Round 4 (Match Report – U21’s): North Geelong 5 v Preston 0

In contrast to the seniors match the younger brigade of the Warriors had a field day including three spectacular goals, one from Nick Anderson and two from Callum Ferguson, including a volley he’ll never forget.

The team gels well and performs to a high level at all times. It’s that intensity that needs to carry over though when the young guys get their grip on a position in the first team in order to maintain the high levels of performance required.

The squad is maturing well and by sticking together over the past couple of years they have gathered respect from onlookers, most noticeably several local coaches from other clubs.

http://northgeelongsc.com.au/wp/2011/05/round-4-match-report-u21s-north-geelong-5-v-preston-0/

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

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/

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.

Round 1 (April 2) Preview: Langwarrin v North Geelong

New first team coach Ante Skoko takes the reins from Vinko Buljubasic who enjoyed the last three years at the helm of the Warriors. We thank Vinko for his efforts and wish him every well wish for his future endeavours. We are sure that whichever club he ends up at will benefit from his experience. With Ante Skoko at the helm we can expect to see a continuation of the club’s development of the up and coming players. New arrivals in Nathan Long (Melb Knights) and Connor Reddan (Richmond) have been added to the squad and are showing their qualities, Damian Morrel and Zel Vranjic are still undergoing treatment for injury and will be a few weeks away before returning to the team. Newly appointed Vice Captain Robbie Zadworny has had a lively pre season and will be a good leader to add to the experience of Mijo Trupkovic. The pre season form of youngster Nathan Cook has earned him a starting line up in a few practice matches so we could see a lot more of him this year and Matthew Demo has found the target in recent matches and a timely confidence boost for him leading into the road trip to Langwarrin in Round 1.

North Geelong is on it’s way to Langwarrin for an enticing Round 1 clash. Langwarrin are very much like North in many senses where they are the highest placed club in it’s region and they have an emphasis on youth development and community, so it’s no wonder these two always bring about a tough and enthralling encounter. There is a bus booked for the road trip which will leave the Australian Croatian Association – Separation St Bell Park, Sat 2nd April at 11.30am. In order for the bus to go ahead we need to confirm numbers, please contact Daniel on 0422 569 210 to book your spot.

ANTE SKOKO TAKES THE REIGNS

Ante Skoko talks to The Round Ball squad senior squad in Geelong last year

The North Geelong Warriors have parted ways with first team coach Vinko Buljubasic. Vinko was great for the club over last three years, gaining promotion to Div 1 in 2009. We appreciate all his efforts and we wish Vinko all the very best in his future endeavours and ambitions, we’re sure that he will continue to provide the game a terrific service. Stepping up into the role is Ante Skoko, Ante was Under 21s coach last season and had success with several players of his squad stepping up from the Under 21s into the senior fold. With the developing young players coming through the club he will have a good grasp of the squad’s set up, we wish Ante all the best for the coming season. More information to follow in the coming days.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Josh having a great time in Geelong.

THE ROUND BALL vs NORTH GEELONG PHOTOSTORY

Alex Bissell leading The Round Ball

Ante Skoko addresses North Geelong Warriors


The Round Ball and North Geelong under 18s

THE ROUND BALL SHINES

The Round Ball senior squad

The Round Ball under 17 squad

Mount Gambier's Community Football Project The Round Ball concluded its summer training program with a stunning result in their final hit out for the summer against the under 17 Geelong Champions The Breakwater Eagles at Whitehorse Park, Geelong on Sunday. The emphatic result has set tongues wagging in Geelong with talk that the Mount Gambier outfit was so exceptional it could be competitive in the metropolitan Melbourne under 18 competition.

CEO of the Round Ball, Scott Dickson was impressed with the result however he was not surprised by their performance. "This is an exceptional squad, and without a doubt one of the strongest I have worked with" said Dickson. "This group of players is exceptional and the great thing about them is they still have so much to learn." Dickson added.

"It was a great win on Sunday morning but I was more impressed with our 2 1 loss at the hands of North Geelong Warriors under 18 squad on Saturday."

The Round Ball led for the majority of the game against a very strong North Geelong outfit after taking the lead through a Alex Bissell header from a corner take by Alex Sims. the game played over three, thirty minute thirds saw The Round Ball hold their own against one of the strongest teams in the Melbourne competition and take the lead at the 35 minute mark when Bissell nodded home from just outside the six yard box. the Round Ball went close to extending their lead minutes later when Mark Judd's free kick from 30 yards out grazed the roof of the net. With ten minutes to go The Round Ball conceded a goal from a corner and minutes later fell behind when Matthew Pilven conceded a penalty with a rash challenge just inside the box.

