Jets Merchandise sales smashing records

Wednesday, 14 December 2011 4:46 PM 

The Newcastle Jets have been thrilled with the response of Members and supporters to the new Home and Away strips, with more than 1,000 sold in the last three weeks. The demand has smashed previous sales records for the Club and shows no sign of slowing.

“The demand has been extraordinary, to the point that we’ve had to place four further orders with our kit supplier ISC," said Hunter Sports Group Merchandise Manager Brad Hutch.

"As soon as gear arrives, it walks out the door within 24 hours.

“Even ISC have been amazed and stunned at the demand, and as a result have put more gear into production.”

The Hunter Sports Superstore offers the cheapest place for Jets Members and supporters to buy the official strip anywhere in Australia.

Our latest update on merchandise:

· An additional shipment of Adult Home Strips arriving in time for this weekend’s big match against Sydney FC

· Currently in stock are Kids Home Strip sizes 8 and 10, with additional sizes arriving next week in time for Christmas

· The new authentic Men’s Team Polos have arrived and are in stock

· The new authentic Wet Weather Jackets and Game Day Hoodies have arrived and are in stock

This is the first time in the Club’s history that the Jets have had control of their merchandise program, having previously been outsourced. Members have embraced the rebranded Hunter Sports Superstore and the Club’s new online Jets Superstore.

Members and supporters can buy the new range online at www.newcastlejets.com.au or from the official Club Shop, the Hunter Sports Superstore located at Ausgrid Stadium. Buy direct with the online shop or Superstore and not only will you save with your 10% Member discount but you’ll ensure 100% of profits stay with your Club.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-Merchandise-sales-smashing-records/43628

Collect your Junior Membership Poster

Wednesday, 14 December 2011 4:44 PM 

Junior Members can now collect their very own exclusive Newcastle Jets 2012 Team Poster! With exciting new players and coaching staff featured, these posters are part of the Junior’s Membership inclusions.

Junior Members can either collect their Team Poster at the southern Merchandise outlet on the Western Concourse this Saturday at the Sydney FC match. Alternatively, posters can be collected at

Hunter Sports Superstore
?294 Turton Road, New Lambton?
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm?
Saturday, 9am to 12 noon

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Collect-your-Junior-Membership-Poster/43595

How do you fix Newcastle's inconsistency?
Tuesday, 20 December 2011 3:03 PM

Newcastle Jets have surprised many so far this season after all the Culina issues threatened to derail their season early.

Their form has been great at times but at others a little bit alarming. This was shown recently, when the likes of Haliti and Brockie looked all over the Mariners in the first half. But in the end, you know how that turned out.

It seems that in my eyes and in others, Newcastle need to find some consistency - even though they are winning games, they are losing some which they could have picked up.

They have a good squad which includes the likes of Kennedy, Topor-Stanley, Abbas, Wehrman, Jeffers etc. Also it seems that Gary van Egmond seems to be doing nothing wrong, so who is to blame?

They’re too hot and cold; they would have one great performance and a week or two later they would have a bad one which would result in a draw or loss. Even against Central Coast in the first half, obviously before the goals, they seemed to have control and dominance. It happens to all sports teams at one point, but it isn’t a good thing.

Looking at the EPL of late, Manchester City are now having to look over their shoulders because one loss gives United the chance to jump them.

Chelsea’s horrible league form has seen them lose to Arsenal and QPR, seems to be OK because of two other games which resulted in wins. The point I’m reaching here is a few games can show how fast things can change.

The Hyundai A-league is obviously not the Barclays Premier League but this shaky form could play with Newcastle’s heads. They’re currently in seventh on the ladder, but if you look at a team like Melbourne Heart, where a few different results have helped them, they are now in third.

Overall it is a problem for Newcastle, though they have done well to deal with Branko Culina’s sacking, having Craig Deans stepping in, getting Van Egmond and more recently the fears over right fullback Buyn.

They still have to fix the problem because you win titles with wins and a team that do their job week in, week out. Normally people just blame the coach but I ask you, who’s to blame for Newcastle’s form, and what should they change?

