Hear from our new Under-19 coach, Paul Edwards

As the Fire continues to focus heavily on youth development, a new face has joined our ranks to guide the Under-19 side in 2011.

With Andy Watson unavailable to coach this season due to work commitments, Paul Edwards has stepped into the breach to mentor the Under-19s.

A fixture in Sunshine Coast youth football in previous years, Paul works as a Development and Talent Identification Coach at Kawana Waters State College, and is preparing for a busy 2011 with these commitments, as well as coaching the Under-19s.

“We have had a record intake this year (at Kawana) and it is our busiest time settling in our young secondary school players, implementing programs and setting goals for the year. I’m also working with Years 5-7 at the school’s primary campus.”

Paul has also been involved with Kawana Football Club, coaching in various roles over the past three years.

With the 2011 season now only weeks away, the Under-19s are finalising their preparations for another long campaign, hoping to build on the success of last season.

Despite suffering a heavy injury toll late in 2010, the boys rallied to qualify for the Grand Final and prevailed over QAS to claim the Championship. Paul is confident the quality is present for the Fire to have another strong season in 2011.

“After a very successful season with Andy Watson the morale is high in the team. The standard is very good, and the final team selection was one of the hardest football decisions I have made so far in my coaching career,” Paul said.

 With a lot of new faces joining the Fire for the 2011 season, Paul has been made to feel right at home since joining the club a few short weeks ago.

“In my short time here, it has been a pleasure to work in a professional football environment, with new Director of Coaching Richard Hudson.  The club has made me feel very welcome as I join the football family at the Sunshine Coast Fire.”

Finals place booked for Fire in Clem Jones Shield

Sunshine Coast FC has confirmed a place in the Clem Jones Shield final, after a scoreless draw with the Gold Coast Stars in Round 3. The Fire will again meet the Brisbane Strikers, who held us to a 1-1 draw in Round 2 of the Shield. The two sides will play off for a $5000 winners purse, and the psychological advantage as the QSL season approaches. Kick-off for the final will be at 7pm on Saturday, February 26, at Meakin Park in Slacks Creek.

Fire kick off Clem Jones Shield campaign with a win

Preparations for the 2011 QSL season took another step in the right direction on Saturday night, as the Fire toughed out a 4-2 result over Southern Cross United. Shaun Blackman bagged a hat-trick, and Aaron Brazendale chipped in with the other goal.

The Clem Jones Shield continues this Sunday, as the Fire again travel to Meakin Park in Slacks Creek, this time to take on the Brisbane Strikers. The Strikers were held to a 1-1 draw against the Gold Coast Stars in their last match, and will be looking for revenge for their 2010 Grand Final defeat. Kick-off is at 4pm.

Hear from the Fire's new Director of Coaching, Richard Hudson

In an effort to expand our coaching operations for the upcoming season, the Sunshine Coast Fire has introduced a full-time Director of Coaching position for the 2011 campaign.

Richard Hudson was recently appointed to the position. Hudson has acted as a senior coach locally, guiding the Coolum Dolphins and Noosa Lions in previous years, and also possesses overseas experience in managing football academies. 

Although coaching the senior team will be a major priority for Hudson, providing new opportunities for young players will also be an important aspect.

“We are looking at forming an elite youth academy for all ages, as well as holding coaching clinics here and overseas. The job will also involve overseeing the Under-19 Fire side, as well as the Gympie Fire,” Hudson said.

With the Fire gearing up for a title defence, much of Hudson’s focus thus far has been on preparing and selecting the senior squad for 2011, and getting accustomed to the club. 

“My experience with the Fire has been excellent to this point. We have some great talent pushing for selection in the senior team, although we haven't yet whittled the squad down completely.”

“All the signs so far point to a successful season.”

Hudson’s job will also involve furthering the Fire’s brand overseas, with coaching clinics to be held in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

The expansion of the Fire brand into the South Pacific, as well as the club’s links with Japanese football could generate international prospects for the Fire’s young squad members.

“It’s all about increasing opportunities for our players - there will be an international pathway available for those players who put their hand up,” Hudson said.

In the short term, preparing the Fire for the upcoming HQSL season is top priority. The Clem Jones Shield will be contested in February, a four team pre-season tournament where the Fire will do battle with old foes the Brisbane Strikers, as well as new teams in the Gold Coast Stars and Southern Cross United.

The competition will be a good chance to see the new teams in action before the season proper kicks off on March 12.

Our first Shield fixture is against Southern Cross United, and will take place on Saturday, February 5 at Meakin Park in Slacks Creek. Kick-off is set for 6pm.