This Saturday night the Socceroos take on France in their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and we’re having a party!!
Join us in the clubhouse where we’ll have nibbles and refreshments from 7pm, when coverage from Kazan starts. It’s $20 entry on the door, and the first 50 people to arrive receive a free Nike Socceroos supporter jersey!!!
It’ll be a great night so come on down and cheer on the Green and Gold!
To recognise the wonderful achievements of our Women’s Football program at Avalon we told stories of some inspirational members of our community in the lead up to the 2018 edition of Super Sunday.
As our weekend of celebration draws to a close we would be remiss to not mention the female behind the scenes who is the epitome of Avalon Soccer Club dedication – Blair McEwan.
Blair has dedicated countless hours every day over many weeks organising and scheduling to ensure our Super Sunday was an event to remember. She worked closely with the MWFA which resulted in 19 x female games being played at home. She was the author and creativity behind the wonderful Facebook inspirational stories on our GK’s, Referees, Mothers/Daughters, Sisters and Dual registered players.
Blair was instrumental in the successful roll-out of our Buddy/Mentor program where our Senior Female Players mentor and assist in the coaching of our younger female teams to provide the link across all levels of football.
Blair also manages and plays in the WAL1/WPL team and is a member of the Executive Committee where she performs her role as Competition Secretary to an exemplary standard.
Blair was awarded MWFA Female ClubPerson of the Year and AVSC ClubPerson of the Year in 2017.
Blair McEwan we celebrate you and we thank you. You are an inspiration to us all.
Fun fact – of our 456 registered female players for the 2018 season, we have over seventy sets of sisters playing, five of which have three girls playing for the Club!
One group which is filled with sisters is the Avalon WAL1/WPL. WAL1 Coach and Senior Women’s VP Kerry McEwan says it makes doing the ID checks fairly amusing for opposition managers.
In WAL1 there are three McEwans (Ashley, Blair and Eliza), two Joneses (Courtney and Chelsea) and two Shepherds (Annie and Xanthe) on the card. Most of these girls now live out of area, but love coming back on the weekend to play for their hometown club and catch up with each other (and occasionally their parents). WAL1 also boasts super-mums Lyndal Carruthers and Naomi Woods, whose daughters play in W16 & W18 (making them helpfully eligible for borrowing…)
Add WPL into the mix and you have the amazing Bates girls (Kirra and Elyce – daughters of WPL Coach Larry) as well as Zara Harrison and Maeve Gerathy who, together with WAL1 striker Ella Smith have talented little sisters (Lexi – W16, Ana – W13 and Ciara – W16) coming up the Avalon ranks.
With genes like these, no wonder we have so many successful Avalon girls teams!
Did you know that at Avalon SC we have a whopping 26 girls who play the “double-header” every week in both a Saturday mixed and Sunday women’s team in 2018? Add in State Cup commitments, night games and multiple training sessions and you get a whole lot of football! But these girls wouldn’t have it any other way.
One such player is Ava Roberts, who plays for two successful Avalon teams – the U12/1s and the W13/1As. Ava lives and breathes football and dreams of one day playing for the Matildas like her hero Lisa de Vanna.
Ava loves plays soccer because she gets to play with some of her best friends – Jazzie and Frankie on Sundays and Kai and her older brother Jack on Saturdays. Last season Ava was a member of the W12/1 team that won the premiership and grand final as well as of the mixed U13/4 team that were minor premiers and grand final runners up.
She has some amazing coaches in Matt Brennan, Chris/Sarah Chisman-Duffy and fellow defender Imogen Carlisle from WPL (our 2018 W13/1A team “buddy”) who Ava really looks up to.
Avalon SC, like many local clubs, is built on community and family. And in the case of our women’s teams, we mean that quite literally. Over the years we have been graced with some truly wonderful mother/daughter pairs (and trios) across the Club who have helped grow and shape women’s football at Avalon SC into what it is today. Today we are going to feature some of the extraordinary mothers and daughters both playing for Avalon in the 2018 season.
Jacqui Green (WAL1) and mother Carol Forlonge (WAL3) started together in 2004 for Avalon W12 and W35. Now both playing for senior Avalon teams they love it when the fixtures line up so that they can support (heckle) each other from the sidelines.