Connor Dalton, 14

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/we-are-football-opinion-display/How-do-you-fix-Newcastles-inconsistency/43758

Elrich breaks club record

Friday, 6 January 2012 9:23 AM 

Newcastle Jets defender Tarek Elrich has broken the record for the most A-League matches played for Newcastle, with the long serving defender notching up 122 games on Wednesday night to surpass former captain Matt Thompson’s record of 121.

“Before the game I didn’t actually know I was breaking the record," Elrich explained, "I saw someone with a sign saying 122 and asked Jacob Pepper what it meant and he said he read on twitter that I was breaking the record.

“It is a good achievement and there is no better Club to do it with and I was also happy to take to record off my good friend Matt Thompson.”

Joining the club as a 17-year-old, this adopted Novocastrian has rejected offers from other clubs to stay in Newcastle at a club he loves.

“I have made my home in Newcastle, I have bought a place here and I see my long term future in Newcastle," the 24-year-old said.

Elrich has made a big contribution to the Club both on and off the field. Most notably on-field, he played in the Jets 2007 championship win under current coach Gary van Egmond, who describes Elrich as the kind of player you want to have around.

“It is great to see Tarek reach this milestone, he just loves to play and if I asked him to play keeper he would because that is how much he loves this Club and this town,” van Egmond said.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Elrich-breaks-club-record/44146

Jets host Gold Member BBQ

Wednesday, 11 January 2012 8:25 PM 


The Newcastle Jets held their Gold Member BBQ at Ausgrid Stadium today and were joined by hundreds of entitled Members who couldn’t wait for their chance to participate in this exclusive event.

As well as meeting the entire first grade squad, the Members were treated to a special behind the scenes tour of Ausgrid Stadium.

Gary van Egmond led the excited guests through the sheds, where he was joined by players and staff of the Jets, who gave the Members a play by play account on what happens on game day, from the time the Jets enter the stadium through to when they get run on to the field.

After enjoying the world-class facilities on offer at Ausgrid Stadium, the Members moved to the field where they were met with the players and were given the opportunity to test out the player’s skills by kicking the ball around with them.

The Members didn’t go hungry with Nikolai Topor-Stanley cooking up a storm at the BBQ, with the popular defender’s cooking getting a big thumbs up.

Another stop on the tour was the press room, where the Members tested out the coaches and players by asking them a number of interesting questions in the Member press conference.

In the first session Gary van Egmond, Jeremy Brockie, Michael Bridges and Ben Kantarovski sat behind the press conference table whilst the second group had Craig Deans, Ryan Griffiths, Taylor Regan and Tarek Elrich in the hot seats.

Questions varied from why Bridges chose to come to Newcastle, to wanting an explanation of the Jets style of play as well as how much Brockie enjoys scoring goals. This was a unique opportunity for Members to play reporter or just ask that question they have always wanted to ask.

For those wanting a special piece of memorabilia from the event, a photo opportunity was set up outside the press room with the Jets flash boards and players rotated through the station.

Thank you to all the Members who attended and made it a fantastic event. And be sure to stay tuned to Jets TV for a video package of the Gold Members BBQ.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-host-Gold-Member-BBQ/44301

Soccer, league join union at No.2 Sportsground

BY JOSH LEESONAND CRAIG KERRY
10 Feb, 2012 04:00 AM

THE Knights, Jets and Northern NSW Football have been officially added as users of the highly sought after new No.2 Sportsground.

The $7million redevelopment of the Newcastle City Council-owned ground is on schedule and is expected to open in mid-April.

Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union club Wanderers will play their senior and junior home games at the 5000-seat stadium on Saturdays.

The council is aiming for an April 14 official opening to cater for the Two Blues’ game against bitter rivals Merewether Carlton.

The NHRU will use the offices at No.2 as its administration HQ.

The Knights will play some NSW Cup matches at the ground in winter and the Jets youth and W-League sides will call the ground home in the summer.

Northern NSW Football has been given permission to use the ground on Sundays and will allow its top-tier state league clubs to make submissions to host matches there.

When told yesterday that the Knights and NNSWF had been given permission to use the ground on Sundays, NHRU general manager Fenton Coull said it was ‘‘all news to us’’.

‘‘We were hoping to use it on the odd Sunday but at the moment we haven’t heard back from council,’’ he said.

‘‘For instance, there was a Sunday in late April we were hoping to host a junior carnival there and we’re just hoping that’s still OK.’’

