When does the new season start….??? For some teams, it already has done and he is a quick look at the clubs social media pages to see what is happening around the grounds.

Port Kennedy’s summer walking football continues to grow, especially within the ladies groups. They are always open to new players, both men and women and have even listed the benefits that walking football does, including fitness, team working, mental health, staying mobile and making new friends. Players of any ability are welcome to join the games that are played on Wednesday evenings at Warnbro Oval from 5pm. Sessions are only $5 per player but you do get the first session free

Mandurah City announced that popular player Zak Byrne has signed for the 2023 season. Living in Australia and playing for Mandurah for over 7 years now, Zak is Mandurah through and through. The progression he has made is great to see and it is clear to see that Zak is a fan favourite. Head Coach, John Baird added: “Zak was a huge part of the squad last year and developed so much as a player on and off the park. When he was called upon he was excellent and did exactly what myself and my coaching staff asked of him. We are delighted to secure his services for 2023.” Byrne commented “Mandurah is my second home, the people in and around the club are the best in the state and I can’t wait to get started for the new season and prove my ability.”

Rockingham City have also been busy re-signing players for next season. The club are excited to confirm the Noah Lea has committed to the club for the 2023 season. When our coaches agreed on stay on for 2023 they insisted that Noah was one of the first we asked to commit with them. He was outstanding in 2022, a young dynamic and highly intelligent footballer he provides the team with great options and quality all over the park.

Rockingham City are also delighted to announce that we have secured the continued services of Danny Kilka for the 2023 season as their U16’s NPL head coach. Danny has been at RCFC for the last 3 years and the club delighted to retain him. Last season Danny held the position of head coach for the U15 NPL team. Achieving success in leading them to the top division with some impressive performances against some of the best teams in Perth. Danny’s footballing philosophy means he has achieved league success by focusing upon player development and education, rather than purely upon “results”. Last year that meant every player in the squad develop new depth to their game, in multiple positions and formations. Danny shares RCFC’s passion for football and focus upon youth development. He will be a valuable asset to the Academy program where the club expects that the player progression will see some of the under 16s into the senior playing groups next season. Danny is a well known and respected member of the Perth football community. He is a qualified FFA coach and has played professionally in Germany and the UK before emigrating to Australia in 2005.

The Peel Walking Footballers recently held a tournament in Mandurah which involved several clubs from the Perth region. The scores from the round robin matches were:

(Note 50’s had a 3-goal handicap when playing a 60’s (*) team)

Peel Ramblers 1 v Royals* 1 (Agg 1-4)

Peel Ramblers 0 v Peel Boomers* 1 (Agg 0-4)

Peel Ramblers 1 v Wanneroo Blacks 0 (Agg 1-0)

Peel Ramblers 1 v Dribblers 1 (Agg 1-1)

Peel Boomers* 0 v Dribblers 0 (Agg 3-0)

Peel Boomers* 1 v Peel Ramblers 0 (Agg 4-0)

Peel Boomers* 2 v Wanneroo Reds* 0 (Agg 2-0)

Peel Boomers* 0 v Wanneroo Blacks 1 (Agg 3-1)

Finals

50+Wanneroo Blacks 0 v Dribblers 1

60+Royals 2 v Peel Boomers 0

Consolation

Wanneroo Reds* 1 v Peel Ramblers 3 (Agg 4-3)

The inaugural AWFA Regional Festival was played on Sunday 9th October 2022 in the Mandurah Aquatic & Recreation Centre (MARC), Mandurah. The competition was played at a very high standard and in exceptionally good spirits. Most games were close, with results generally just a goal or to the difference. All visiting teams started well, the Dribblers more slowly due to adjusting to the indoor surface and heavier balls, but it didn’t take them long to adjust.

Peel were able to field two teams made up mainly from the regular Monday & Friday session players. Both sides played very well and whilst the results didn’t always go their teams way they were close and we were certainly not disgraced and gave most of the other teams a run for their money.