2025 AGM and Xmas Party Info
2-25 Goal Of The Year Award – nominate now – open to all senior teams and U18s. Captured a worldie on your phone, video or VEO? Send it in now!
News
2025 FQPL Men’s Coaches Announced
COACH ANNOUNCEMENT & PRE SEASON TRIALS/TRAINING The club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Boelen to head up the 2025 FQPL4 Men’s campaign, with the experienced coach’s arrival already signalling what will likely be a significantly stronger season ahead for the Eagles. >>> TRIALS ANNOUNCED for Nov & Dec — Details & info at bottom of this post <<< Mark is no stranger to success in this league, and his 2022 campaign with Murwillumbah notably delivered the double to the club, winning both the premiership and the grand final, whilst also earning the club promotion. That effort also delivered a Football Queensland FQPL4 Coach Of The Year accolade for Mark. With an extensive local playing history and coaching history across club’s such as Broadbeach, Mudgeeraba and Tweed, Mark’s knowledge of the Gold Coast football landscape is second to none, and he’s already made it clear he has no illusions in terms of returning Nerang to a promotion-worthy team across the next couple of seasons. With several key yet-to-be named signings already bolstering the squad and an expectation of a stronger campaign on all fronts, there’s already been an influx of optimism around the club, something which “I like to win, it can be infectious, and that’s what I’m going to look for here at Nerang — winning and losing, it can become a habit and we will be pushing to win,” said Mark. “Nothing comes without the hard work and that’s the culture that we will develop — with the work, [winning] can happen.” “This league can be scrappy sometimes, it’s hard to get out of. I have a style I like to play but you have to be ready to adapt. “We’ll be really working to develop the right mix of players, a handful of young players and a good sprinkle of experience combined.” “There’s only one way to go and that’s to go up, it’s a great club at Nerang with a lot of history and I’m excited for the season ahead — this is going to be a team which players will want to be part of.” Joining Mark in the Reserve U23s will be returning Nerang Soccer Club veteran player/coach, Gary Stone. Stone’s wealth of game experience (with an impressive 688 senior games under his belt for Nerang) and competitive drive is legendary, with a notable section of the shelves in the clubhouse already graced with silverware from his past campaigns coaching key junior, senior and women’s teams at the club. Speaking on how many of his junior boys have followed Gary through into senior football, Garys says he’s optimisitic for a noticeable improvement in results into the 2025 season. “I think [our boys] are going to do really well this season, they’re going to be a lot stronger, they know what they’re up for now, they know what they’re playing for.” “I’m excited to be working with Mark, a new coach bringing in new things, I think it’s going to be great.” “It’s always going to be a battle but we’re pushing for at least mid table, but I think top-four is the target and we’re more than capable,” said Gary. “The boys improved massively towards the back end of last season which is great, and it showed in our results and stats, we should have won a lot more in the end but it’s definitely there.” PRE SEASON TRIALS & TRAINING Sessions are open to all interested/eligible/returning/new players – please turn up ready to play. 27 Nov 2024 – Alabaster West Field 1 – 6pm – 8pm Cancelled due to council field closures Sat 30 Nov 2024 – North Burleigh Headland (Miami side on the north side of headland) – 8am start fitness Wed 04 Dec 2024 – Alabaster West Field 2 – 6pm – 8pm 07 Dec 2024 – Location TBA 11 Dec 2024 – Alabaster West Field 1 – 6pm – 8pm 14 Dec 2024 – Location TBA 18 Dec 2024 – Alabaster West Field 1 – 6pm – 8pm 21 Dec 2024 – Location TBA Contact head coach Mark Boelen for further info or enquiries — 0431 145 919 NORTH BURLEIGH HEADLAND NORTH SIDE ALABASTER FIELDS
Scanlon’s Lights Funding Commitment Welcomed
A significant lighting upgrade for Nerang’s ground could be on the way with today’s announcement from the Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, which would see field lighting installed on our third field as well as upgrades to LED lighting on our main field. As many members would know, field training space and night-time game scheduling at our club can be difficult at times, especially in the winter months with limited daylight. Over the past decade the club has faced significant challenges at times with some senior and junior teams forced to train on alternate days, in dark areas or in inadequately smaller spaces, rushing to clear the space for the next team to train or play. Along with these challenges, the excessive training and game traffic contained inside our two lit fields quickly causes damage to grass and playing surfaces which only worsens over time, reducing the quality of the field spaces on offer at Nerang. For some time the plan has been to install new lighting poles onto a third full size field space (on our current back fields), and at the same time swap out the current halogen style metal halide lights with brighter and more efficient LED lighting for our main Bob Jeffrey Field. Local member Meaghan Scanlon last night committed that (if re-elected as a Labor government) funding would be made available to get this important project well and truly underway, along with part contributions from our own club funding and the local city council. Nerang Soccer Club welcomes the offering of support from our local member for this critical piece of infrastructure upgrade, something that will no doubt allow the club to grow our player numbers and be able to provide an improved range of football activity for even more people from varying backgrounds, skill levels and ages. With population growth on the rise and the future housing now well underway at the Skyridge Estate, it’s no doubt that our club will grow in the coming years and we are looking forward to being able to provide football opportunities for all who come to the club.
