Due to player promotions, changes and injuries North Geelong Warriors has opportunities in the NPL U21 and Junior Boys including a Goalkeeper in the U16 to U21.
Please send your enquires to Aaron Bailey via email northjuniornpl@gmail.com and outline your year of birth and preferred positions.
Having produced the likes of past Socceroos Josip Skoko, Steve Horvat and Matthew Spiranovic as well as former Croatian international Joey Didulica, the famous Warriors’ production line of junior talent is beginning to reap major rewards with the next generation.
After the completion of five rounds of the 11 game grading phase of this year’s NPL Victoria Junior Boys’ leagues, all four Warriors’ teams remain undefeated and occupy top spot in their respective divisions.
As such, the Warriors are currently ranked the best performing Junior NPL boys’ outfit in Victoria.
The 14s, coached by Didulica, defeated Altona Magic 4-0 on the weekend to maintain their grip on top spot with four wins and a draw, the same win-draw ratio as the U18s.
Their success has not gone unnoticed.
Four members of the table topping U14s team (Didulica’s son Niko, Horvat’s son Evan and teammates, Nicholas Skorjanec and Jesse Knezevic) have been selected for an Australian Croatian U14’s Select team to tour Croatia for an upcoming international junior tournament in April.
The U15s and U16s, meanwhile, have not dropped a point with five wins from five outings, with the 15s defeating Altona 3-1 and the 16s annihilating Magic 11-1 on Sunday.
According to Warriors’ vice president and the Head of Football Operations, Josip Zilic, the incredible success at Elcho Park has not come as a surprise.
“It (the success) is a product of planning and effort mixed with pure enthusiasm and drive,” he said.
“Everything starts at the top and we’ve been blessed with some good leadership at the club that backed a strategy from the end of 2017 that outlined infrastructure, coaching and pathways as the main focus,” Zilic described the methodical approach the Warriors have adopted to its junior development strategy.
“All objectives are on track, we constantly look at how we refine as we go forward.
“We’re seeing our junior Girls and Senior women bridging pathway gaps and we’re seeing a presence from 12s and 13s at pre-NPL competitions to prepare boys for NPL and Miniroos,” explained Zilic.
According to the Warriors’ experienced youth development coach, the progressive Lara based club also has an Academy process underway which will further underline the expectations and strategies of the overall club pathway structure.
In addition to each of the JNPL Boys teams’ collective achievements, North Geelong’s sharpshooters are also outperforming their opponents.
Will Wright (U14s – 7 goals), Domenic Posterino (15s – 11 goals), Tobias Servin (16s – 13 goals) and Sonny Brimmer (18s – 8 goals) all occupy first position in the race for the top goalscorers’ awards in each of their respective divisions.
The Warriors are away to Avondale FC on Saturday (today) before fronting up for a home series against sister club St Albans Saints at Elcho Park on Monday.
One aspect of the North Geelong Warriors that is ingrained into us is the focus to be connected strongly across all aspects of the club.
The recent years successful elevation of youth players into the senior teams has been no accident.
This small gesture from U18s Coach Felipe Fuentes is exactly what we mean when we say we want to be more.
The Chilean born former professional player now U18s coach mentioned,
“I organised this start of season BBQ, because it’s a tradition for good luck but also, and more importantly, because it helps us bond as a team”.
After an active pre-season period, the guys have got their season underway.
Fuentes continued, “We spend a few hours a week together, we feel we are family and that’s why we protect each other, encourage our team mates and take care of each member of our club just like a family does. NGW is a family for me here in Australia and I hope everyone involve feels the same”.
“It’s vital to remember to enjoy every second, give everything you have in training and in games and let’s all enjoy the season playing the game we love.”
Go Warriors!
North Geelong Warriors wishes Jobe Davies, Arman Vejzovic and Karl Leban all the best in their 2023 season joining A LEAGUE ACADEMY Western United FC, also to Patrik Wall who has joined Melbourne Victory FC Academy.
In the City of Greater Geelong’s latest round of Community Sports Infrastructure Funding, North Geelong Warriors FC submission for $295K to upgrade and improve playing surface and drainage upgrades to Pitches 1, 2 and 3 has unfortunately been declined.
Congratulations to all the other submissions that have achieved their desired result. North Geelong endorses any club or council asset receiving funding and achieving their success which enables the enrichment of community.
We appreciate how labour intensive the process is and actively participate in reciprocating support, point in case our club was called upon to sign an MOU to endorse CoGG in a successful outcome for Hume Reserve pitches 1 and 2 new lights a few years ago. We did not hesitate and fully supported the motion. We had hoped that our support would have helped us in another submission which we proposed a co-investment with CoGG for new lighting at the same council venue (Hume reserve pitch 3) a couple of years later, but it was rejected.
Our club’s future infrastructure and strategic plans have been buoyed in recent years with success in funding requests supported by council with the collaboration of councillors Aitken, Grzybek and Kontelj whom have taken our case before council to open up opportunities, such as the most recent ground maintenance support with a $47,500 grant (we look forward to sharing the outcomes of this with you once that work is complete).