The NHRU and Wanderers made financial contributions to the redevelopment and Coull said rugby contacts used in the earthmoving works had saved the council about $250,000.

Council recreation advisory committee chairman Nuatali Nelmes said the ground had to cater for all sports.

‘‘It was built not just for rugby,’’ Nelmes said.

‘‘It’s been the traditional home of rugby and Newcastle and Hunter Rugby will have their offices there, but that’s only part of it.

‘‘The ground was always built for the use of everybody, especially all those sports that don’t fit into Hunter Stadium.’’

NNSWF operations manager Alan Nisbet had hoped rugby and soccer could use the ground on alternate weeks.

NNSWF put in submissions to use the ground on behalf of its state league, top-flight club Hamilton Olympic, third-tier team Cooks Hill, Women’s Premier League outfit Merewether and the Jets.

But Nisbet said it would be ‘‘very difficult’’ to have the ground ready for top-grade soccer a day after rugby union matches had been played on it every week.

‘‘We don’t see it being as quite a viable option as we had hoped for,’’ Nisbet said.

Hamilton Olympic secretary Con Gounis said his club hoped to play some of its derby matches at the bigger-capacity ground and was still open to the possibility.

Wanderers are the only guaranteed tenants this winter. The use of the ground by other groups will depend on the growth of the new turf.

‘‘Probably for this winter season it will have relatively limited use, just to make sure we don’t destroy the ground in the first season,’’ Nelmes said.

‘‘That’s the advice I’m getting from our ground staff. Next winter it will be fully utilised.’’

Newcastle Rugby League has made a submission to host its final and grand final, depending on which teams qualify for the decider.

Hunter Sports Group said it was still awaiting confirmation on how much access Knights and Jets team would have to the ground.

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/other/soccer-league-join-union-at-no2-sportsground/2450488.aspx?storypage=0

HSG continues Knights and Jets sponsorship drive

10 February 2012
By Michael Long

Hunter Sports Group (HSG), the parent company of A-League side Newcastle Jets and the Newcastle Knights NRL outfit, has further bolstered the commercial revenues of both teams after signing yet more sponsorship deals with Hunter Travel Group, Aggreko and Rundle Tailoring.

Under the terms of its deal, Hunter Travel Group’s Travelworld, a branded network of ten local travel agencies, will serve as the official travel partner to the Knights and Jets, providing travel services to HSG and arranging official club trips to away matches for fans.

Travelworld is a long-time supported of the Knights, and has chosen to expand its commitment to both teams.

Brett Dann, Hunter Travel Group managing director, said: “As one of the largest privately owned travel agency groups in Australia we are proud to be Hunter-based and Hunter-owned and supporting the ambitions of the Hunter’s two major sporting teams is central to our commitment to the local community."

•Newcastle sides secure same kit sponsor

In addition, Rundle Tailoring has been announced as the official menswear supplier of the Knights for 2012 and 2013. The Newcastle-based business will provide the official club suits and ties for Knights players, staff and executives.

Knights chief executive Matt Gidley said: "Rundles are a Newcastle institution and we are delighted to welcome them back on board as our official supplier. It's great to add another prestigious Novocastrian brand to our sponsor stable.”

Meanwhile, long-standing Knights backer Aggreko, an international company which hires generator and temperature control equipment, will support the NRL club’s Hall of Fame, an initiative that will be launched in April to mark the club’s 25th year in existence and recognize past club legends.

“This is the most important and prestigious honour we can bestow on a former Knights player or coach and to have the support of an international company with a long association with the Knights is a perfect fit,” said Gidley of the deal.

In recent weeks and months, the Nathan Tinkler-owned HSG has signed deals with, amongst others, flavoured milk brand Oak, Merewether Surfhouse, QR National, Westfield, Hunter Ports, Europcar and Drayton’s Family Wines.

http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/hsg_continues_knights_and_jets_sponsorship_drive/.

Jets on trail of James Brown

BY ROBERT DILLON
16 Feb, 2012 04:00 AM

THE Newcastle Jets are reportedly close to signing Gold Coast tyro James Brown despite similarly enthusiastic attention from glamour clubs Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.

Brown, who turns 22 on Sunday, is a free agent at season’s end and there is widespread speculation that uncertainty surrounding Gold Coast’s future will prompt him to leave his home-town club.