Nerang Eagles ‘Goal Of The Year’ Award Submissions OPEN NOW
Entries are closing soon Have you sent your best goals in? We are calling on all entries to be submitted now for this prestigious award, to be announced on the upcoming Senior Presentation evening this year. HOW TO ENTER details are below. VIDEO: Some of the previous finalist entries https://vimeo.com/994642732/b42dca7a45https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=7m71aAXHrgo Nerang Soccer Club 2024 Senior GOAL OF THE YEAR Eligibility Criteria The goal must be captured and submitted on video, and be clear and legible enough to judge. It must show at least a few seconds before the shot, and show the shot and the ball entering the goal Entries are open to all current registered, financial and playing senior Nerang Soccer Club Men’s or Women’s players including U18s The goal must have been scored in a sanctioned Football Queensland or Football Queensland South Coast game (FQPL, Community, Tournament, Cup or U18) in this current year – this includes any sanctioned pre season or friendly matches VEO, professionally filmed clips, smart phone footage, GoPro or other similar are all welcome Judging Entries will be short listed and judged by an independent panel of Nerang Soccer and Gold Coast Football legends, icons and/or former players Judges will award their top three choices with a 1, 2, 3 vote – 3 points for the top goal, 2 for the second and 1 point for the third Judges are encouraged to consider all factors including team play and build up, match context, technical skill, composure, the strike/finish itself, flare and style In the event of a tie, an additional casting judge may be used to award the final winner Judges can NOT be current players, they can NOT be current senior football coaches or managers or involved directly with the operations of any nominated team connected to any finalist Judge’s decisions are final How To Enter FILES – Select your entry clip (video file) and send it to info@coralseamedia.com.au – you can use a large file transfer service like www.wetransfer.com or Dropbox or Google Drive or similar to send your video file LINKS – Send via email to info@coralseamedia.com.au a publicly accessible link to a VEO clip, Youtube or Vimeo clip or similar which can be accessed online – For VEO or any other longer clips over 2 minutes you MUST also include a timestamp or time information for where the goal appears in the video or VEO clip PHYSICAL – physical cards or USB sticks are accepted, please contact info@coralseamedia.com.au to arrange a transfer of this media Preferred Media Please DO NOT edit your goal or footage or add titles or music, and please try to supply it at the highest possible resolution, as it was originally shot or as close as possible to the original resolution and format ALL entries must be accompanied by the following information Nominator’s name Nominator’s email and phone First and Last Name of the player Team name and Opposition Team names Date of the game A sentence or two describing the context of the goal (anything notable about this goal or the match?) Please DON’T DELAY and get your entries in quick as to avoid the cut off date – late entries may not be accepted and you may miss the cut For any further enquiries please contact Luke – info@coralseamedia.com.au
Taiwanese Academy LS Soccer Welcomed At Nerang
Friendship in football has continued at Nerang after this week’s return visit by the LS Soccer Academy squad from Taiwan. The team arrived on Monday for a one-week stay on the Gold Coast, and kicked off their football tour at Nerang on Tuesday with a full hit out against our own Nerang Soccer Allstars — a select team of U10 and a few U12 players from our own Eagles’ players. After several years hiatus due to Covid and travel restrictions, the visiting side from Taipei in Taiwan, returned to Nerang once again with a bright squad of talented and enthusiastic young boys. The game was a chance for some of our own Nerang players to experience some vastly different football styles and ability levels whilst sharing in the excitement of international football right here at our own club grounds. The teams were greeted by a stellar sunset afternoon at Nerang and played a full 2X 25-minute match, which ended with a 2 nil win to the visiting LS team despite some desperate defence from Nerang and some quality attack from the LS boys. After the game, a handful of the older LS Soccer players stayed on to do a full gameplay session with our U13 Div 1 team. The teams and coaches stayed on at the clubhouse for a typical Australian BBQ dinner, shared amongst the players and coaches. Following on from an exchange of gifts and commemorative items between the clubs and players, the Nerang players tried the famous Taiwanese pineapple shortbread cake desert for the first time, whilst it was lamington fingers for the visiting boys which went down a treat. The visit and exchange continues on from past trips and served to bolster the relationship between the two clubs, sharing not just in the football but the exchange of friendship and goodwill that comes with the game.