As we progress, we will highlight how our efforts are tracking in the big picture of community funding so that our members can understand what we are up against, how it works and how they can support our initiatives, all in context of seeking fair and balanced use of tax and rate payer funds.
We see unsuccessful bids as an opportunity to improve and we take it all in stride, seeking knowledge and better understanding as we try and discover improvements in operating our club’s service to the entire City of Greater Geelong.
After this latest setback we need to raise questions though. Question of ourselves and all tiers of Government. Time to reflect on the perception and determine the truth of whether we are playing on an even surface in the landscape of providing sports/community service to our great region.
Several years ago, we addressed an inequity, pioneering a move to address funding rules with CoGG. We succeeded with support of the majority of councillors and saw the rules changed to include community providers like us, who operate from non-council owned facilities to be included and assessed in funding rounds, up against council owned facilities. Although that has availed success, it is now time to re-investigate the process and understand better if it is serving us the best way possible going forward.
We acknowledge our place in the community and the role we play. Similarly, to schools there are public and private choices which share continued examples of co-investment between local, state and federal government and we too will seek similar opportunities.
We have many volunteers, sponsors, and members all of whom contribute deeply to the running of the club’s facility. This generation now didn’t ask to be handed a non-council owned facility to manage into its 57th year, but we get on with the job the best we can. Along with partners and all tiers of government we will continue to investigate how our tax and council rates are dispersed and seek fairness and balance. The result which we hope would be the same opportunities to apply and be considered for outcomes as others do. It is important to state that rarely if ever is the monetary saving the club delivers yearly to the community acknowledged.
Over the summer break, courtesy of a Bendigo Bank grant we were supported in roof replacement work which combined with volunteer effort resulted in a new roof over the clubrooms and grandstand. Additionally, a small Federal Govt grant from the office of Deputy PM Mr Richard Marles to support sustainable energy improvements (separate acknowledgement posts coming).
We are progressing and focussed on building our new five-year strategy. If you care to join the initiatives or share your contribution in support of our planning, please come forward by sending us an email info@ngwfc.com.au
Recently we kicked off our 2023 season.
Below is an extract of president Tom Trupkovic’s speech on the night.
NGWFC has a proud history – and you all are a big part of shaping its history.
The club was founded in 1967 and placed into the lower tiers of Victorian football.
Now in 2023, 56 years later we are back at the pinnacle of Victorian football.
We are striving to build on last year’s tremendous success – both our Women & Men’s teams were a force to be reckoned with. For me, this encapsulates the effort, love, hard work and determination that can be seen throughout our amazing club week in and week out.
Across all sectors of our club football operations – We have quality coaches, players and teams striving to compete at the highest level.
From Senior Men and Women, Junior Boys and Girls, and right down to our wee Mini Roos – we are confident we can build on the success and ensure the club continues with its hard work, winning mentality and approach because success breeds success.
Behind the scenes – and off the pitch – it’s evident too.
Our facilities are something we can all be proud of – the standard set – as with our teams – is high.
A new roof, renovations to the grandstand, media box, kitchen & bar – many comments about how great it all looks – especially that pitch (Special thanks Rob Cosic) means we can again accommodate and operate to a high standard that is the envy of many who visit our club and facilities.
Our volunteers have been inspirational – many involved here – an army – you know who you are – huge thank you and respect.
The masterplan is impressive – as is the team leading this.
Great work and effort is going into our Strategic planning.
The goals and aims set across the next 3-5 years is motivating many in our community to make sure this great club continues to thrive and be around for many more years.
All in all – it’s encouraging and the future is bright.
And I’m proud to say – the warrior spirit is truly alive.
But there is still so much work to be done on this battle front.
Strategic planning, facilities, infrastructure, funding are key factors in club operations and a sustainable future.
Our fight for funding – fair and equality – is our next greatest challenge.
We can all play our part in lobbying for what is now termed ‘fair play.’
Mark Schwarzer (Aussie Socceroo great) recently explained the gross inequality for our code and clubs – football is the number one sport played by kids in Australia – 1 million kids registered – but the code only gets $100 million funding from Canberra.
The 500,000 kids playing AFL football receive $500 million – that’s right – half the amount of registered players, receiving five times the amount of funding!
This then begs the question – how is that right or fair?
Over the past few years we have been asking this question and working hard to get the response it deserves.
Locally, this is how we compare – there is also a gross inequality of funding allocated to us by COGG (City of Greater Geelong) – so we have to ask local council members – how is this right or fair?
We have over 400 registered players – and when compared to other local clubs who have fewer players than us – and I won’t name clubs – but as an example:
Just down the road a club received from COGG a brand new clubhouse and changerooms facilities to the value of $3 million – they are also serviced by asphalted driveways and car parks – and have two of its pitches fully catered for – that is – watered, mowed, fertilised, air rated and ground drainage provided – valued at 120 -150K per year! All funded by taxpayers and our hard earned money.
We have gratefully received funding for our pitches, lighting and changerooms thanks to council, however we don’t receive funding in the same vein as others with more work required to carpark, grandstand and clubhouse (kitchen, bar, hall, toilets) – essential operating facilities for any sporting club.