Even if Gold Coast owner Clive Palmer agrees to fund his cellar-dwelling team beyond this season, the billionaire appears intent on adhering to a policy of signing players only to one-year contracts.

Gold Coast players with bargaining power will no doubt be open to offers, and there was speculation yesterday that Brown was poised to accept a lucrative two-year deal with the Jets.

Brown’s Wikipedia page stated incorrectly that a deal with Newcastle had been ‘‘announced’’.

Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby said yesterday the club’s policy was not to comment on player negotiations until all details had been finalised.

‘‘Regardless of whether we are talking to a player or not, I can’t confirm anything until a deal is signed,’’ he said.

‘‘But with regards to James Brown, I know there are a lot of clubs keen on him. I’ve heard Sydney and Melbourne are very interested.’’

An Australian representative at under-17, under-20 and under-23 level, Brown grew up on the NSW-Queensland border and was the first player Gold Coast signed four years ago.

The attacking midfielder has played 36 A-League games and scored seven goals, the first of which came in a 2-0 win against Newcastle on January 13, 2010.

He also scored against the Jets in Gold Coast’s 3-1 win on October 30.

The Jets have a vacancy in their strike force, having recently released unwanted Chris Payne midway through a two-season deal.

A host of Newcastle forwards, including Michael Bridges, Francis Jeffers, Jeremy Brockie, Ryan Griffiths, Labinot Haliti and Ali Abbas, are coming off contract and it remains to be seen how many will be retained.

Jets coach Gary van Egmond has made it obvious he wants to recruit some younger legs, especially up front.

As well as Brown, the Jets have been linked in recent weeks to former Adelaide stars Nathan Burns and James Troisi and emerging Central Coast striker Bernie Ibini-Isei.

Burns left Greek club AEK Athens last month to sign for Korea’s Incheon United, and Troisi is expected to part company with his Turkish outfit, Kayserispor, to play in China.

Ibini-Isei signed a new deal with the Mariners two weeks ago.

Newcastle’s only confirmed import for next season is Adelaide’s back-up goalkeeper Mark Birighitti, who has signed a two-year deal.

Promising local juniors Taylor Regan and Jacob Pepper, who were already contracted to Newcastle next season, have had their tenures extended by an extra 12 months.


http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/jets-on-trail-of-james-brown/2457201.aspx?storypage=0

Roar of the crowd never went away for Brett Cowburn

17 Feb, 2012 04:00 AM

FORMER KB United midfielder Brett Cowburn will always remember the noise of the crowd at the International Sports Centre the day he scored in front of a then record National Soccer League crowd of 18,367.

KB defeated Sydney Olympic 2-0 that day in 1979 and the crowd figure stood as the largest for a national league football game in Newcastle for 28 years.

The record was surpassed on January 1, 2007, when the Jets played Sydney FC in front of 20,980.

Cowburn scored the second goal in the 70th minute against Sydney Olympic with a left-foot strike after a cross from Ken Boden. ‘‘I was just in the right place at the right time,’’ he said. ‘‘I just swung my left leg at it, not my good leg, and it just happened to go in.

‘‘The feeling and the noise was unbelievable. The crowd went wild and with 18,000 it was something I’d never experienced.’’

The 53-year-old from Blackalls Park scored five goals in his 45 games for KB between 1979 and 1984.

His son Jason played one game for Newcastle United in 2004 and his 16-year-old son, Nick, is playing his first season with the Jets youth team this summer.

Cowburn has registered for the Newcastle Old Boys club, which was launched last month for all footballers from KB United through to the Jets who have represented the city at national league level.

The club’s inaugural old boys’ day will be at the Jets home game against Brisbane Roar on Saturday, March 17.

Cowburn said the old boys’ club was overdue.

‘‘Not only was there a great following there, I also made some great friends at KB,’’ he said. ‘‘Unfortunately we’ve gotten together for funerals et cetera.’’

One teammate Cowburn is particularly keen to see is Graham Heys, who scored the first goal in the 1979 record-breaker.

More than 50 former players have registered for the old boys’ club. For catering reasons the Jets hope to have registrations completed by Monday.