FairPlay Voucher Applications Now Open
After a glitch in the system this morning which left the Fair Play Voucher application portal down — it appears it has now reopened and 2023 Round One voucher applications are NOW OPEN!!! We recommend all eligible parents and carers get in quick as these vouchers are limited and the allocation will go quick. www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply We are aware that Nerang Soccer Club doesn’t appear yet on the provider search as a registered provider — this is the same for all clubs as they are yet to update this list. Nerang Soccer Club IS A REGISTERED PROVIDER so please go ahead and apply for your voucher now.
INFO: QPL3 Premier League Trials & Training
Trials and open training for the upcoming QPL3 Gold Coast Premier League squad returns on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of January. Sat 14 Jan – 3:30PM to 6:30PM and BBQ afterwards Sun 15 Jan – 4PM to 7PM Tuesdays and Thursdays thereafter from 7pm PLAYER OPPORTUNITIES exist to train in a highly motivated environment under top shelf experienced and qualified head coach — New Players Welcome // U23s, Reserves and First Grade Coaching role open for U23s, also a huge opportunity for the right person to rapidly expand their coaching portfolio and develop as a coach. Turn up and be ready to train (at Nerang Soccer Club, Glennon Park Nerang) or contact Head Coach Belinda Kitching for more information — TXT: 0411 778 161 or Email: bjkitch77@bigpond.com https://vimeo.com/787294936/c6a2b146df
Junior Eagles Set To Benefit From New Structure
The club wishes to announce the appointment of Belinda Kitching to the role of Junior Coaching & Technical Director for the 2023 season, bolstering a period of reform in the club’s junior coach and player structure throughout the year ahead. The current Premier League head coach for Nerang has taken on this role and is looking forward to working with coaches and players to restructure and improve both the football environment at Nerang for our young players and the development opportunities for players to level up their football skills and knowledge of the game. Joining Kitching is our incoming Miniroos Coordinator and Nerang Eagles veteran player and coach Luke Sorensen who will be assisting to deliver positive reform in the way the club manages and operates the football environment for our youngest players. With Kitching’s technical experience as a former Matildas veteran player and renowned coach, coupled with Sorensen’s 28 years at Nerang as a coach, player, parent and committee member, 2023 is shaping up to be one of great opportunity and improvement in the junior ranks at Nerang. “We’ve already spent a fair bit of time assessing the game at Nerang and the way our Juniors and Miniroos are playing and training, and I’m pretty excited for some of the changes we’re bringing forward in terms of how they’ll benefit our kids,” said Luke when asked about what 2023 will look like at Nerang. “Whether it’s improving our grading process for teams, developing a better environment for our kids or providing more support, education and guidance to our coaches, there’s not a lot which hasn’t been covered. “Belinda’s input is going to be invaluable to the club and I’m looking forward to seeing how that affects our kids in both the short term and the long term. Sorensen said that the changes being brought forward will have an instant effect, paving the way for one of the most enjoyable and rewarding years for the players at Nerang. “We’ve identified key areas of improvement and moved quickly to implement that change, and there’s no doubt that overall we’re going to be seeing happier kids who are getting more out of the game in 2023 at Nerang.” “I think it’s actually one of the best times to join Nerang as we’ll be doing our best to provide more for as many of the kids as we can, girls and boys no matter their skill level from beginners through to some pretty advanced level stuff.” Some of the reforms include — A unified coaching directive delivering more quality touches and consistency in training systems Support for coaches to develop and apply improved football instruction and methods Changes to sideline rules and the expectations from parents and spectators An intermediate academy-style block training program for select players to supercharge their skills under top coaches The improvements being implemented for 2023 and the involvement of Belinda in bringing about some quality reform has been welcomed by the club’s committee. Persons interested in joining the junior coaching ranks at Nerang are asked to get in touch asap with Luke – miniroos@nerangsoccer.com
2023 Registration & Sign On Info
