Frome the FFA Website

Canberra United have recorded a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Adelaide United in the opening fixture of the 2011-12 Westfield W-League season at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Canberra attackers Michelle Heyman and Caitlin Munoz scored two each in a dominant display, while Rachael Quigley was on the scoresheet for the Reds.

Hi Brett it has been an amazing past six years. Thanks for agreeing to share your thoughts on it with the Stingrays family.

Congratulations to all winners at the Stingrays 2011 Presentation Night. The night proved to be a great event not only celebrating the ThreePeat but also tinged with sadness remembering the friends we have lost along the way Ash Connor, Ian Wardle and Joel Ritchie. It was also the end of an era for Club President Rob Mckie and First grade coach Brett Wallin as they announced their intentions to to step into different roles in the 2012 season. Both were the first two to be ever awarded Life Membership of the Club in recognition of their contribution to the club over the past six years.

The night also saw the renaming of the Golden Boot Award to the Ashleigh Connor Award in honour of the striker who was killed in a car accident in July this year.

For further awards winners....

STINGRAYS TRIALS STILL ON 16/10 - JJ KELLY PARK INSIDE FIELD AS SCHEDULED.

Illawarra Stingrays Womens Premier League trials commence this weekend, click the link below for more details

The third annual Australian Football Awards incorporating the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and Football Media Association of Australia (FMA) awards were held in Sydney on Tuesday night.

The Awards brings together the Qantas Socceroos, Westfield Matildas and the grass roots football community, providing a unique opportunity to recognise and reward outstanding achievements at all levels of the game.

Extract Football Australia Website

The Stingrays have announced the trial Dates for their 2012 season. All trials will be held at JJ Kelly Park between Sunday 16 October 2011 up to and including Sunday 30 October 2011.

Eligibility, UNDER 12's born 2000 +,UNDER 14's born 1998, 1999,UNDER 16's born 1997, 1996

The Illawarra Stingrays are pleased to announce their coaching panel for the 2012 season.

Great work Michelle and good luck in Canberra

Well done Dimi - congratulations from the whole club, well deserved!

The 2011 Platinum Medal Dinner Awards evening took place at Club Marconi on Friday evening in what was an extravagant affair for the Women’s Premier and Super League clubs, players and officials.

The Illawarra Stingrays would like to pass on their condolences to the family, friends and workmates of Joel who passed away last night after a serious illness.

Joel has been a good friend of the Illawarra Stingrays over the past few years and a passionate supporter of football and women's football in the Illawarra. Joel, his lap top and mobile phone were a regular fixture at Stingrays games as he filed stories for the following week's sports edition.

Joel has been recognised for his contribution through a number of Football NSW Media Awards. Joel was only 28 years old, he will be sadly missed not only by the Stingrays but the whole football fraternity here in the Illawarra.

Congratulations to Brett Wallin who has been nominated for the Football Australia Amateur Coach of the Year following his success in delivering four straight Premierships and Grand Final victories for the Illawarra Stingrays.

Good luck Brett we always knew you were a champ.

2011 Melbourne Cup Tuesday 1st November 2011... Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style at Chifley Wollongong. Toast your champagne, work your dancing feet and have a blast whilst watching the race that stops the nation for only $99 per person.

Presentation night will be held on the 15th October 2011 at the Fraternity Club arrival at 6.30pm for 7 start.

The night is free for Stingrays and Development players. For all accompaning adults and others the costs are:

Adults $ 40   Children 16 and under $15  Children under 10 $ 5

 Numbers and money have to be in by the 12th of October at 5pm. Please advise your Team Manager to avoid dissappointment.

A chilly day, a trip to Sefton, the absesnce of Michelle Heyman and the loss of Ash Connor was not enough to put off the Stingrays fans who turned up in numbers and in constume to support their team, in fact it may have added to the cohesion. A rocky first half led way to two goals (Kim Bonilla & Jess Cooper) in the second half with the Stingrays of old resurfacing and leaving NW Sydney a little shell shocked.

Thanks to all the fans who made the treck to support us or have sent their congratulations along. It was almost the perfect day with wins to the Development Squad, Stingrays and Matilda's. Best dressed on the day........you will have to wait for the photo's and make up your own mind! Thanks to the Fraternity for again putting a great spread on for us when we returned.

And the big pink bus worked a treat!

Congratulations to the Illawarra Stingrays U12 development squad and coach craig Chapman who, while we were at the Grand Final in Bankstown spent two days in Manly taking out the North harbour Tournament & Trophy. Well done and congratulations. It was good to see some of you back at the Fraternity with the trophy.

At the end of a season of enormous highs and lows, Stingrays players and supporters will be ready to paint the town pink regardless of the outcome of Sunday's Grand Final. Supporters are welcome to celebrate with us when we return to the Fraternity on Sunday night from about 8:30 - 9:00pm.