To register interest email sgalloway@huntersportsgroup.com.< p>

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/roar-of-the-crowd-never-went-away-for-brett-cowburn/2458534.aspx

Jets secure partnership with sportsbet.com.au

Thursday, 23 February 2012 2:33 PM 

The Hunter Sports Group has signed a two-year sponsorship with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au, who become the Official Betting Partner of the Newcastle Jets and Newcastle Knights.

This significant partnership includes stadium signage, online advertising and member promotions.

sportsbet.com.au’s partnership also includes a Jets and Knights celebrity placing a bet each week during their respective season, and the winnings donated to their chosen charity at season's end.

“It is fantastic to secure another major national brand across the Knights and Jets,” said Hunter Sports Group CEO Troy Palmer.

“We are sure our celebrity tipsters will have a great time picking their winners each week and raising valuable money for their chosen charity.”

sportsbet.com.au CEO Cormac Barry expressed his delight in partnering with the Hunter Sports Group.

“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with the Hunter Sports Group and look forward to contributing to the many charity groups that will be involved in this partnership,” Barry said.

The Hunter Sports Group, the Newcastle Knights, Newcastle Jets and sportsbet.com.au are committed to promoting responsible gambling.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Jets-secure-partnership-with-sportsbetcomau/45614

Edwards quits, Chief new chairman

BRETT KEEBLE
23 Feb, 2012 05:39 PM

KNIGHTS executive chairman Ken Edwards has resigned, the Hunter Sports Group has announced.
Premiership-winning former Knights captain Paul Harragon, the chairman of the club’s football advisory board, has been appointed to represent the Knights at functions including meetings of NRL chairmen.

‘‘Paul’s passion for the club and the game will ensure he is a major contributor at all levels,’’ Knights owner Nathan Tinkler said.

‘‘This is a unique appointment that will showcase his business acumen, love of the game from grassroots through to the highest level, and his passion for Newcastle and the game’s history.’’

Tinkler said Edwards, the former HSG executive chairman and one of the key figures in seeing Tinkler’s take-over bid to fruition, had resigned to spend more time with his family in Sydney.

‘‘We thank Ken for his contribution from the exciting embryonic period in which we took over the Jets; coordination of the LA Galaxy visit and winning the ownership vote for the Knights, to the club’s recent hosting of rugby league and netball Tests in Newcastle and the appointment of Wayne Bennett,’’ Tinkler said.

HSG chief executive Troy Palmer will represent the Jets and HSG in dealings with Football Federation Australia and the A-League.

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/edwards-quits-chief-new-chairman/2465946.aspx

Ken Edwards quits as chairman of the Newcastle Knights

by: Brent Read and Peter Kogoy From: The Australian February 24, 2012

THE dramas at the Newcastle Jets infected the Newcastle Knights yesterday when the man who masterminded Nathan Tinkler's takeover of the rugby league club and the appointment of coach Wayne Bennett stepped down only days before the start of the NRL premiership.

Ken Edwards resigned as executive chairman of the Hunter Sports Group, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, although inevitably there were suggestions he jumped before he was pushed given the ructions surrounding the A-league side.

As well as overseeing Tinkler's takeover of the Knights, Edwards played a leading role in the mining magnate's purchase of the Jets licence. That deal has been the subject of much media attention lately, with Tinkler threatening to take Football Federation Australia to court over the price he paid for the club's licence.

Edwards, one of sport's most respected officials, failed to return calls from The Australian last night. He has been replaced as chairman of the Knights by Paul 'The Chief' Harragon, a club great who led it to the 1997 premiership.

..."We thank Ken for his contribution from the exciting embryonic period in which we took over the Jets; co-ordination of the LA Galaxy visit and winning the ownership vote for the Knights, to the club's recent hosting of rugby league and netball tests in Newcastle and the appointment of Wayne Bennett," Tinkler said.

In regard to Harragon, Tinkler added: "Paul's passion for the club and the game will ensure he is a major contributor at all levels. This is a unique appointment that will showcase his business acumen, love of the game from grassroots through to the highest level, and his passion for Newcastle and the game's history."

Troy Palmer will deal with the chairman's duties concerning the FFA and the A-League side.

The upheaval in the Knights' front office comes as the club prepares to hold its launch in Newcastle today. The Knights will officially begin life under Bennett against St George Illa-warra in the opening round of the premiership next Thursday.

