Finally the day arrived, 16^th July 2017 FNSW Robertson Cup Final and a chance to achieve something that no one had done before, win 3 consecutive Robertson Cups. The week of the Final, during our normal training sessions, you could see that there was a big game ahead, having the pleasure to have coached this group of players for 7 years, I can always tell when there is a big game just around the corner. The usual banter lessens and the intensity in every drill and contest rises, the preparation was great, even with 4 boys in the snow, we organised an extra session on Saturday to give those boys a run prior to the Final.

The day of the Final, we kept it as normal as possible, there wasn’t any buses or stretch hummers hired, the boys as always made their own way to Valentine Park, getting there an hour prior to the game.

2:45 PM, time to get in the dressing sheds, again, normal preparation for the game, I told the boys “10 minutes everyone ready”

2:55 PM, In big games, I like to give the boys a pep talk , and reinforce some points about the way I wanted them to play the game. We didn’t know much about the Mounties Boys, besides the fact that they were leading their Comp and that any team that makes a SC Final had to be quality.

3:05 PM, time for the warmup , this for me, is the most important part of game day, you can see how switched on the boys are, normally if the boys are very quiet and focus on the task ahead I get a warm and fuzzy feeling. After seeing the level of concentration on the boys faces, I know, that is going to take a hell of a team to beat us.

4:15 PM, KO time , there has been a 45’ delay due to the previous game going into sudden death extra time and penalties but we are ready go.

Halftime – We are up 3-1 on the scoreboard and we are playing some great football, only a couple of things to sort out during the break.

Fulltime – Final score 6-1 , the boys have done it!!! Playing some of the best attacking football that I have seen from them in the last 7 years.

Presentation – Miss Robertson, the granddaughter of the man that made the Robertson Cup possible, says some very nice words about the teams achievement and medals are given to all to commemorate this huge achievement.

Game is over and is now time to celebrate, not every day you make History and winning 3 SC’s in a row was just that. Everyone heads down to the Tav for a few drinks, the younger ones kick on , the older ones go home!!

Big thank you, not just to this boys that make this football crazy person so happy to still be involved in the game he loves but also to all the other boys and people that have been part of this ride from U14’s in 2011 to where we are now.

Much more than just a team!!

On Thursday 13 July 2017, 18 players from Menai Hawks U6, U7 and U8 teams in their playing kit participated along another 1500 mini roo players from clubs all over NSW in a pre game on field walk past at the Arsenal vs. Sydney FC match at ANZ stadium. About an hour before kickoff, the 1500 players all lined up in the tunnels under the stadium, then with all teams arranged in alphabetical order, marched on the field and completed a lap before taking their complimentary seats with their parents. While the stadium was not yet full, plenty of supporters were cheering the players and every Hawk had wide eyes and big smiles. A couple of boys were overheard saying that they intend to play for Arsenal in a few years time in front the home crowd. We all watched some exciting saves by the SFC goal keeper who was kept busy and some amazing foot skills and passing by the Arsenal players - A great night was had by all. A big thank you to the NSW Football Association for the opportunity and to all the Hawks who participated - you were great ambassadors for the Menai Hawks Football Club.

Menai Hawks Under 21s side are on the verge of creating club history should they defeat Southern Districts Football Association’s Mt Pritchard in next Sunday’s Deploy State Cup Finals to be held at Valentine Sports Park.

Playing for the coveted Under 21’s Robertson Cup, legendary coach Johnny Diaz, assistant Ben Towell and team manager Stephen Samios will be hoping the boys can achieve the status of a three-peat after taking out the last two successive titles.

The coaching staff have led the same core group of players which is an amazing statistic within itself, with a hopeful victory next Sunday to be the icing on the cake for the high-flying Hawks.

Whilst it is always a major achievement to win the Robertson Under 21 State Cup once, a few very special teams have won it twice in back to back seasons from the Shire with the likes of the Engadine Eagles (89-90), Bankstown Sports (92-93) and the Menai Hawks (95-96) all doing the business.

