TELSTRA T[tots] PHOTOSTORY

"And then dad said..."

"Now, last week when your Dad blew for a penalty..."

"...and then mum said..."

Photos provided by David and Eliza Cole

GET WELL SOON HAMISH

Our best wishes go out to Round Ball Squad Member Hamish March who broke his ankle on Sunday whilst playing for Gambier Centrals, we wish him all the best.

Belgiorno’s Cup Semi Finals

A GRADE

INTER V BLUE LAKE

APOLLO V THE SHARKS

B GRADE

APOLLO V THE SHARKS

CENTRALS V BLUE LAKE

U17

INTER V THE SHARKS

APOLLO V MILLICENT

U14

INTER V BLUE LAKE/ PORTLAND

APOLLO V BLUE LAKE / PORTLAND

U12

NARACOORTE V THE SHARKS

CANTRALS V PORTLAND

TRB LIVE - ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK

On the show this week we catch up with,

Steve Nelkovski from Perth Glory on Robbie and Smetlz

Ante Skoko from North Geelong on Callum and Josip

Katrina Hockey from SEWFA

The Telstra T[life] team

JAY JAY TRAINS WITH THE STARS

Sports Network Meeting in Mount Gambier‏

SPORTS NETWORK MEETING

Calling all sporting and recreation club representatives, committee members and interested persons!

You are invited to attend your local Sports Network Meeting. This is a club development and networking opportunity with the latest information and resources for your club outlined by local be active Community Field Officer. Light meal and drinks will be provided.

Blue Lake BMX Club

(Hastings Cunningham Reserve off White Avenue, Mount Gambier)

4th of May– 6pm to 7:30pm

Agenda:

· Heathy Clubs Program – Guest Speaker Sport SA Administrator of the Year

· Grants information

· School and work based traineeships for club volunteers - great way to gain funding for a local volunteer to work with your club. Presented by Kerry Griffin from Balance Training Service

· Active After Schools Program

· Annual Office of Recreation and Sport Club Development Conference on 15th of May - agenda and incentives to attend. Visit www.recsport.sa.gov.au for more details

· StarClub Program - club self assessment tool

· Child Safe Officer training in Mount Gambier

· Club Management templates



There will be opportunity to discuss any individual club issues during or after the meeting.



Please register your attendance for catering purposes with Angela Solly on 0400 262 738 or by return email by the 29th of April.



Angela Solly

South East Local Government Association

Recreation and Sport 'be active' Field Officer

PO Box 1445

Mt Gambier SA 5290

Ph: 08 8723 1057

Fax: 08 8723 1286

Mob: 0400 262 738

Email: beactive@lcrdb.com

Website: www.sportse.com.au

Melbourne Heart FC Media Release - Beauchamp Released By Mutual Consent‏

Melbourne Heart FC Media Release

Wednesday 20 April

Melbourne Heart FC advises it has released defender Michael Beauchamp from the final year of his contract by mutual consent.

The Club agreed to part ways with Beauchamp after the 30-year-old received a multi-year offer from fellow Hyundai A-League side Sydney FC.

Head Coach John van ‘t Schip thanked Beauchamp for his contribution to Melbourne Heart FC during the Club’s inaugural season.

“Michael has been a great professional and made an important contribution to Heart both on and off the field over the last year,” he said. “Even during periods when he didn’t feature in the first team, Michael was the ultimate teammate and a fantastic presence in the dressing room.

“Given the opportunity that presented itself at Sydney FC, we feel that we had an obligation to allow Michael to grab the chance to play first team football and secure his long term future as a professional.

“We would like to thank Michael for his efforts at Heart and wish him well for the future.”

Beauchamp made 19 starting appearances for Heart throughout its debut campaign after arriving from Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates.

T[tots] PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Congratulations go to David and Eliza Cole who have won the first ever T[tots] Photography Competition. They will enjoy all the Metro Bakery has to offer as our prizewinners for season 2.

WANTED - SPORTS TRAINER

Gambier City Sharks Soccer Club Is URGENTLY seeking a Sports Trainer Looking for someone to gain experience in the field of sports massage, strapping and general First Aid If interested, Please contact John Bruttomesso Sports Director 0407 612 704

Belgiorno Cup Rnd 3 Blue Lake V Sharks‏

In Round 3 of the Belgiorno Cup, the Sharks travel to Malseed Park to face their rivals, the Blue Lake Rangers.