Edwards was instrumental in securing the seven-time premiership-winning coach on a four-year deal that Tinkler hopes will deliver the Knights' third title.

Meanwhile, Parramatta forward Ben Smith is expected to be sidelined for an extended period after having surgery for a chest injury from last weekend's trial against Penrith.

"Ben's obviously very disappointed but there's positive news in the fact he's a good chance to return to the field later this season," Eels coach Stephen Kearney said.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/ken-edwards-quits-as-chairman-of-the-newcastle-knights/story-e6frg7mf-1226279941111

WesTrac becomes HSG’s fourth Founding Sponsor

Friday, 24 February 2012 3:48 PM 

The Hunter Sports Group (HSG) and WesTrac are proud to announce a three-year sponsorship agreement of the Hunter Ports Newcastle Knights and the Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets.

WesTrac, a back of jersey sponsor of the Knights, has embraced the concept of a dual club sponsorship in support of both local teams across 12 months of the year.

“The Newcastle and Hunter Regions are a significant part of WesTrac’s current and future business plans so it is logical for us to be associated with clubs that represent their communities,” Darren Tasker, WesTrac NSW COO said.

“At WesTrac, we pride ourselves in being the very best in their field with highly skilled and committed teams, a situation similar to that of the Knights and the Jets.”

WesTrac is just months away from opening their new multimillion dollar facility in Newcastle, which, when fully operational, will employ around 600 people and act as their operating hub and training centre for all staff including apprentices throughout NSW.

The Hunter Sports Group are delighted to secure the group’s fourth founding sponsor.

"WesTrac are an important player in the resources sector and are keen to continue their ongoing support of the communities in which they operate,” HSG CEO Troy Palmer said.

“We applaud WesTrac for their proven commitment to both the Knights and the Jets and look forward to a successful partnership with them now and in the future."

"Our foundation sponsorship strategy has been extremely successful,” Palmer added.

“WesTrac now join other prestigious brands who understand the Hunter Region is a serious player in the Australian sporting landscape.

“Our Clubs’ are on secure financial footing, our membership continues to challenge the top position in both codes and we have a talented playing group at both the Knights and Jets."

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/WesTrac-becomes-HSGs-fourth-Founding-Sponsor/45153

Well done' Could come and be grumpy with me in bay 3, would have to put up with my dad listening to abc radio commentary and then yelling "they say on the radio that should have been a yellow card!", for an incident that happened 45mins previously.

ha. my father.

Jets youth contract puts Williams on path to A-League

Courtney Rees
March 7, 2012

Jakob Williams's stocks continue to rise after the Canberra Olympic premier league player was signed to a youth contract by A-League club Newcastle.

Williams will move north in three weeks to play in the Newcastle competition before taking part in the National Youth League, which runs over the summer.

Williams hopes to impress his new club and wants to press his claim of becoming part of the A-League team.

''Hopefully I do well up there and start working my way up to the first team,'' he said.

While the move to Newcastle may be daunting for the 17-year-old he will have a couple of familiar faces around him.

Williams will again link up with Gary van Egmond, who is back at the helm of the Newcastle Jets A-League team after working with Williams at the Australian Institute of Sport.

Williams is looking forward to the opportunity to again work with van Egmond, who was an AIS assistant coach and took Williams to the under 17s Asian Football Championship in Uzbekistan in 2010. The 17-year-old will also work closely with Arthur Pappas, who was also formerly with the AIS and is now the coach of the Newcastle youth team.

Williams was named as part of the Australian secondary schools team but did not travel with the squad on its British tour in January.

''I didn't go on the tour as I decided to stay here and play in the [National] Youth League [for the AIS],'' he said.

Canberra Olympic will feel Williams's loss as they look to go one better this season after losing to Canberra FC 8-5 in a dramatic final last year.

''It is a bittersweet feeling for everyone associated with Olympic, we certainly enjoyed him during the season with us and he was just an absolutely outstanding player, but it was all too brief unfortunately,'' Olympic coach Dean Ugrinic said.

''On the positive it is just great to be a vehicle for someone so young to move forward and hopefully realise his ambitions to become a professional footballer.''

Williams was awarded the Angelo Liangis scholarship at Canberra Olympic's presentation night last week and was surprised to receive the award.