In the final minutes both Tom Lloyd and Tom Weedon both had chances however it was not to be. "The boys were fantastic and deserved at least a draw." Dickson added. North Geelong Warriors under 18 coach Ante Didiluca was full of praise for The Round Ball and how far they have progressed in such a short time, "They really shocked us, I expected scott's boys to be good but never that good, they were exceptional. I havn't worked with The Round Ball for over 12 months and i cannot believe what scott has done with them. The last time I saw them they were okay and as a result of that game we signed Callum Ferguson, Tom Weedon was only 12 and Bissell was just developing. Now they know how to play the game, they pass and move, hold and press and dictate the tempo like metropolitan teams which is a huge testament to Scott's ability as a coach." Didiluca added.

"I was very pleased with the boys, North Geelong were physical and know how to play the game. They are well drilled and have great coaches that we can learn from, for me though the most important thing about this result as it is the first time that we have really been competitive with a strong metropolitan side of the same age cohort. For years when we have played the same age group we have not been able to compete, in fact several years ago I can remember teams playing against local sides and over age players being required, this squad has shown we can compete at the highest level."

The result on Sunday goes even further to stress Dickson's point. "On Sunday we played the current Geelong Champions and led 2 nil at half time. We gave 13 year old Jake Blackwell and 12 year old Sam Shoemark the opportunity to have a run in our under 16's and they showed they were more than capable of playing at that level. Jake scored a cracker in the first half from outside the 18 yard box and Sam scored two in second half. The score is not important", Dickson added, "we pushed the ball around very well and tore them apart in the second half. Alex Sim's was outstanding as was Dylan Murray and Cody Chapman from Portland and Josh Kourmouzis was an absolute rock at the back"

The Round Ball will now break for the winter and the players involved in the project will return to their local clubs. "i am looking forward to seeing the mark they make on the competition, it has been along summer which has included triumphs at the South West Games and a recent win over Gambier Centrals senior squad. I am very excited about next summer and can't wait to see what this squad can achieve in the future." Dickson concluded.

SQUAD UPDATE

We can confirm that both Matt Weistra and Norton Fuller will not take part in the under 18 game tomorrow. Cody Chapman and Mark Judd have been added to the line up.

The under 16 squad will be without Will Circelli and Blair Ferguson, however Jake Blackwell and Sam Shoemark have been called up.

SKOKO TO MEET THE SQUAD

It has been confirmed today that both Ante and Josip Skoko will spend time with the under 18 squad on Saturday during their visit to North Geelong.

SENIOR SQUAD NAMED

The senior squad has been named for Saturdays clash against the North Geelong Warriors.

Alex Bissell
Cameron Saint
Matt Pilven
Josh Kourmouzis
Luke Pitson
Mafta Bope

Alex Sims
Max Donaldson
Mark Judd
Dylan Murray
Tom Lloyd
Anthony Pham
Jay Jay Breuker
Cody Chapman
Luke Harris

Tom Weedon

Callum Ferguson

ROUND BALL MEDIA RELEASE

Mount Gambier's Community Football Development Program, the Round Ball will take on one of the highest regarded clubs for junior development in the nation when they head to Geelong this weekend. The Round Ball will lock horns with North Geelong Warriors and will take on their under 18 squad in a testing encounter.

CEO of The Round Ball program, Scott Dickson is very excited about the trip to Geelong and the opportunity that it will provide for his squad. "Our side has been training hard all summer and is keen to be challenged. we have some very talented juniors in our program and we are looking forward to taking on the Warriors". North Geelong will take part in the newly formed Metropolitan Melbourne Under 18 competition and will be a difficult challenge for the local outfit. "We are very realistic when it comes to this fixture. North Geelong are a very strong club and have developed some of the finest players to have played the game in Australia. Four Socceroos have come from the club and it was the only Australian club to have players from the club in the squad for two National teams at the 1996 Fifa World Cup. We all know that Josip Skoko developed as a player in North Geelong and in recent years both Cameron Hart and Callum Ferguson have both left the WBSA to join North." This will be the second time that The Round Ball has travelled to Geelong to take on The Warriors and the third time that they have visited Geelong."Last time we visited North Geelong we took on an under 17 side and we got over the top of them, this time we have a much younger side and it will be harder, however, this side has played together for quite a while now and I am quietly confident that they will do well. Vinko Buljubasic will coach the Warriors on the weekend and he played for Perth Glory and was a Socceroo and if we are fortunate Josip is keen to catch up with the boys"

On Sunday The Round Ball will field a younger under 16 side to take on the Breakwater Eagles, last seasons under 15 Geelong Champions. " We hosted the Eagles a fortnight ago and did very well. We beat them both times in Mount Gambier, but at home they will be a different prospect. They are keen to have another go at our side and we look forward to taking them on on Sunday. We are keen to give several of our younger boys a run and Jake Blackwell and Sam Shoemark will feature in our under 16 side"

The Round Ball has named Alex Bissell as captain of the under 18 side and Alex Sims to captain the under 16's.