So now we begin to understand how the current system is not fair to our club and our future generations – our families especially who are paying the price for this inequality.
Simply, historically we have accepted it’s because we are ‘private’.
But we are now challenging that – the NGWFC – who abide by FIFA, FA, FV and local government codes of practice – service thousands of people from around the state – yes we are ‘private’ but we provide a public service.
I’m passionate about this, because as a teacher, and like schools – I believe it’s consumer choice – and both public and private schools deserve their fair share of funding – where the student goes the funding follows – with sports clubs the same rule should apply – that is essentially our argument.
Also, I believe sporting clubs are an educational institution – we ‘teach’ and educate too – our coaches are often our kids greatest ‘teachers.’
We all know the benefits that comes from playing sport – so too does the government – the physical and social benefits sport provides – the revenue and tax sporting clubs and competitions generate is enormous.
Fair funding models and fair appropriation of taxpayers money – our money – is crucial for this clubs future.
A sustainable future will mean so much to the future generations. It simply means with more money we can do so much more and provide our club community – especially our coaches and players – better pitches and facilities – WE DESERVE THAT – we feel it’s long overdue and owed to us. And it’s coming!
Last year – with the COGG Council – We had a great ‘financial’ win – we were allocated some funding, small change really – but from little things big things grow.
Witnessed by nearly 100 of our members and community this was an historic night.
As good as winning promotion! Unprecedented and motivational.
The volunteers leading this cause are also – like our coaches and players – are true warriors – and they too will go down in history as some of the club’s greatest heroes.
I ask you to be the voice – embrace our club’s aim and vision.
Season 2023 – what can we expect?
Well after the success of Australia and Croatia at the World Cup – I’m excited!
I’m forever the optimist.
Many years ago when NPL was introduced and offered – we seized it – we wanted it.
Why – simply – because we have always strived to be the best in the region and now we again set our sights on being the best in the state.
As Croatia’s national team coach Zlatko Dalic explained to his players:
“What is easy is not valued”
Throughout our history – the belief and our culture is – NGWFC belongs and deserves to be competing at the top level.
Our club culture and belief is – we are warriors.
I love this term warrior – many great things come to mind when we think about the meaning of the word – warrior.
The definition of warrior is – a brave soldier or fighter – it evokes a sense of esteemed discipline, respect.
Great soldiers and fighters are feared and revered – they know how to attack and defend – know how to win – survive.
Physically and mentally, warriors are strong – nothing is too hard or impossible.
“Courage above all things is the first quality of the warrior”
We all have our heroes and warriors – the greats are talked about for generations and inspire many to do great things.
Warriors come in different shapes and sizes – many are not famous – they can be a great role model – like a parent, a coach, a teacher, an older or younger player, a past player, a grandparent – a good friend/partner/wife or husband. I see many warriors at this great club – I encourage you all to become your own personal best warrior.
Finally, to the coaches and players – on behalf of the board and entire club community – I wish you all the very best for season 2023.
I hope you trust each other and yourselves.
The expectations are enormous – increased pressure – the nervousness – but see that extra burden as a privilege – it means you’ve earnt it.
Eliminate any doubt or fear.
The difference between ordinary and extra ordinary is – ‘the extra’ (Branko Culina)
I simply urge you to continue to work hard, learn from mistakes – no one is perfect – respect yourselves and others – be kind, and believe you can achieve anything you put your heart and soul into.
To everyone involved with this great club – work harder, smarter, and then regardless of result we will be better for that experience.
Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’ –
What an amazing event graciously hosted by Dandenong City FC this year.
The I&D Club Championship is an annual event where our three sister clubs all face-off for the title.
The event hosts decided as part of a new initiative to incorporate our Junior NPL boys teams from each club into the event!
The new initiative turned out to be a great success, drawing in the Junior boys and families to the event to both participate and spectate.
It is with great pleasure we announce the winners of 2023 as North Geelong Warriors FC 
Our results for the day are as follows:
*U14’s Win 9-0
*U15’s Win 6-0
*U16’s Win 9-0
*U18’s Loss 1-4
*U21’s Loss 0-2
*Seniors Draw 1-1
On behalf of the Board of North Geelong Warriors FC, we would like to thank our players, coaches, officials and supporters for the amazing effort today.
We would also like to thank our Major Sponsor I&D for making this all possible and Dandenong City FC for hosting. Lastly we would like to thank our sister clubs for their participation today.
Great work to all yesterday!
Go Warriors
The 2022 season was a happy one for many reasons, none more so than being able to see out a whole season again after a couple of years of unfulfilled Miniroos and community football.
The reward for our patience was the joy on the kids’ faces throughout the year.
Thank you to the wonderful players and your families for their continued support throughout the year.
Huge thank you to the coaches, managers, match day and canteen helpers all year long.
Enjoy the rest, keep an eye out for any activity coming up for fun and working bees and we’ll see you again real soon.
Go Warriors
Congratulations to our under 15’s Metro girls on winning their Grand final this weekend!
Final score 1-0
Well done girls!
We acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as the traditional owners of the land on which we play. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.