''I didn't know what to expect as there was a lot of other young players that were just as good during the season,'' Williams said.

The scholarship will enable Williams to travel overseas to train and play with an international training academy.

The details of the international opportunities for Williams have not yet been finalised but options in England and the United States are being considered.


Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/football/jets-youth-contract-puts-williams-on-path-to-aleague-20120306-1uikn.html#ixzz1oVnRVIqV

CEO says with Robbie Middleby…

Friday, 9 March 2012 2:44 PM 

Since I last gave a CEO update, it is pleasing to see on field the players adapt to Gary van Egmond’s high pressure possession based game. As a result the team has won five out of six of their last games and we are in contention to play finals football.

Off the field, we have been working hard to secure talent for next season’s playing roster and are thrilled that Taylor Regan, Ben Kennedy, Jacob Pepper and Ryan Griffiths have shown their commitment to the Jets. We also look forward to welcoming new signings Adam Taggart, Mark Birighitti and James Brown to Newcastle.

The emergence of our young and local talent has been a highlight for me this season and it is great that in return we have been able to reward players like Taylor and Jacob with contract extensions.

During the season our Youth team, under the guidance of new coach Arthur Papas, have shown some really bright signs for the future and will take this into the NBN State League over the winter. We believe this is a fantastic opportunity for our young up and coming players and we have worked hard with Northern NSW to make this happen.

Our W-League team were unlucky not to make it into the finals and while this has been disappointing, this team improved immensely under our new coaching structure. The support given to this team by our Members and supporters has been greatly appreciated by all involved, and we even managed to break some attendance records along the way.

Congratulations to Ben Kantarovski and Jacob Pepper on being selected to represent Australia on the international stage next week when the Olympic Olyroos play Iraq.

Tonight we face an unpredictable opponent in Gold Coast United, they are a team who have some talented youngsters coming through their ranks.

We are hoping a good turnout from our Members and supporters will help the boys get over the line and be in an even better position for the finals.

Robbie

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/CEO-says-with-Robbie-Middleby/46048

What's happening with Jason Culina? Is he contracted/almost recovered? Anybody have any idea?

National goalkeeping coach eyes Jets

Monday, 12 March 2012 11:38 AM 

The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets had a special guest at training last week in the form of Socceroos goalkeeping coach Tony Franken.

Franken watched over the Club’s goalkeepers Ben Kennedy, Matthew Nash and Jack Duncan and shared his expertise with Jets’ goalkeeper coach Bob Catlin.

“I like to go around to the A-League clubs at least once during the year, just to show my face, watch training and watch the goalkeepers,” Franken said.

“There’s a lot of young goalkeepers for instance here at Newcastle with Jack Duncan and Ben Kennedy.

“Jack’s involved with the Young Socceroos so it’s been good to have a look at him and see how he’s progressing and also to spend some time with Bob Catlin and offer some feedback and talk about goalkeeping.”

Catlin said that it was extremely beneficial for someone with Franken’s knowledge and experience to visit the club.

“It’s a privilege to have him here to run his eye over what is going on and get some feedback on where I’m at and how things are going,” Catlin said.

“It’s good for (our goalkeepers) to see someone is interested in what they’re doing, especially someone of Tony’s stature.

“Obviously they’re keen to do well in front of his eyes and it can only be good having him here.”

Kennedy has kept three clean sheets during the golden run which has seen the Jets shoot up the A-League table after winning five of their last seven matches.

“We’ve been working on him imposing himself on the back four and helping them by coaching from behind and he’s progressing and doing very well in the last several weeks,” Catlin said.

Franken agreed, saying there had been a notable improvement in the Jets’ defence, starting with the work of Kennedy between the sticks.

“I think Ben’s shown a lot more consistency over the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“I think with the Jets progressing up the table it’s (due to) the back four and also the goalkeeper has got some more consistency in the game and that’s made a difference.”

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/National-goalkeeping-coach-eyes-Jets/46040

Old Boys to be recognised

Thursday, 15 March 2012 4:00 PM

The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets will honour the rich history of football in the Hunter region at the Club’s inaugural Old Boys day on Saturday.

Past players and coaches who have represented the various incarnations of Newcastle in the national league (Newcastle KB United, Newcastle Rosebuds, Newcastle Breakers, Newcastle United and Newcastle Jets) will be recognised at a function on the day.