Given that the Under 21’s is a three-year age banding, no club has ever won it in three successive seasons so the Hawks may well create that history come game day against a strong Mt Pritchard outfit.

Match Details

Sunday 16^th July

Under 21’s Robertson Cup Final

Menai Hawks v Mt Pritchard

VSP 3 - 3:30pm

Applications are now open for the Menai Hawks July Soccer Camp.

Highly qualified Youth Premier League Coach Bruce Tilt will again put together a fun and interesting soccer skills camp. Now is the time to inject some new ideas into your game.

Special sessions on ball striking and goal scoring will be a highlight.

Test your dribbling skills at the “time trial” obstacle course.

At just $65 this is a very affordable way to improve your individual football skills. Download the form or contact Bruce for more information – 0418 679 866.

 Download Application Here

You can download the latest copy of the training allocaitions here

If your team isn't listed can we ask the coach or manager to please get in touch with the club via info@menaihawks.org.au

With season 2017 ready to start now is a great time to prepare for the season and gain formal coaching accreditation and experience via the FFA Community Coaching Pathway.

SSFA are offering the Skills Training and Game Training Coaching Certificate Courses which are aimed at coaches of 9-13 year olds and 13-17 year olds respectively.

If you are coaching in these age groups you will find the information on these courses invaluable. The courses are largely practical in nature so you will get to experience first-hand some of the latest methods and techniques used in the FFA National Curriculum. You will also receive FFA accreditation and an opportunity to meet fellow coaches with similar objectives.

When, where and how much is the course held and how long does it go for?

Skills Training Certificate (12 hours – i.e. 4 x 3 hour sessions) 6pm-9pm Cost: $90 – Presenter: Dragan Blazevic/Jonathan Dmoch/Jon Long………….. Aimed at Coaches of 9-13 year old players.

Game Training Certificate (12 hours – i.e. 4 x 3 hour sessions) 6pm-9pm Cost: $90 – Presenter: Dragan Blazevic/ Jonathan Dmoch/Jon Long…………… Aimed at Coaches of players 13-17 years.

Each course will be conducted over 4 evenings: 6pm-9pm.   When:

Skill Training Course on Wednesday/Friday March 29, 31 & April 5, 7th 2017.

Game Training Course on Wednesday/Friday April 26, 28 & May 3, 5th 2017.

Where:        Harrie Dening Football Centre, Bates Drive Kareela (off Princes Hwy).

Much of these courses are practical and most of the work is done in groups and the main role of the presenter is to ensure each candidate understands the course – we will help you to get your coaching qualification in a friendly inclusive environment.

Coaches associated with SSFA clubs may have the cost subsidized by their respective club – check with your club. If you are not subsidized by your club you will need to pay either in person or over the phone/internet prior to the first day of the course. Contact SSFA Office on 9542-3577 for further information.

What do you need to do to register and prepare for the course?
1. Register online via the  link  provided below

2. Click here to access the appropriate course manual (or via www.footballnsw.com.au/resources )
What do you need to bring to the course?
1. Suitable attire to actively participate in practical sessions – this includes suitable footwear (boots if desired) , shin guards, wet weather gear and towel

2.  Writing materials, drink bottles –
Coaches associated with SSFA affiliated Clubs will be given priority. Participants will be advised (via email) of their acceptance to the Course as soon as numbers are finalised.

ARE YOU READY TO START? – Complete your Registration via the following link http://myfootballclub.com.au/index.php?id=126

Ensure you click on the correct course and location (i.e. Skill Training or Game Training Certificate at Sutherland Shire Football Assoc – Location is Kareela)

Menai Hawks registrations are still open where ‘spaces’ are indicated in the players wanted section to the right

Existing players and new players of all ages are very welcome at our club. Please click on 'Season 2017' above for all the details of the season and how to register

Please direct any registration queries and questions to info@menaihawks.org.au or to Club Secretary Alan Phillips on 0408 271 668

Looking forward to seeing you up at Buckle or Casuarina!