First timer footballer Sarah Chisman-Duffy (WAL3) spent many seasons on the sidelines watching her kids, including daughter Ives (W13/1A) before deciding to give it a go herself and register with Avalon in 2018.
Amie Stylianou (WAL3) returned to football in 2018 after a 27 year hiatus to join teenaged daughter Saskia (W16/1A) in Avalon red. Another player keeping her kid her toes is Jean Walsh (WAL3) whose daughter Keira (W15/1) has played for Avalon since U6s!
Cindy Papallo (WAL4) returned to the Club in 2018 after a break in order to join her amazing mum Sue Papallo (WAL3) in her 23rd consecutive season with Avalon (having not missed one since 1996).
Avalon rising stars Mia (U7), Sophie (W14/1), Tara (W18/1) and Alicia (W16/1A) were each inspired to play by their incredible mums – Junior VP Sharon Burton (WAL3), former Senior Women’s VP Sonya Armitstead (WAL3), Club VP Naomi Woods and “CCC” coach extraordinaire Lyndal Carruthers. Each of these women have dedicated countless hours to the service of Avalon Soccer Club and we are so lucky to have them both on and off the field.
Playing in goal can be a tough gig and requires fantastic skill, coordination and mental resilience. Here at Avalon SC we have a number of specialist female goalkeepers that work hard week in and week out to hone their craft and do their best to achieve that magic number – “0” goals against.
Kenya (W18/1) is an exceptional female goalkeeper. Last year she was the recipient of the prestigious Avalon Goalkeeper of the Year award. This season she is regularly playing two games on Sunday – W18/1 followed by WAL1 in order to challenge herself and get used to senior football. Both teams love Kenya for her mad skills in goal and because she is an absolute delight to have on the field.
Imogen (W13/1B) also loves playing in goal. She was player of the match in her game last weekend saving numerous shots including a penalty! She explains that “on the field you tend to get caught up in the speed of the moment when the ball is at your feet but as goalie I get to see the whole field and play and therefore can help position my team mates”. Her mother is also a goalkeeper, which inspired Imogen to follow in her footsteps. Imogen’s advice to girls thinking about playing keeper: don’t be scared, do it! It’s just as important a role as striker.
Arielle (W16/1A) enjoys the challenge of the unexpected and being the last player between the opposition and the goal. She has an amazing attitude and ability to direct play from the box, which combined with safe hands and composure under pressure make her an asset to this high performing team. Arielle’s words of wisdom to fellow keepers: don’t be discouraged if you let a goal in – the best goalkeepers let goals in – it’s how you come back on the next attempt.
Cath was born with Cystic Fibrosis, but isn’t letting that stop her from taking part in the game she loves. Cath starting playing soccer at school, meeting our Club VP Naomi Woods on the field when she was just 20. Despite significant medical limitations, Cath continued to play soccer over the years whilst raising her two sons. She reunited with Naomi years later who introduced her to the women of Avalon SC. In 2014/2015 Cath played with the Avalon WAL3s as well as taking part in four Pan-Pacific Masters Games (under the guidance of coach and Avalon Pres JK).
In 2016 her health deteriorated to critical, requiring a double lung transplant last year. We are so thrilled to now welcome Cath back to the Club. She took the field last week for the first time post-transplant to roaring applause. We look forward to seeing her in Avalon Red week after week, enjoying the game. She’s a true inspiration to all players and a shining example of the role team sport can play in building community and supporting wellbeing.
While many of her friends are working in retail, babysitting or making coffees, Lara from our incredibly successful W16/1A team has found an awesome part time job that lets her spend time running around outside and watching football (very, very closely). Lara is one of a small group of female referees in the Manly Warringah Football Referees Association and she loves her job. Lara has been refereeing for around 2 years in both the winter full field competition and the small sided (SSG) competition in the off-season. Roving Avalon SC reporter and W16 Team Manager extraordinaire Trudy caught up with Lara to ask a couple of questions about her experience as a referee:
Q: What is the best thing about refereeing?
A: It’s a really fun activity that I get to do, it’s great to encourage and teach younger kids in soccer as well.
Q: What is the hardest part?
A: The hardest part is dealing with argumentative people, both players and supporters.