More than 60 Old Boys are expected to attend and they will form a guard of honour prior to the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar making their way onto the field for Saturday night’s match.

Former Newcastle United captain and veteran of 234 National Soccer League games, Andy Roberts, will be one of the players in attendance.

“It’s good that the Hunter Sports Group and the Jets are recognising the past players and the history of the area,” Roberts said.

“It’s a good opportunity for myself and the past players that I’ve played with to get together because there are over 300 players who’ve played for Newcastle in the national league since the late 70’s.”

Known for possessing plenty of tenacity as well as a killer ponytail during his playing days, Roberts said things had changed a bit since the last time he laced up his boots.

“It’s all positive and there is a lot of professionalism that has come with the new regime,” he said.

“I wish I was around to be a part of it but I had a really good career and a long career.

“The players have it easier these days and they’ve got to take advantage of it and enjoy the time they spend (as professionals).”

Roberts has also been impressed by the influence Jets’ coach Gary van Egmond has had since returning to the Club.

“Gary’s made some changes since he took over and I think that’s for the better. He’s given some of the young guys a go and they’re producing,” he said.

“It’s a very important game on the weekend against Brisbane Roar because their destiny is in their own hands if they can get this result.

“I’d love to see them in the finals because I think they can go a long way.”

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Old-Boys-to-be-recognised/46161

Proud history recognised during Old Boys day

Monday, 19 March 2012 5:52 PM 

The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets hosted their inaugural Old Boys day during Saturday’s final home game against the Brisbane Roar, which saw 65 former players from KB United, Newcastle Breakers and Newcastle United come together for the first time.

“We have a proud history of football in Newcastle and Northern NSW and to celebrate and recognise our former players who have come through and represented Newcastle is fantastic for the players and football in general,” Former Breakers player and Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said.

“Everyone of our Old Boys was honoured to attend and really enjoyed this new tradition which I know will be even bigger next year.”

After attending a special pre-match function to kick-off the day, the Old Boys made their way to the pitch where they formed a guard of honour for the current players to run through.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/Proud-history-recognised-during-Old-Boys-day/46291

QR National launches Grants Program

Friday, 23 March 2012 4:15 PM 

QR National has announced a new community assistance program as part of its sponsorship of the Newcastle Jets and Newcastle Knights.

The QR National Registration Grants Program will provide an opportunity for aspiring young rugby league and football players to participate in their chosen code, regardless of their financial circumstances.

This comes after the successful launch last week of the QR National Volunteer Program, aimed at recognising the efforts of volunteers across the two codes.

QR National’s philosophy behind the latest initiative is to provide a helping hand for families and make sport accessible to youth of the Hunter region.

Sixteen winners will be chosen to receive a QR National Registration Grant, eight from junior rugby league and eight from junior football.

QR National Managing Director & CEO Lance Hockridge says the company is delighted to be providing grants to the Hunter Community which will give budding young players some assistance in achieving their dreams.

“The teamwork and camaraderie that young people develop from playing junior sport is not only a life skill, but also promotes healthy living through exercise and we are proud to be associated in helping facilitate this”, he said.

“QR National is right behind healthy living through a series of community initiatives including a Healthy Heart campaign and this supports those initiatives.”

To apply for a QR National Registration Grant, the player must be between the ages of 5 and 17, with each selected winner receiving their full registration fee reimbursed for the 2012 winter sport season, a voucher for the purchase of football boots or trainers, a competition football for the chosen code and ticketing for their family to see two matches at Hunter Stadium.

Hunter Sports Group CEO Troy Palmer says it’s another great program contributing to making sport accessible to more of the Newcastle and Hunter region juniors who previously may not have had the means to do so.

Nomination for the Grant is open to anyone playing in the following registered competitions:

· Any Football Club in the Northern New South Wales region
· Newcastle Schoolboys Rugby League
· Maitland Schoolboys Rugby League
· Upper Hunter Group 21 Rugby League

To be eligible, the applicant’s family must also hold a Health Care or Pension Card.

Applications close on Friday April 13, 2012, in preparation for the winter sport season. To find out more about the program and to download a nomination form, click here.

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/newcastlejets/news-display/QR-National-launches-Grants-Program/46419