17/18s and W21s competitions in 2017. It is estimated this would be enough for 20-25 teams

Age          Players

W16              138
W17              106
W18                62
W19                67
W20               38

What about girls who have been playing W16s but are younger

Players in the W16s competition can be borrowed into the Women’s Youth League competition (maximum of three per team per game).

The WYL Committee has the discretion in exceptional circumstances to allow a player turning 16 in 2018 to register with a Women’s Youth League team.

What about Champion of Champions and the State Cup

FNSW has confirmed that teams from the Women’s Youth League would be able to enter the W18 State Cup and Champion of Champions, provided:

• the players registered to the Women’s Youth League team are age eligible (18 years old or younger); and
• No over-age players have participated in the team during the FSC Women’s Youth League competition.

Football South Coast will nominate a team for the W21 Champion of Champions, which Thirroul has competed in for the past two seasons. 

Thunderbirds 2018 Coaching And Training Announcement

Thirroul JFC is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Tina Siskoska as Thunderbirds Division 1 coach ahead of the commencement of Women’s pre-season training next week.

Tina joined Thirroul JFC last year and took the Thunderbirds to within one win of the semi-finals in what was a difficult season, with 2 teams in Division 1.

The club believes that under Tina's coaching the Thunderbirds will continue to develop and strengthen in 2018, while catering for players of all abilities and ambitions.

A kick-around will be held next Wednesday, 10 January, at 6.30pm at Gibson Park for any players wanting to play for the Thunderbirds Women’s teams in the 2018 season.

Regular training and team selection will begin the following Wednesday, 17 January.

The appointment of coaches for other Thunderbirds teams will be made in coming weeks. 

Thunderbirds Ready For Champion of Champions Final

Photo: Robert Peet

The Thunderbirds W21s will play Epping FC in the grand final of the Football NSW Champion of Champions at 1.30pm Sunday at Valentine Park.

It is the second successive year that Thirroul has played Epping in the W21s decider and the players are confident they can become the club's first senior women's team to win a state title.

The path to the final has been similar to last year, with the Thunderbirds coming from behind to level the scores against Gymea United in the quarter final before winning a dramatic penalty shootout and last week downing Penrith FC 5-0 in the semi-final at Marconi Stadium.

Eight of the squad who will take the field on Sunday played in last year's Champion of Champions and the team is again coached by John Cropper, with assistance from Brad Walter, Amy Ziebell, Tina Siskoska and Corey Haines-Gross.

A big thanks to Lin Hampton for filming all the Thunderbirds games in the Champion of Champions - and some of Lin's footage was used in Thursday night's WIN TV report.

The team also received a mention in the Illawarra Mercury - along with Albion Park, who are playing in the All Age Women's final.

Thirroul W21s and Albion Park are the only teams from Football South Coast to qualify for this season's Champion of Champions grand finals.

Thirroul JFC 2017 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Thirroul JFC  will hold its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 5 November, 2017 commencing at 4PM, at Thirroul Bowling Club, Station Street, Thirroul.

Nominations are open for positions on the 2018 Club Management Committee. These positions are:

• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Vice President
• Sponsorship Coordinator
• Events Coordinator
• Media Officer
• Executive Member
• Executive Member
• Registrar
• District Delegate (2 Required)
• Canteen Co-ordinator
• One only Senior Men’s Player representative
• One only Senior Women’s Player representative
• One only Senior Men’s Amateur Player representative
• Club Coach
• Referee's Coordinator
• Football Sub-Committee Chairperson
• Maintenance Coordinator
• Gear Coordinator

Nominations must be made in accordance with the Club Rules, nominators and nominees must be full club members or life members.

Nominations should be made using the Club Committee Nomination form and should be returned to the Club Secretary at either of the addresses below. Nominations close at 5:00 PM on Friday 3 November 2017.

• secretary@thirroulfootball.com.au or
   
• Thirroul Junior Football Club
  PO Box 302
  Thirroul NSW 2515

Nominations close at 5:00 PM on Friday 3 November 2017.
 

Thirroul juniors feature on FIFA18 game

Thirroul juniors Dylan Ryan and Reagan Ogle have been included in the new FIFA18 game.

Dylan, who plays for Dutch club Willem II, played for Thirroul JFC until being chosen for the Skillaroos in 2010 and earning a place in the NSW Institute of Sport program.

The 17-year-old defender enjoyed a stint at Liverpool after being spotted by the club's scouts at a tournament in Manchester in 2015 and he recently moved to the Netherlands on a three year professional contract.

Reagan, who played in the same Under 11s team as Dylan, is now playing in the top team at English League Two club Accrington Stanley.

Also a defender, 18-year-old Reagan joined Accrington Stanley's youth academy on a scholarship after moving to England with his family to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time footballer and in May he was offered a two-year full-time contact with the club.

Dylan Ryan in action for Willem II

.

Ryan Ogle's player profile photo on Accrington Stanley's website

Matilda wins Football South Coast goalkeeping award

Congratulations to Matilda Davis-Raiss of Thirroul Thunderbirds W21s team on winning the Football South Coast women's Goalkeeping Development Award at the 2017 presentation on Saturday night.

Matilda was nominated for the award by goalkeeping coach Belinda Barter for her enthusiasm, commitment and ability during the 2017 season.

In addition to the W21s, Matilda played regularly for the Thunderbirds Division 1 teams.

Team-mate Cara Baker was a finalist in the FSC W21s player of the year, while Alex Pritchard was a finalist for the Division 3 player of the year.   

Vale Doug LePage: A kind and gentle soul

Thirroul Junior Football Club is saddened by the loss of club stalwart and Life Member, Doug LePage, who passed away peacefully at home last Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer.

Doug's contribution to our club was enormous, especially in the mentoring and development of young referees, and he continued to attend committee meetings until recently.

"He was a kind, gentle soul who always looked out for the welfare of our young referees," Thirroul JFC executive member Peter Harkin said. "I’m hard pressed to ever recall Doug losing his temper and he always seemed willing to stick his hand up to do tasks.

"Even in the later stages of his illness he volunteered to do the barbecue when he could. A quiet achiever who was always the gentleman. Sadly missed."

Long serving Thirroul JFC registar Debbie Crawford said: "Over the years I have known Doug – two of his boys, Tim and Joshua, played for Thirroul – he never lost his cool.  He was quiet and studious, enjoying a chin wag and a beer with mates."

 The club extends its deepest sympathies to Doug's wife Patty, his family and to all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Doug's funeral service to be held in the chapel, Parsons Funeral Home, 278 Princes Highway, Bulli on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 12noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Relay for Life (Bikini Girl's & Friends).

125th anniversary: From Rovers to Bluebells to Thunder, Thunderbirds, Thunderbolts & GPR

Thirroul JFC will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of the club with a Thunder-Mental Trivia Night on Saturday, May 20 at Thirroul Bowling Club.

The Thunder will fittingly play Balgownie on Saturday at Gibson Park, as Rangers were one of the clubs Thirroul FC - known as Thirroul Rovers - played in their first season after being founded at a meeting on May 21, 1895. 

Other teams included Helensburgh Rovers, Corrimal and Woonona Swifts, who were founded shortly after the Thirroul club.