Q: What advice would you give to other girls thinking of becoming referees?
A: I definitely think it’s great for girls to get into refereeing, it builds confidence and independence which I think are really important for girls to have.
We are very proud of Lara putting her excellent football brain to good use in becoming a referee. We encourage our club members of all ages and genders to consider becoming an accredited referee for the 2019 season and to remember on game day (players and supporters alike) that refs are there to do a very important and at times challenging job. Respect and support your referees and get on with the game!
Day 3 of our countdown to Super Sunday. Danielle Pearce, co-captain of Avalon WPL is an elite player for whom football created an opportunity to live and study overseas. Dani starting playing in 2000 as an Avalon U9.
She continued with the Club for three seasons before going on to play representative football as a “Manly Warringah Dolphin” (Manly United FC) including taking out a state championship. After finishing her secondary studies at Barrenjoey High School in 2009, football took Dani over to the US, where she spent four years playing for Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree Dani eventually returned to Australia and home to Avalon SC.
Over the past three seasons Dani has been instrumental in building our WPL both on and off the field to become the highly successful unit that they are now. Her on field chat and calm presence in the centre has lead WPL to take out three consecutive MWFA Challenge Cup titles and the 2017 MWFA WPL Grand Final. Currently studying to become a paramedic Dani gives back to the Club as one of our senior “team buddies” taking on a mentor role to help transition W18 players into senior football.
Head on down to Careel Bay THIS SUNDAY 27th MAY, as we Celebrate Female football. 19 Avalon sides in action throughout the day including our successful WPL side. There will be a BBQ, cake stall, entertainment and a special guest appearance from Sydney FC and Matilda’s star Chloe Logarzo between 11 and 12.
As part of this great day we’d like to invite you to come and have a kick around after
your game with the Senior Ladies (WAL1 and WPL) down at the Bay. Together with
our coaches Kerry and Larry we’ll be running some free skills sessions to pass on some
“tricks of the trade” and get to know the fantastic ladies that play for Avalon.
Please register for these using the links below so that we know how many cones to set
up.
Session One (W11-W12) 9.45am – 11am
Session two (W8-W10) 11am – 12.15pm
Session Three (W13-W15) 1pm – 2.15pm
To make the day a success, the Club will be asking for volunteers to help run the
canteen and keep the BBQ sizzling across the day – so encourage your parents,
grandparents or family friends over the age of 16 to give a bit of time back to the Club
that we all love so much. Each team playing at home has been assigned a slot to fill so
please check in with your team manager to assist.
Super Sunday will be culminating in our Senior Ladies’ teams playing Manly Vale on
Careel Bay 1 at 1pm (WAL1) and 3pm (WPL). We would love to see a big crowd of
Avalon girls (and guys) in their red uniforms cheering us on. We will also be holding a
half-time “crossbar challenge” at 3:45pm with cool prizes up for grabs.
Community spirit is what makes this Club a success. Last season was a wonderful year
for Avalon Women’s Football, but together we can make 2018 an ever bigger success.
We look forward to seeing you down at the Bay!
AVALON left Manly Vale seeing red after winning the MWFA Challenge Cup final 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Alice Kirby scored the winner in the first half at Cromer Park, securing yet another major trophy for Larry Bates’ team.
“It was a very tough game, a typical Cup final,” Bates said.
“I was worried they (Manly Vale) were going to score late to send it into extra time.
“Any coach will tell you a one goal lead is nerve wracking, but thankfully we held on, I thought we were terrific when defending in numbers.
“The girls adapt well, they listen to how I want to play when it comes to structure.
“Our focus over the next few weeks is doing well in the State Cup and rising up the ladder in the league – after our slow start (five successive defeats) we have a mountain to climb.
“In saying that, we won’t give up and any trophy is nice to win, I’m happy for the girls.”
Tuesday night’s triumph was the third successive year Avalon have hoisted the MWFA Challenge Cup silverware.
Story originally published by the MWFA
Avalon Soccer Club has teamed up with the Office of Sport to promote positive behaviour at junior sport, by supporting the Shoosh for Kids campaign.
Club President John Kowtan calls on all members to be proactive in ensuring the focus of junior sport is about kids having fun whilst getting active.