In: Craig Wright

Out: Matt Gordon (suspended), Matt Weistra (injury), Ethan Parsons (injury)

In absolute perfect conditions, both teams were playing for top position of the table in Group B. Sharks with 2 wins (6pts), Blue Lake with 1win 1 draw (4pts)

The starting line up; Defenders: Nick Hewish, Craig Wright, Okezie Nzeakor, Andrej Spakowski ; Midfield: Tobbei Kennett, Heath Widdison, Corey Pilven ; Attackers: Brad Pilven, Salva Kasole, Jason Brooks Substitutes: Eh Moo, Mafwata Bope,Luke Harris, Jesse Widdison

The game summary as follows;

(3min) Brooks takes on the Rangers defence, crosses with a nice pass to a fast running Brad Pilven who slots his first goal for the Sharks this year. Score 1-0

(8min) Sharks Keeper was called into action early, as Rangers No 7 Thompson crossed the ball deep hoping to find Guess, but Fuller was quick off the mark to making a diving save.

(10min) Kennett and Kasole combine with some brilliant one touch passing, and Kasole slots the ball through the legs of Rangers keeper Armandi. Score 2-0

(12min) Brad Pilven, again receives through ball from Widdison, takes a shot with his left foot, rebounds of the post, but a waiting Brooks was there to smash the rebound in. Score 3-0 (27min) Kennett found some room, and from distance shoots for the top corner, but Armandi makes a great save to deny another goal for the Sharks.

(29min) Shortly after, it was the Sharks captain Kennett again, showing why he is regarded as one of the top players in this league, takes on one.. two.. three defenders, and from the 18 yd box shoots with his left foot..the keeper had no chance. Score 4-0 Half Time

(56min) Sharks playmaker, Wright takes off with the ball from defence, and travels at speed, taking on the Rangers midfield, releases a well timed through ball onto a waiting Brad Pilven, who calmly slots the ball under the keeper. The scoreboard keeps ticking over .Score 5-0 (70min) Rangers are awarded a penalty as the referee deemed there was contact between a clash of Sharks keeper Fuller and Rangers Striker Guess. Guess strikes the ball low and hard into the bottom right corner, Sharks keeper guessed correctly and dives making contact with the ball but was unable to prevent the ball from crawling over the line. Score 5-1

(75min) An acrobatic Kennett with an overhead scissor kick, was unlucky not to score the goal of the year. The ball was struck very hard. It deflects off the keeper, hits the post, and once again Brad Pilven was there to score his hatrick for the day . Score 6-1

(85min) Man of the match Kennett, with so much strength gets past the defenders, makes his way in the box, and was taken down. The referee points to the spot and Sharks awarded the penalty. Corey Pilven who was celebrating his 21st birthday, takes the honors and makes no mistake to score the last goal of the day. Score 7-1

Sharks Coach Bruttomesso was very pleased with his team’s performance, and congratulated his players for their efforts.

Special mention to U17 Captain Nick Hewish, who has earned himself a starting position in the team. “Everything we have been working on at training has all come together, and the team was able to remain focused for the entire 90 mins.”

A brilliant display of football from the Gambier City Sharks Soccer Club.

Sharks finish top of the table in Group B, and will play the Runners up in Group A -Apollo, later on in the semi final of Belgiorno Cup. Sharks again will play the Blue Lake Rangers in Round 1 of the Dycer Construction Premiership that’s starts in 2 weeks on Sunday 1 May.

Goal Scorers: B.Pilven 3, J.Brooks 1, T.Kennett 1, S.Kasole 1, C.Pilven 1

Best Players: B.Pilven, O.Nzeakor, A.Szpakowski, C.Pilven

SEWFA CARNIVAL WON BY WANDERERS

After nearly a decade of nearlys, Wanderers look on the verge of a huge season, winning the SEWFA Pink Ribbon Cup in both the u14 and Seniors on Saturday. City, Palace and Academy have dominated the competition perhaps it is Wanderers time?

