The Weston Bears have officially launched their new $6.4 million football facility, which club president Rod Henderson believes will be crucial in developing a comprehensive women”s football program. The unveiling of the upgraded home ground occurred on a Saturday afternoon, coinciding with the men”s team suffering a 4-2 defeat to Charlestown Azzurri.
The Bears currently operate a full male program that includes a Junior Development League, Premier Youth League, and NPL Men. This year, the club has partnered with Weston”s junior club, with plans to introduce premier girls” and women”s teams in the near future.
The significant renovations at the sports ground on Government Road included refurbishments to the existing grandstand, a new clubroom, canteen, office space, and areas for members. Additionally, new team changing rooms, referee facilities, and a gym were constructed. The upgrade was supported through funding from both the Cessnock City Council and the Australian Government”s Growing Regions Program.
“The final product is sensational,” Henderson stated. “The opportunity to get done what we”ve had done is absolutely brilliant, and a massive thank you to Cessnock City Council and to the federal government for what they”ve done for us. It has opened up an asset that we can utilize for community football as well as senior football and other community events.”
With four changing rooms available, the facility allows for simultaneous male and female football matches. Although a dedicated girls” program is not yet in place, there are plans for several girls to participate in the community program, laying the groundwork for future female football initiatives.
Henderson mentioned that discussions have taken place with Northern NSW Football regarding the development of these programs. The club has also initiated conversations with the council about a second phase of development, which might include a synthetic field, five-a-side pitches, and pickleball courts.
During the match against Azzurri, the Bears quickly fell behind, with Azzurri taking a commanding 3-0 lead within the first 26 minutes, courtesy of goals from Matthew Cahill, Caleb Reed, and Pharrell Trainor. Chris Hatfield managed to score for the Bears in the 64th minute, but June Han quickly restored Azzurri”s three-goal lead before Brock Beveridge netted another for Weston in the final moments.
The weekend was prolific for goals across NPL Men matches. Maitland staged a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down to defeat Belmont Swansea 4-3 at Blacksmiths Oval. Meanwhile, Broadmeadow secured a decisive 5-2 victory over Lambton at Arthur Edden Oval. Kane Woolston scored four goals as Cooks Hill overwhelmed Valentine 6-0 at Croudace Bay Complex on Friday night, although Phoenix finished their match with ten players after Max Middleby received a red card for a challenging tackle on Stephen Hoyle, following an initial mix-up where the referee mistakenly showed the card to Middleby”s younger brother, Jack.
On Friday night, newcomers Kahibah achieved a significant result by drawing 2-2 against established team Edgeworth at Harold Knights Sports Complex. The match scheduled between Newcastle Olympic and Adamstown on Sunday was postponed due to heavy rain. In the NPL Women”s league, Lake Macquarie faced off against Broadmeadow, resulting in a 3-3 draw at Macquarie Field, while Maitland secured a 3-0 win over Charlestown at Lisle Carr Oval on Saturday. New Lambton was set to play Adamstown on Sunday night.