“Shoosh for Kids awareness week is running from 14 to 20 May and this is an important reminder for members to support the cause and be positive all season long,” Kowtan said.
“We want our junior events to be a positive and happy place for kids so that they want to continue to participate in sport for many years to come.”
The awareness week is also a timely reminder to all spectators to support the coaches, officials and volunteers who make grassroots sport possible by offering their valuable time.
“We are extremely grateful for everyone’s contribution. Promoting Shoosh for Kids awareness week at our club, along with other clubs and associations ensures that there is a consistent message focused on positive behavior for children’s sport,” said Kowtan.
If your comment is negative, then SHOOSH!
If your negative comment is directed at a child, then SHOOSH!
If your negative comment is directed at an official, then SHOOSH!
Reward good work with applause; if you can’t then SHOOSH!
Show respect to kids and officials. Remember, sport should be fun!
Winter sports participating in Shoosh for Kids Week include AFL, Basketball, Football (soccer), Hockey, Netball, Rugby League and Rugby Union, with Softball, Swimming and Tennis encouraging their active clubs to continue the campaign message year round.
The videos will be launched throughout awareness week can be viewed at:
One of the most important topics for all of us at AVSC this season is CLUB BEHAVIOUR both on and off the field. In a brand new initative we are launching our “Team Marshall” program in 2018.
Each AVSC team has received a HI-VIZ TEAM MARSHALL VEST in their Team Kitbag at the Manager’s Meetings. On a rotation basis on game day a parent/member/supporter from each AVSC team will wear a Team Marshall vest. The ROLE of the person wearing the TEAM MARSHALL VEST should be to make the football environment a friendly, fun experience for all on the sidelines.
If a Avalon person/spectator steps out of line than it’s important to bring them back inline. This is where the Team Marshall can have a quiet word to the individual or individuals and remind them that they are at a community football match. Hopefully, the Hi Viz vest will deter any bad behaviour to escalate. Don’t try to be the police or a security guard just try to resolve the behaviour calmly.
Remember there is a Code of Conduct for Players, Coaches. Managers, Spectators that needs to be adhered to.
This info can be downloaded and distributed as well at Team Meetings. Plus we have a club MPIO (Member Protection Information Officer) in place just in case you need extra advise or support.
There will be zero tolerance for bad club behaviour this season and going forward.
Please remember. This is a game. It’s to be enjoyed by all. Let our kids be kids.
Let’s make sure we respect the game, the officials, our opponents and each other, and represent Avalon Soccer Club the right way.
Sad news for our community. Last weekend the Avalon SC lost another long term member. Andy Wiseman passed away in Bali.
The Wiseman Family has been heavily involved with the Avalon SC for many years with a lot of family members playing and assisting with committee duties.
There is a Dick Wiseman (Andy’s Dad) Memorial Trophy awarded each year to a member for Services to the Club.
Andy was a great bloke and he will be missed by many.
All of us here at the Avalon Soccer Club would like to send out our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
It will not be the same without Andy’s smiling face around the club.
There will be an memorial for Andy on Thursday at the Avalon Bowling Club at 3pm. All welcome.
After a heat interrupted Sunday last week, we’re hoping for a full day of action as Avalon and Pittwater host the traditional trial day this Sunday. Here’s the full fixture list and if you have any questions please contact your Age Co-ordinator or the Team Manger.
As usual the BBQ and Canteen will be open from first game and this will be your LAST CHANCE to get your gear for the season. The Club Shop is up and running from 10am – 4pm. Do not miss out!!
We are looking for volunteers for set up and the BBQ and Canteen, so if you can help let us know on media@avalonsoccerclub.com.au.
Finally! After a huge off season, season 2018 kicks off in earnest with our first trial day Sunday against Narrabeen. 82 of our teams from U6 upwards will take to the field for the first time this year across Boondah Reserve and Careel Bay.
Games kick off from 8.30am on Sunday with the full draw Here
The BBQ and Canteen will be open at Careel from 8am, and the Club Shop is up and running for any last minute purchases.
The Careel Bay field map is Here.
We can’t wait to get everyone on the pitch and playing! Be sure to take loads of photos and send through to our club Facebook Page.
For more details on the Active Kids Program, visit the Football NSW Website