South Coast Flame FC is a representative football club based in Wollongong, Australia. The club competes in the Football NSW State League in the Under 18's, 20s, and First Grade divisions. South Coast Flame FC was established in 2018 and is affiliated with Football South Coast Association (FSC), which has a long history of involvement in representative football.
The name “Flame” was chosen to reflect the natural and cultural icons of the Illawarra region. The Illawarra Flame Tree, a native tree in the area, inspired the name. Additionally, the name represents the flames that symbolise the steel industry and the multiculturalism and history associated with it. The club's logo features a flame on a blue background, incorporating the colours of Football South Coast (blue, green, and gold), which represent the region's blue skies, green escarpment, and golden beaches.
South Coast Flame FC provides a pathway for players beyond the age of 16 to remain within the regional professional and full-time representative structure. The club aims to offer additional opportunities and choices for the 10,000 juniors currently involved in football in the region. The vision and philosophy of South Coast Flame FC are centred around local player and coaching development.
The club has appointed experienced coaches to lead its teams. Paul Robaard, an AFC C licence qualified coach, serves as the First Grade coach. Robaard has an extensive playing career, including two years in the National Youth League, five years in the State League, and 15 years in the local Illawarra premier League. He has been involved in coaching at both state and local levels and has been part of the Football South Coast coaching staff for six years.
Neil Mineef is the coach for the 20s team, while Darren Jones coaches the 18's team for the 2018 season. Mineef has two years of coaching experience with FSC and has played and coached at both state and local Illawarra top League levels. He is currently completing his AFC B Licence coaching qualification. Jones, with 15 years of experience as a player in the Illawarra top League, has recently obtained his AFC C Licence coaching qualification.
The coaching staff is supported by FSC Technical Director Jonathan Forster, who emphasises the importance of providing a complete player pathway for aspiring young local footballers. South Coast Flame FC aims to continue the success of its junior representative sides.
The club holds trial dates for interested players to showcase their skills and potentially join the teams. The trials take place at John Crehan Park, with designated time slots for the 18's and 20s age groups. Details for registration can be found on the Football South Coast website.
South Coast Flame FC plans to announce its First Grade player signings and corporate supporters in the coming weeks. The club aims to establish itself as part of the Football NSW National premier League by 2019, further solidifying its position as a top-level representative football club in the region.