TOM LLOYD SET FOR NEW CHALLENGE

Round Ball Star Tom Lloyd will be under the microscope this weekend when he lines up The Round Ball against North Geelong. Lloyd is set to play for Surf Coast under18s against North and this game will provide Lloyd with an opportunity to see the competition first hand.

Melbourne Heart Soccer & Futsal Clinic

Futsal Geelong in partnership with Melbourne Heart will be hosting a free soccer and futsal clinic on March 12 at the Leisuretime Centre from 12pm.

The clinic is open to all budding young football stars aged between 5 and 10 years. The clinic will be run by the best coaches that Futsal Geelong has to offer as well as at least one Melbourne Heart player!

The clinic is a great opportunity for kids to learn some fresh new skills and learn how to get involved in the upcoming Futsal Stars development program. No registration will be required before the event, just come along and enjoy the fun!

Anybody looking for more information can email ngeary@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

FERGUSON DOING WELL

North’s strong start in COG Cup
Courtesy: Geelong Advertiser

THE City of Greater Geelong Cup reached the half-way stage at Stead Park this week and the pattern of the competition is becoming clearer.

Tournament favourite North Geelong leads the table with nine points from three games, with Geelong Rangers in second place and Geelong third after two games apiece.

On Wednesday night North Geelong ran off to a quick two-nil lead against Bell Park but a long-range goal by Justin Cortorillo brought the Batesford boys back into the game.

In the second match, Geelong and Corio were locked at two-all at half time, but the host club powered away with three unanswered goals in the second period.

Callum Ferguson’s cross cleared the defence and Daniel Roksa headed in at the far post in the second minute for North Geelong.

Fourteen minutes later Aaron D’Antino lofted a high ball into the penalty area and Kristian Edwards got a neat headed deflection to beat Angelo Di Mauro in the Bell Park goal.

It seemed that North would run away with the game, but Justin Cortorillo found space and time about 35 metres out and fired the ball over Daniel Zilic, who had replaced Tom Dunn in the North goal at half-time.

Di Mauro made a brilliant flying save to deny Edwards and North skipper Mijo Trupkovic got his marching orders for something he said to the referee. North held on to win with 10 men.

James Agius scored a hat-trick for Geelong against Corio starting with a cross-shot from wide on the right which deceived everyone and finished in the far corner of the net.

Garrison Grigg must have been watching the earlier game because he brought Corio level with a goal from distance which flew over the stranded keeper.

Agius did another run down the right and this time dinked the ball over the keeper into and then through the net.

Corio came back again as Daniel Wilson ran straight at the defence and released a low shot which beat the unsighted keeper.

The second half belonged to Geelong as Agius completed his hat-trick, then Michael Trigger rounded substitute keeper Simon Smyth and scored neatly.

The final goal came with only a couple of minutes left as Matthew Nikolic took a pass from Agius and knocked the ball home.

Tonight’s games: Rangers v Geelong (7pm), Bell Park v Surf Coast (8.20pm).

UP AND COMING TRB CLUB FIXTURES

The Round Ball will be competing in several friendly fixtures against high quality oppostion over the next few weeks. North Geelong Warriors, Breakwater Eagles, Gambier Centrals and the Warrnambool Wolves will take on our sides. We will form several u17 squads and one u14 squad to take the field.

u18 trb white vs north geelong warriors

u17 trb red vs breakwater eagles

u18 trb red vs gambier centrals

u16 trb white vs warrnambool wolves mash-up

u14 trb red vs warrnambool wolves mash-up

Stay tuned for more details

FERGUSON RETURNS TO THE WARRIORS

Round Ball graduate Callum Ferguson has returned to Geelong to commence his second season with North Geelong Warrriors.

We wish him all the best.

FERGUSON SET TO HIT THE TRACK

Round Ball Graduate Callum Ferguson is set to return to North Gellong late next week to commence training for the 2011 season.

We wish him all the best.

POSSIBLE NORTH GEELONG FIXTURE

We are currently working on an away game against VPL side North Geelong in Geelong. All interested players are urged to express an interest in participating in this away fixture next week.

We have the opportunity to take over under 14, under 17 and under 21 sides.