ALL JUNIOR TEAMS AND COMPETITIONS ARE FULL Please check back on our website and social media platforms for 2024 Registrations which are announced in the first week of January 2023 JUNIOR AGE GROUPS U6 Born 2017U7 Born 2016U8 Born 2015U9 Born 2014U10 Born 2013U11 Born 2012U12 Born 2011U13 Born 2010U14 Born 2009U15 Born 2008U16 Born 2007U18 Born 2006 or 2005 2023 JUNIOR AGE GROUPS In some circumstances, some girls players are permitted to play down one year in age if required, at the club’s direction. A small amount of players may be accepted to play up one year in age, provided they meet the new Football Queensland eligibility criteria, are suitable — this is at the discretion of the club and based on an individual case by case basis. 2023 FEE STRUCTURE & PROVISIONS As always, Nerang Soccer Club provides one of the most affordable and all-inclusive football fees structures in Queensland. All junior players get included with their fees — Full year registration All governing bodies fees and insurances Training Top Shorts Socks Club Polo Shirt The club provides — Equipment and balls Game day shirts and kit All facilities and fields Referees and officials for home matches Any trophies, medallions or certificates Club training programs Club Carnival entry fees (if applicable) What players need to cover — Soccer boots Shin guards Water bottle Any other personal items such as goalkeeper gloves, spare socks, hats, cool weather training apparel etc Additional provisions (which may incur additional cost or fees) may include — Merchandise, additional apparel, hats or replacement uniform items Advanced or extra training programs Special event fees 2023 FEES Whilst we have always ensured that fees and fee increases remain at an absolute minimum, the recent inflation and cost of operation increases have seen a small increase in fees for 2023 — the first such increase in several years. This is critical for the successful and sustainable operation of the club. Eaglets Program 3-5 year olds$50 all inclusive(sponsored and subsidised by the Nerang Old Boys & Girls social club – commencing after Easter) Miniroos U6 – U7$380 all inclusive Miniroos U8 – U12$450 all inclusive Junior/Youth Comp U13 – U18$480 all inclusive Metro Seniors$550 all inclusive Seniors QPLsee coaches for fees and registration Fees can be paid in full up front, or you can enter into a payment plan or even use Queensland Government ‘Fair Play’ vouchers for eligible participants. This is all done during the Step One of the process on the Sign On Day portal. Senior players please liaise with your coach/manager regarding your fees, training times and structures. If in doubt contact Fred at the club – details on this website’s contact page. QLD GOV FAIR PLAY VOUCHERS UPDATE: We are confirmed as a registered provider for FairPlay vouchers. We are told the list of eligible providers is currently NOT displaying but will be updated ahead of the opening of the next round of FairPlay vouchers which is on January 25th. For those wishing to register for Nerang Soccer Club and use these vouchers — STEP 1 – Head to the FairPlay pages on the Government’s website and register/apply for your voucher in this round of vouchers. Note that there will be high demand for these so be sure to be on it as soon as it opens on the 25th – details and various links to register and apply at https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay AND https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay/apply STEP 2 – Head into the clubhouse admin window to register and use your voucher. Email registrations@nerangsoccer.com if you have any issues or need assistance. 2023 RETURN TO TRAINING DATES & TIMES Once you have registered successfully through the above portals — please arrive to the first training sessions to begin the training sessions, team allocation and grading process. ALL players must remember to bring boots, shin guards and clearly marked (named) water bottle to training sessions. Players are NOT permitted to play or to train with any of the following items on their person — Watches, fitbits, trackers Jewellery of any kind including but not limited to earrings (including studs and hoops), necklaces, chains, wristbands, rings Any item or apparel that may produce a threat to player safety including but not limited to certain headbands, sharp or hard items, metal buttons or clasps, certain zippers etc Player pockets must be empty during all training sessions We recommend phones, devices, money and valuable items NOT be brought to training. No responsibility is accepted for lost or stolen items on our grounds. TRAINING Junior/Youth Comp U13 to U18• First session Tue 24 January 4:45pm to 6pm (No training Thu 26th)• Then every Tuesday and Thursday 5:30pm to 6:30pm, starting Tuesday 31st January Miniroos U6 to U12• First