MANDURAH City Football Club’s new year is underway with senior squads in pre-season training.
Under coach Billy Russell, the club believes this year could be a winning season with participation numbers on the rise.
“We are very optimistic for the future,” club president Pete Rowe said.
“With returning players and a growing youth development policy we are planning to be competitive in all our senior leagues in 2014.”
The Black and Whites have been drawn with Bunbury, Rockingham and Cockburn in the annual pre-season Football West Night Series tournament that kicks off on January 24.
Provisional fixtures for the 2014 State League season sees the club travel to Gosnells on the opening day, April 12 before their first home tie on April 19 against UWA Nedlands.
“We finished strongly last season and there’s no reason why we cannot pick from that and get off to a flyer this year,” Rowe said.
Training for all senior - first, reserves and under 18s - squads begins on Tuesday, January 7 at 6pm, new players are welcome.
With seniors ready to go, the club is also focusing on its junior teams for the new season and is looking to recruit a number of coaches as the club grows.
Club junior football director Marc Manning is confident the junior ranks will swell this year as more children turn to soccer as their preferred winter sport.
“We’ve had plenty of interest to play at all ages, and we’ll have a girls under 17s team this year, but we need coaches for many of our sides as the club grows,” Manning said.
The club is looking for coaches or adults looking to become a coach in the under 13, 14 and 15 age groups as well as in the girls under 17s.
The club will provide coaching education programs for all willing to put their hands up and take on a team for the year.
“We’re not expecting Sir Alex Ferguson to turn up but I’m sure there are parents or football people out there who may fancy the challenge,” club president Pete Rowe said.
The social football scene at the club is also growing with many newcomers to the Peel region joining the club and enjoying the facilities at Hyundai Stadium.
“We have a great clubhouse, and some of the best facilities south of Perth,” Rowe said.
“Our registration fees are on hold for another year, so we represent great value for money.”
Anyone looking to play for fun or chasing more information about coaching can call Wes Dickinson on 0414 145 714 or Marc Manning on 0413 4311 175 for junior soccer.
Junior footballers looking to grow their skills and attract the eye of a senior scout will get the chance when the Pro Football Training (PFT) coaching days come to Mandurah next week.
PFT is recognised as the elite training program in Perth and the three-day course for kids of all ages begins on Monday, January 12 and runs to January 15.
Expert coaching and tuition will ask include sessions on player fitness and nutrition.
PFT has links to many British professional clubs, including Manchester City, Newcastle United and Everton.
Parents can bring their kids on the day; the cost is $135 for three days, or call 0430 788 703 for details.