WBSA PREVIEW - APOLLO

The Western Border Soccer season kicks off this weekend and if cup form and the preseason hype are any thing to go by the 2011 season could be very close.

Apollo swept all before them in 2010, playing the best football and cruising home with the premiership.

Derek Ferguson proved that the passing game is alive and well and his Apollo boys stepped back into the limelight after promising so much for the last decade. Apollo were the class outfit in 1996 and 1997 as they won back to back flags and appeared to be on the verge of a footballing dynasty. Gambier Centrals spoilt the party in 1998 and Webb St has never been the same, or rather had been. Enter Derek Ferguson, a progressive junior policy, a few experienced heads and one or two quality signings and the Premiership was Apollo's. Fast forward 6 months and all were thinking that Apollo would not only enter the season as favourites, many presumed they would be better. The big question after the first round of the cup is are they as good as we think they should be?

Apollo

The 2010 premiers have had a shaky start to 2011. A bruising preseason friendly campaign, a first up loss to old foes Inter, a lucky draw against an undermanned Centrals squad and a win away to Naracoorte is nothing to write home about. It is the cup and the premiership is yet to start but like many, I expected more for Ferguson's boys. They have been training since late last year, have entered the FFSA Cup again and played a friendly away in Adelaide so we expected it would be a case of much of the same for Apollo this year. However, the loss to Inter and the manner of it will worry Ferguson as will the quality of their performance against a poor Centrals outfit a week later.

They still are hard to pick against and due to the quality they have in both senior squads they should have too much over the season but it does not look as certain as perhaps it should.

Ben Morris is solid in goal and David Coles is all class at the back, Chris Bytheway looks to be a cut above the pack and he is a wise choice as vice captain, however in the midfield quality and experience of Adam Hodge, John and Jamie Stephenson and Wayne Lennon could be their undoing as their lack of pace could be a concern. Inter chose to go over Apollo's midfield and it worked only a few weeks ago. They have some quality up front and they should get plenty of goals from Matt Ferguson and Matt Ripper and whoever plays alongside them but for me their strength lies in their depth. Each week their bench is packed with a series of fresh faces and quality juniors. Lewis Whittenbury could play A Grade at several other clubs, several new signings are playing in reserves and the return of some old faces make Apollo the team to beat again in 2011.

Coach Derek Ferguson - 2010 Premiership Coach

Star Player - David Coles

Player to watch in 2011 - Chris Bytheway

Prediction - Premiers

How could they blow it? They could pass their way into trouble at the back.

Glory Days - 1996, 1997, 2010 and probably 2011

TRB LIVE - CUP ROUND 3

A GRADE

BLUE LAKE 1 V SHARKS 7

NARACOORTE 0 V APOLLO 8

CENTRALS 0 V INTER 0

B GRADE

BLUE LAKE 4 V SHARKS 2

NARACOORTE 0 V APOLLO 17

CENTRALS 2 V INTER 1

U17

BLUE LAKE DONT HAVE A TEAM

NARACOORTE 0 V APOLLO 7*

CENTRALS 0 V INTER 1

PORTLAND DONT HAVE A TEAM

U14

BLUE LAKE 3 V SHARKS 1

NARACOORTE DONT HAVE A TEAM

CENTRALS 1 V INTER 6

U12

BLUE LAKE 0 V SHARKS 2

NARACOORTE 0 V APOLLO 2

CENTRALS 1 V INTER 1

TIM CAHILL IS COMING

We are pleased to announce that The Round Ball has been given the thumbs up to help promote the up coming Tim Cahill training Camps in Sydney.

Hi Scott,

We would love your help in promoting these clinics and would greatly appreciate anything you can do. Let me know if your need anything,

Regards,

Charlie Buck

Clinic Co-ordinator

To find out more about the Tim Cahill Clinics log on to...

http://www.timcahill.com/Coaching-Clinic.html

McCORMICK CUTS THE MUSTARD

Congratulations to Jenna McCormaick who has made the final 19 in the u19 South Australian State Schoolgirls Squad. Well done Jenna!

T[tots] PHOTOS HAVE ARRIVED!

ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK

FOOTBALL STARS OF TOMORROW HOST

ANDY PASCHALIDIS

GAMBIER CITY SHARKS A GRADE COACH

JOHN BRUTTOMESSO

BLUE LAKE COACH A GRADE COACH

OLU DEYOLU

ROUND BALL STAR OF THE WEEK

JENNA McCORMICK

Belgiorno Cup Rnd 2 Sharks v Portland‏

In Round 2 of the Belgiorno Cup, Sharks play their first game at home for the season 2011.

Still with a few players on the injury list and unavailable, this gives some of the Sharks U17 an opportunity to step and be part of the Sharks Senior team.

Outs : Matthew Weistra (injury) , Craig Wright , Marc Bope

Ins: Nick Hewish (U17), Luke Harris (U17), Jesse Widdison (U17) & Eh Moo.

The Sharks were keen to improve, as last week they got off to a slow start, but finished the game strongly and came away with 3 points.

The game summary as follows:

(3min) It only took 3 min into the game, when Sharks Striker Kasole had a shot which deflected off the post, however Brooks was very quick to pounce on the loose ball giving the Sharks their first goal . Score Sharks 1-0

The conditions were very ‘greasy’ as the ball was skidding off the pitch, and very difficult to control.

The Sharks midfield of Kennett, Gordon, Widdison was displaying some good possession football, with Brooks sending many attacking advances in to the scoring area for the Sharks.

Many opportunities were given to the Sharks, but unfortunately no more goals yet to be scored.

(31min) It was late in the half, when Kasole found some room with a brilliant ‘killer pass’ from Kennett, was one on with the keeper, and cleverly chips over him to score his second. Score Sharks 2-0.

(40min) Panthers clawed one back when No 10 (Atodiresei), managed to get past Sharks defender, miss kicks it , but the ball still found itself trickling over the goal line.Score Sharks 2-1

Half Time

(49min) Kasole passes to Kennett, who strikes the ball hard and low in the right hand corner of goal. Score Sharks 3-1

(51min) Kennett passes to Kasole, who cleverly places the ball between the keepers legs. Score 4-1

(61min)Kasole shoots with his right foot over the keeper. Score 5-1

(64min) Kennett shoots from 25 yds out from goal, keeper fumbles the ball over the line. Score 6-1

Coach makes first change, Eh Moo comes on for Brad Pilven.

(70min) Kennett dribbles down the right hand side, crosses the ball and finds the back of the net. Score 7-1

Coach makes second change, Ethan Parson comes on replaces Salva Kasole whos scored a hatrick for the day.

(76min) Parsons makes an immediate impact scoring by placing the ball cleverly into bottom corner. Score 8-1

(82min) Sharks defender Nzeakor runs through the midfield with cleverly one two’s and finishes nicely for another goal to the Sharks..Score 9-1

(85min) Pilven from the backline makes his way to the outside of the attacking circle, and blast the ball past the keeper. Score10-1

(90min Parsons shoots from distance and finds the top right hand corner of the goal. Score 11-1

Final Score 11-1

The Sharks totally dominated the game, with clever passing, good movement of the ball, and some nice finishing to ensure the scoreboard kept ticking over.

Next week, Sharks travel to Malseed Park to face their rivals, Blue Lake Rangers. These two teams always provide plenty of action and excitement.



Goals: S.Kasole 3, T.Kennett 3,Parsons 2,Pilven 1, Brooks 1, Nzeakor 1

Best Players: T.Kennett, S.Kasole, N.Hewish



Other Scores:

U12 lost 8-0

U14 lost 3-1

U17 NO GAME

B Grade won 4-3

A Grade won 11-1



Note** Highlight in the B Grade game**

Club veteran Dino Gentile makes a comeback after 2 years being absent from the game.

Dino suffered a heart attack during a game in 2009, and since then has had several operations including open heart surgery.

Dino made an immediate impact for the Sharks scoring the first goal of the game, and the winning goal to secure Sharks win.

Dino’s commitment to getting back to some form of fitness and his passion for the sport, was incredible.

Dino showed that he still had the skill to be competitive and was awarded Sharks best player for the day with 2 goals.

WELL DONE JOHN!

Congratulations to John Bruttomesso on obtaining his FFA Senior Football Coaching Licence.