session Tue 31 January 4:30pm to 5:30pm• Then Every Thursday and Tuesday 4:30pm to 5:30pm Players are encouraged to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before their team’s start time, to be properly dressed and ready to train on time. Field allocation for training will be allocated after registration, player numbers and teams are processed and determined. IMPORTANT >>> Parents and caregivers are NOT permitted in the training spaces at any time (unless called in by officials or coaches to assist with a player) Please stay outside the fences at all times for any training on fields 1 and 2 and please stay well back and clear of training spaces for all other fields. Parental presence and support is valued and important, especially in the Miniroos ages, however please give the players space and assist us in creating a learning environment free from pressure, distraction, player instructions and prompting. Exceptions may be made during the handover period for the first few sessions for new players in our U6 and U7 teams, please follow all coach and official directions at all times. 2023 GRADING & TEAM SELECTIONS Passive grading will commence immediately for all teams U8 to U18. The purpose of and importance of grading is to provide every player a chance to strive, enjoy and develop […]
Off Season Is On Season For Young Eagles’ Women
On the back of a hugely successful 2022, there’s been little let up for some of the Eagles’ most promising young women’s players as they look to take it up a notch in 2023. Some high intensity sessions and the addition of several key new players has bolstered the squad currently managed by former NPL Women’s coach Jeremy McGoogan and veteran Nerang Eagles stalwart Michael Opie — and they have their sights set on oven more silverware for the club’s cabinet. With fields at Glennon Park reopening in the coming days, it’s a welcome relief for the club’s many teams seeking pre season training space including our Women’s teams. 2022 heralded one of the biggest years for women’s football in the 50-year history of the club, with multiple teams featuring some of our youngest through to masters-aged players all demonstrating that Nerang is arguably one of the most prominent forces in local women’s football on the Gold Coast right now. Michael Opie says there’s growing excitement and confidence in their camp as they edge closer to their first pre-season friendly at the end of January. “Off season’s been great and all of the women are looking forward to the challenge of playing Div One this year,” he said. “We’ve been pushing a little harder each session, and can’t wait to get out on the fields again at Glennon Park and continue or preparations for the 2023 season ahead. “We’ve had a couple of new players come into the squad and the return of a couple of quality players as well, which has really strengthened the capabilities of our group.” Opie and McGoogan’s younger side stunned the Division Two competition in 2022, taking out the grand final despite fielding a team of women mostly who were still eligible for the youth ranks, and for the team and coaches it’s only a natural progression that they take next step and take on the Division One competition in 2023. “We have our first trial game at the end of January with hoping to schedule a couple more matches in before the season starts, so we are ready to go. “The target for the year is a top-four finish, pushing for top two and a final of course, but the main aim is to continue developing this talented young squad to remain a strong force at Nerang for some time, and a push for the FQPL3 Women’s competition in the near future. “Right now our biggest challenge has been just trying to get field space for off season and trials — we would love a couple more quality players to help either build the strength of the Division One Women’s team and also build within our Division Two team to grow the depth of the squad. “Honestly, there’s few places like Nerang right now in terms of local women’s football, and the opportunities and rewards are here for player’s willing to jump right in and show what they’re made of.” Player’s wishing to get involved in these up-and-coming squads please get in tough ASAP with Michael on 0406 030 699 or email michaelopie71@gmail.com Early childhood education emphasis As society becomes more aware of the importance of early learning experiences, there is a growing trend toward an Early Childhood Education Emphasis, highlighting the need for quality preschool programs that are accessible to all families. This shift recognizes the long-term benefits of investing in early education, including improved academic performance, better social skills, and increased opportunities for success in adulthood.