THE Asian Cup is underway, perfectly timed to inspire local fans of the round ball who are preparing to kick-off their own season.
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Secretary of the Urunga Raiders, Phil Fogarty, said the first round of the Football Federation Australia Cup is on February 7 with the North Coast competition getting underway on the last weekend of March.
There is also the annual Nambucca Cup for women on the weekend of March 21/22 - with commencement of training to be announced.
“We have an amazing catchment for the club - not only the Bellinger Valley but also Nambucca, Toormina and Sawtell,” Phil told the Guardian.
“We have about 60 adults playing plus eight squads of juniors.
“Coaching staff for the season have been appointed plus with the amalgamation of the seniors and juniors we are discussing one set of new colours for the club.”
Phil said committee members were also actively chasing sponsorship.
Head coach for 2015 is Paul Pomeroy with Darren Skinner from Sawtell, the newly-appointed women’s coach.
The club has also appointed a director of coaching - Jackson Heward will assist junior coaches using the Football Federation coaching curriculum.
With last year’s season ending on the high of a first grade win for the men and other grades also making it to the grand and semi finals, club morale is good with the senior men keen to protect their 2014 title and the women keen to again lift the first and second grade trophies.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into it,” Paul said.
“We have a lot of the same players as last year and our goal is to win again and to play good footy.
“It’s a long season with the finals in September so it's a big commitment and hard work but we have a lot of passionate members and that’s great.”
Registration for senior and junior players will open on February 1 - go to www.myfootball.com.
For more information go to www.urungafootball.com or ring Phil Fogarty on 0413 852-544.