04-05-2011: Melbourne Heart vs Geelong Representative team

Melbourne Heart are coming to Geelong on Wed May 4th and the North Geelong Soccer Club is proud to be able to host this event for the Geelong sporting community. Geelong clubs will be asked to provide players to a collective group to take on Heart as they prepare for their 2011/12 season. More details will unfold as the day gets closer, for now, mark it in your diaries.

Date: Wednesday 4 May

Kick Off: 7.00PM

Location: Elcho Park

TRB LIVE - CUP ROUND 2

A GRADE

CENTRALS 1 V APOLLO 2

INTER 8 V NARACOORTE 0

BLUE LAKE 2 V MILLICENT 2

PORTLAND 1 V SHARKS 11

BGRADE

CENTRALS 3 V APOLLO 3

INTER 6 V NARACOORTE 1

BLUE LAKE 7 V MILLICENT 0

PORTLAND 3 V SHARKS 4

U17

CENTRALS 3 V APOLLO 3

INTER 19? V NARACOORTE 0

MILLICENT NO U17S

PORTLAND NO U17S

U14

CENTRALS V APOLLO

NARACOORTE NO U14S

BLUE LAKE 7* V MILLICENT 0

PORTLAND 3 V SHARKS 1

U12

CENTRALS V APOLLO

INTER 1 V NARACOORTE 1

BLUE LAKE 7* V MILLICNET 0

PORTLAND 7* V SHARKS 0

TRB LIVE - BREAKING NEWS

In shocking conditions Gambier Centrals drew 3 all with Apollo. The result opens up the group and will be interesting as the forfeit of Naracoorte in round 1 could see Centrals knocked out on goal difference.

What could happen

inter should beat naracoorte today and will finish the cup on 6, 7 or 9

apollo should beat naracoorte next week and will finish on 4 points

centrals have 4 and must draw or beat inter next week a loss could see apollo progress on goal difference.

Something to think about?

TRB - ON AN ELEVATED STAGE - CALLUM FERGUSON SCORES

Callum Ferguson scored and set one up as his Geelong Warriors Reserve side recorded a 4 1 win away at Port Melbourne. Ferguson was named in the best players.

Mel Wilmott trained with the u15 state team in Adelaide on Friday.

Jenna McCormicks Toros have a bye this weekend.

Thomas Renzi came on at half time in the first team and made a solid contribution as his Cumberlund side lost 2 1.

Tim Cahill Coaching Clinics‏

Tim Cahill Coaching Clinics will take place for 2 weekends this June. Participants can take advantage of this exciting opportunity to play and be coached by Tim Cahill. The clinics will use Premiership Academy coaching techniques and are designed to develop each player's skills technically and tactically. It will include: On the pitch coaching Ball manipulation Balance & co-ordination Tactics Match practice Off the pitch advice Lifestyle Maintaining fitness levels Injury prevention Diet PLUS... Tim will be available to answer any questions you have always wanted to ask him. You will receive: A signed Tim Cahill Photograph Adidas Tim Cahill Coaching Clinic Football Shirt Adidas football to use throughout clinic and to keep If a gifted individual is spotted he/she could be offered the chance to attend trials at a Premiership Academy in the UK. SECURE YOUR PLACE - BOOK NOW... http://www.timcahill.com/Coaching-Clinic.html

T T[tots] WEATHER UPDATE,

We think it will be okay, please dress for the weather conditions.

T T[tots] WEATHER UPDATE

The weather does not good at this stage, we will be making a decision prior to 8am on the weather conditions.