GO STINGRAYS!

Anyone wishing to cat the Stingrays Supporter Bus to the game on Sunday has until Friday to get you numbers to Rob McKie (0413194463). The cost is $20 pp or $50 per family.

Michelle Heyman tonight scored two goals for the Matilda's in their qualifier against Thailand. The Matilda's took out the match 5 -1.

Illawarra Matilda's Michelle Heyman and Caitlan Ford out and about during the 2012 Olympic Qualifier

ABC TV today announced it will broadcast two of the Matilda's toughest football games – against FIFA Women’s World Cup Winners, Japan, and South Korea, – in a 2012 London Olympic Games qualifying tournament in China.

ABC TV will broadcast Australia's clash with Japan on Monday, September 5th at 11.35pm on ABC1, and the Matildas match against Korea Republic on Monday, September 12th at 11.35pm on ABC1.

A Mass Migration of Stingrays is expected this Sunday when friends and supporters travel to ELS Hall Park in Ryde this Sunday to watch Reserve Grade compete in the FNSW Women's Premier League.

Just like this but a little pinker!

Out thoughts are with Bec (U16) and Vi following the sudden illness of Peter. Peter is currently critically ill and air lifted to St George hopspital on Sunday. He is due to undergo surgery on Wednesday. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

Congratulations to Michelle Heyman who had a late call up to the Matilda's. Michelle flies out to China today after receiving a call up on Saturday.

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE WE WILL ALL MISS YOU AND WISH YOU THE VERY BEST.

In a tough battle perforated by an early goal from Talitha Kramer and a piece of individual magic by Michelle Heyman, the Stingrays are off to their 5th Grand Final in their short six year history.

Congratulations girls, a great weekend in perfect Illawarra weather. Thanks to all the Stingrays supporters who worked so hard at the ground over the weekend and all the supporters who turned out to watch the games.

Supporters donned their traditional Grand Final gear to support Stingrays teams competing in finals over the weekend. The U16 team bowed out in the Minor Final going down 3-0 to Southern. This was a great result for the girls.

The Reserve Grade were victorious over Inter Lions and progress to the finals to be held next weekend.

The final round of the Football NSW Women’s Premier League competition was played on Sunday with no surprises, especially amongst the matches involving the five teams who will proceed to the finals.

A bumper crowd joined the Stingrays who celebrated their 'Threepeat' in style after the game on Sunday. Congratulations and celebrations were tempered by thoughts of our missing friend Ash Connor who was definitely in the room. Thanks to the Fraternity for their hospitality.

Congratulations girls, a great effort!

Good luck to the girls in trials for the Met Far South teams

Trial Dates are....

Mother Nature once again did her best to disrupt the Football NSW Women’s Premier League with a petulant display that led to the postponement of the Macarthur Rams v Sydney University match at Lynwood Park.

Following victory to Inter Lions over Sydney University last night, the Illawarra Stingrays have secured an unbeatable lead in the NSW Premiership heading into the final round this Sunday. Congratulations to all involved, this is great news after a difficult few weeks. Congratulations to all the other Stingrays players and teams who are headed for the finals series.

Condolences to Emma Wardle of the U16's and her family following the passing of her father Ian. Although only joining the club this year we have all grown very close to the Wardle family and our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Congratulations to Michelle Heyman who after a horrid week with the loss of her good friend and up front partner Ash Connor has received a call up to the Matilda's train on squad for the London Olympics. Congratulations Michelle we are all cheering for you.

In other Matilda's news a welcome home for Caitlan Ford will be held at the Faternity Club this Thursday Night.

Extract Illawarra Mercury 'A National Disability Insurance Scheme would ensure equality for disabled people and their families in the Illawarra. About 1000 people met at the Kembla Grange racecourse yesterday to join in a similtaneous national morning tea'.

Representatives from the Stingrays joined members of the Dragons and Hawks to collect signatures on a petition to urge the Federal government to accept recomendations for the scheme.

The Illawarra Stingrays pulled off a stunning victory in honour of Ash Connor at Manly yesterday in front of a bumper Stingrays crowd who made the trip to support the girls. The senior girls travelled up together early to support their junior team mates who had been supporting them over the previous week.

The funeral for Ash Connor will be held on Thursday 28th July at 10 am at The Forest Lawn Cemetery Leppington. Stingrays members wanting to attend should contact the club for travel arrangements.

Following the service Ash's family has invited players and friends to attend the Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow from 1:30 onwards.

We will endeavour to get all your condolences and well wished to the family.

In the mean time we are asking all players and their families to gather at the Fraternity Club at 7:oopm tonight (Friday) to remember Ash.