Football United Scholar

The first UNSW Football United scholarship recipient 17-year-old Sudanese refugee Teresa Yuol is celebrating as she kicks off her university career. Teresa has begun classes in anthropology and sociology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), supported by the first scholarship in a pilot program designed to help young people with inadequate resources, minimal formal schooling, and limited family support to access a tertiary education. Teresa's scholarship program began this year with a year-long bridging program, and then Bachelor degree study. Teresa said it was a special feeling to be a Football United member and to be offered the chance of a tertiary education. "I have been part of Football United for the last four years, joining when I was 13. It is great to be offered this opportunity. It was just a few weeks ago that they called me and said that I got the scholarship. I couldn't describe the way I felt at that time. I am looking forward to start at UNSW and achieve my goals by little steps and with the help of Football United and UNSW there is no doubt that I will succeed," Teresa said. Football United founder, Ms Anne-Bunde-Birouste, from UNSW's School of Public Health and Community Medicine, said "Teresa is just one example of what kids will achieve if someone takes the time to support and believe in them. We work hard to promote opportunities that can assist them to overcome the inequities that littered the path of the Football United kids. I am proud to be part of an excellent university that recognizes that there is more than one way to assess an individual's capacity, and supports such an initiative". Teresa also wrote a message, in her own words, to other members of the Football United community. "To football united, fans, players, volunteers and the organisation leaders some of you may not know me but some do for those who don't my name is Teresa Yuol my background is Sudanese and I moves to Australia back in 2003. I been part of Football United® for the last 4 years. I am excited to share some of my great news with you all. It was not long ago when I graduated from high school and now am finding myself in a new lifestyle of university. Football United® founder Anne Bunde-Birouste have work hard with the UNSW to get scholarships to the Football United® participants, special to those who finish year 12. It is a special feeling to be a Football United® member to be offered this opportunity. It was just a few weeks ago went Anne called me and said that I got the scholarship. I couldn't describe the way I felt at that time. I am now about to start at UNSW doing Sociology and Anthropology, but with further future study I'll be studying Public Relations as my career. This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I am not going to waste it. I am looking forward to start at UNSW and achieve my goals by a little step and with the help of Football United® and UNSW there is no doubt that I will succeed. And to those of Football United® kids who may get this opportunity in the future please don't turn it down because opportunities like this come only once in a life time. And put it this way - free scholarship you don't have to pay the government back after your studies - you just have to prove that you were the perfect person for the scholarship and just believe in yourself!"

GAMBIER CENTRALS BINGO NIGHT

Gambier Centrals are planning a BINGO and STEAK night atthe Clubrooms on Friday 13th of May. All are invited to come along and have a drink, a meal and a laugh. More info on this will come out soon so put in your diary.

If your club has an event that you would like promoted send all details and we will assist.

THE ROUND BALL BECOMES UNITED!

The Round Ball Community Football Development Program pulled of a major coup recently in luring the Founder and Executive Director of Football United, Anne Bunde-Birouste to Mount Gambier. Scott Dickson, CEO of the Mount Gambier based football program, The Round Ball was delighted with the opportunity to discuss football with Bunde-Birouste, whom Dickson describes as a role model and inspiration. "Anne is the founder of Football United and the Convener of the Health Promotion Program at the UNSW Graduate School of Public Health and Community Medicine. She is active internationally on a number of boards and scientific advisory committees in this capacity, as well as with Street Football World as Director of Football United." Dickson was full of praise for the American born Bunde-Birouste and her award winning Football United program which she founded in 2006. The program is is on the verge of spreading around Australia and The Round Ball is keen to be a part of it. Football United has signed up with Football Australia's national development plan and Bunde-Birouste is keen to now join forces with Dickson's Round Ball program to include indigenous projects and bridge communities across the Limestone Coast. "Football United is a leading organisation that uses football for social development." Dickson added, "We have tried locally to have a strong moral purpose and support areas that need development like running a program for Aboriginal children supported by the FFA and assisting in the establishment of a Regional Development Squad for girls several years ago with the support of the South East Womens Football Association. Currently we are providing football programs via the Active After Schools Communities program at both North Gambier Primary School and McDonald Park School as well as assisting several disadvantaged migrant players to take part in local development programs." Bunde-Birouste is well aware of the benefits that football can have to a community, "It is important to understand why football is seen as a tool that can be used to better society. Research suggests that participation in sport can be crucial in the development of young people. Health and fitness, through the pursuit of physical activity, is widely regarded as a key factor in personal development and many of the skills that are fundamental in sports participation, particularly in team sports, are transferable in wider aspects of life. Sport encourages strong community bonds, regular physical activity and access to positive mentors for young people. In disadvantaged communities these features are essential to social development." "I am looking forward to catching up with Scott and The Round Ball team and seeing how we can support one another to try and do something special in this part of the world," added Bunde-Birouste. While in Mount Gambier Bunde-Birouste met with members of the Western Border Soccer Association, the South East Womens Football Association, The Mount Gambier City Council, representatives from the New Arrivals program at North Gambier Primary School, and staff from several local primary and secondary schools.

SKOKO'S LEADING ROLE

SOCCER legend Josip Skoko has returned to his spiritual home of North Geelong Warriors to aid the club’s 2011 season and help develop its legion of promising young players. Former Socceroo Skoko is forming a coaching dream team with his brother Ante, who has replaced Vinko Buljubasic as head coach. The partnership marks the first time that the brothers, who both have deep connections to Warriors, have worked together in soccer in almost 20 years. Skoko has registered as a player for the upcoming season, raising the tantalising prospect of the 35-year-old, who won 51 caps for Australia, playing for North in State League 1. Skoko retired at the end of the latest A-League season after a one-year stint at Melbourne Heart. However, he said: “At this stage, I won’t be playing, no. I retired for a reason,” he said. “I would’ve kept playing at the highest level if I could carry on. I registered just in case something happens, but I’d prefer the young players to take centre stage. “I want the club to do well and I feel at home there. I want to do anything to help the club and soccer in Geelong. The club is well positioned with its young players and financially too.” Skoko said that he started working with North’s under-21 players three weeks ago as a way to keep his fitness up and to dip his toe into coaching. In a rapid series of events, Ante, who was the under-21 coach, has been elevated to the senior coaching position following the dismissal of Buljubasic. Ante Skoko said: “Will Josip play? I’m not sure. I’ve had a lot of calls from people hoping he will do, but he is giving his body a well-deserved rest. “He will be turning up each week to take training and he’ll be there on match days too. At training, the kids really can see what it takes to be a top professional from him. “It’s been good fun to have him by my side. You have to respect what he’s done in the game.” Ante added of his coaching promotion: “It all happened quite unexpectedly. But I have got a good relationship with the boys there and the club is really re-establishing itself as a place for good, young local talent.” Joe Zilic, North’s president, admitted that the abrupt switch in coach on the eve of the season “wasn’t ideal”, despite the high-profile addition of the Skoko brothers. “I think highly of Vinko, he has done a lot for the club,” he said. “But there was a situation there that I couldn’t just ignore. I have to think of a club of more than 200 people. “But, as a fan, I’d say it is a hurdle to overcome. You can’t forget the players in all of this, I feel for them.” http://northgeelongsc.com.au/wp/2011/04/skokos-leading-role/

COMING SOON!

We are delighted to announce Football United will be involved in a new technology project with huge support from the Telstra Foundation. Community partners, schools and Football United players will be consulted over the next few months as we determine the path that this project will take. If you'd like to learn more please contact Football United through Facebook or Twitter.

ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK

WBSA GRADE PREMIERSHIP COACH - DEREK FERGUSON

GAMBIER CENTRALS SENIOR COACH -JEFF OLAUGHLIN

FOOTBALL UNITED'S - ANNE BOUND-BRIROUSTE

THE ROUND BALL'S ADELAIDE CORRESPONDENT -DOM RINALDO

Round 1 Belgiorno Cup Millicent v Sharks‏

Sharks travelled to Millicent for the first round of the Belgiorno Cup. The opening game for season 2011. The conditions in Millicent were overcast with a strong breeze, typical conditions when playing in Millicent. It was a very entertaining game, where both teams were still trying players in various positions. The game summary is as follows: (4min) A free kick was awarded to Sharks. Kennett lays the ball off to new Sharks player Andre Szpakowski who crosses into the penalty area, who finds the head of Brooks, but only to be saved by the young Millicent keeper. (26min) Brad Pilven takes corner for Sharks who finds Kennett outstretching and kicks a half volley which just misses over the cross bar of the Sharks goal. (33min) Another free kick to Sharks. Matt Gordon steps up and cleverly places towards the top right hand corner but again just placing just wide of the goals. (37min) Another attack on goal sees Kennett on the edge of 18 yd box striking the ball hard and long, hits the left post and deflects across the face of the goal, over the goal line. Score: Sharks lead 1-0 Millicent had a few chances but Sharks keeper Fuller was displaying some excellent goal keeping skills, denying Millicent United’s gun forward Cameron Saint any chance for goal. Half Time Sharks make one change , Simon Clarkson substituted for Corey Pilven. (48min) Millicent ‘s Saint found some room, where a defensive error from the Sharks allowed Saint possession of the ball unmarked, and he calmly slotted the ball past an outstretched Fuller to score United’s first. Score 1-1. (60min) Another explosive run by United’s Saint who runs into an awaiting Fuller, who outside of his box, is not allowed to use his hands, the ball rebounds of his chest and Saint cleverly retrieves the loose ball and slots the ball home again for United’s second goal. Score Millicent 2-1. (70 min) Nzeakor takes a shot on goal who finds Kasole, a goal scramble takes place, Kasole manages to tap the ball over the line. Score 2-2. (78min) Kasole score the Sharks third goal, where a cross from Gordon finds Kasole running into an open goal to finish of a well timed cross. Score Sharks 3-2. Final Score Sharks Win 3-2 Goal Scorers: S.Kasole 2, T.Kennett 1 Best Players: M.Gordon, S.Kasole, N.Fuller Other Scores U12 won 3-0 (forfeit) U14 won 8-0 U17 lost 2-1 B Grade won 3-1 A Grade won 3-2

TRB LIVE - CUP R1 RESULTS

Brad McCormick clears the ball in his u14 clash away to Portland

A Grade

Apollo 1 v Inter 2

Portland 1 v Blue Lake 3

Millicent 2 v Sharks 3

Central 4 v Naracoorte 0

B Grade

Apollo 1 v Inter 0

Portland 0 v Blue Lake 3

Millicent 1 v Sharks 3

Centrals 12 v Naracoorte 0

U17

Apollo 1 v Inter 3

(Portland and Blue Lake don't have 17s)

Centrals 3 v Naracoorte 0* (f)

Millicent 2 v Sharks 1

U14

Apollo 2 v Inter 6

Portland 2 v Blue Lake 2

Millicent 0 v Sharks 8

(Naracoorte don't have 14s)

U12

Apollo 2 v Inter 1

Portland 6 v Blue Lake 0

Millicent 0 v Sharks 3* (f)

Centrals 1 v Naracoorte 3

TRB - ON AN ELEVATED STAGE - JENNA McCORMICK SCORES THREE

Jenna McCormick scored another three goals as her side, Western District Toros beat Adelaide Hills 6 nil.

Callum Ferguson went close to scoring for North Geelong u21 as they lost in the last minute 2 1 away.

Tom Lloyd took part in a trial game for Surf Coast United.

Thomas Renzi played a blinder as his reserve Cumberlund side won 2 1.

T[tots] PHOTODAY

We are pleased to announce that next Saturday is T[tots] Photoday. We will provide the opportunity for individual photos, small training groups photos, age group photos and individual action shots as well as candid pictures taken during the morning. Discs can be ordered on the morning and will be available for collection on the fianl Saturday of the term.

Daylight savings ending

Daylight savings ending this weekend remember to move your clocks one hour back on Saturday night 2nd of April.

BREAKING NEWS - SKOKO SIGNS

News in breaking from Geelong that only hours prior to the 2011 season Josip Skoko has signed for North Geelong. He will also assist Ante as a member of the coaching staff.

WBSA - BELGIORNO'S CUP

Belgiorno's Cup 2011 - Fixture

Group A Group B

Naracoorte Portland

Centrals Blue Lake

Apollo Millicent

International Sharks

Cup Rnd 1 03/04/2011

Naracoorte v Centrals

Apollo v International

Portland v Blue lake

Millicent v Sharks

Cup Rnd 2 10/04/2011

Centrals v Apollo

International v Naracoorte

Blue lake v Millicent

Sharks v Portland

Cup Rnd 3 17/04/2011

Naracoorte v Apollo

Centrals v International

Portland v Millicent

Blue lake v Sharks

Easter

Semi Finals 26/6/2011

Winner Gr A v RU Group B

Winner Gr B v RU Group A

Grand Final 03/07/2011

TELSTRA T[tots] PHOTOSTORY

Patrick Dycer steps out in style.