Our condolences go out to all of her family and friends. Ashleigh was a very popular player in the club and a member of the last two Grand Final winning teams. She was a fantastic club member, inspirational player and beautiful person. Ash will also be remembered for her cheeky sense of humour.

The passing of Ashleigh has devastated the club and all the people who have known her during her football career at the Illawarra Stingrays, her former clubs Marconi Stallions and Macarthur Rams as well as the NSW Institute of Sport.

The club encourages all members to look after themselves at this tragic time and seek help if needed. Information on where and how to get support will be provided to all players.

 Girls & Women

Girls: Saturday 9th and 16th July 12:00 to 14:00 -

16 Girls & All Age Women -14:00 to 16:00 

All players to arrive 30 minutes prior to register and must wear appropriate futsal attire inc shin pads. Additional Trial dates may be set if necessary.

Information: www.taipanfutsal.sportingpulse.net 

FNSW Ross Anderson Reviews Round 14

Sunshine, dry grounds and plenty of football gladdened the heart of all Football NSW Women’s Premier League supporters

I Love Wollongong because…

Finish this sentence by entering your photo, short story, poem, short film, drawing or painting.

Weekly prizes 5 x $200 vouchers drawn randomly - the earlier you enter the more chances you have to win!

The match everyone had been waiting for was at Lynwood Park where Macarthur Rams met the competition leaders, the Illawarra Stingrays.

Arguably the two best squads in the league shaped up in what could well have been a Grand Final preview.

Women’s Premier League Round 11 Review

Momentum continued for some of the leading sides whilst others took a tumble; the second half of this year’s competition is certainly setting up for a grandstand finish in the lead up to the finals.

Four of our U16 girls played in the 2011 NSWCCC (Combined Catholic Colleges) Open Football Championships which took place in Prestons on Monday 23^rd and Tuesday 24^th May 2011.  Alana Humphries represented the Southern Sydney region whilst Amber Bristol, Kate Clay and Eda Yakan represented Wollongong.  Amber Bristol has been selected to represent NSW.

Congratulations to all the girls and to Amber. Keep the Stingrays flag flying.

Women’s Premier League Round 11 Preview

 This weekend marks the halfway point in the 2011 Football NSW Women’s Premier League competition.

The competition table has a familiar look to it with the 2009/2010 Premiers, the Illawarra Stingrays, undefeated at the head of the pack. The Stingrays have opened up a six point break over their nearest rivals, leaving the chasers with an enormous job to do if they hope to reel in the wonder girls from the South Coast.

The battle for supremacy has been hotting up in recent weeks. Whilst the Illawarra Stingrays have staked their claim as the team to beat there are plenty of contenders for their title as Sydney University, Marconi Stallions, NWS Koalas and the star studded Macarthur Rams make their moves. The weekend offered us what may be a glimpse of the finals matches with Illawarra travelling to Marconi Stadium to meet The Stallions whilst Macarthur made the trek from the south western suburbs to the east to take on Sydney University.

The Illawarra Stingrays would like to extend their thoughts and best wishes to Joel Ritchie from The Illawarra Mercury. Joel has recently been hopitalised with a serious illness and we wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him decked out in pink at our games in the near future. Joel has been a great supporter of the Stingrays over recent seasons and his efforts saw him awarded the FootballNW Media Award in 2010.

At J.J.Kelly Park the Illawarra Stingrays meet Manly United FC.

In past seasons matches between these two teams have always been keenly contested. Illawarra remain the only undefeated side in the 2011 competition whereas Manly United FC, after an impressive start, have fallen off the pace into 7^th place.

Sport and Recreation are providing a range of courses to local sporting clubs and individuals involved in sport. Please click on the attached calendar.

Ross Anderson's Women’s Premier League Round 8 Review

 

The Illawarra Stingrays and the South Coast Wolves, in conjunction with Illawarra Coal, have great pleasure in announcing a sponsorship that will help many young football players reach their potential.

Thankyou to Graeme Carr from NWS Koalas who provided us with some great images of the U16, reserve and First grade games on the 1st May 2011. Thankyou to Graeme.

The rained out round against Macarthur will be played at JJ Kelly Park next week as follows:

Wednesday 6th April -  6:30 Reserve Grade, 8:20 First Grade

Thursday 7th April - 6:30 U14

Wednesday 13th April - 6:30 U12, 7:40 U16

Five Illawarra Stingrays will be representing the Illawarra in the Schools State Championships at Port Macquarie in May. The are: Anne Mayo (Senior),  Cayla Constable (senior),  Blaize Kandis (Senior), Kristina Janeska(U16) and Lucy Nolan (U14).

Congratulations to all the girls and good luck to all the teams.

For a full list of activities visit www.myspace.com/wollongongyouthservices

NSW Sport & Recreation and Wollongong City Council are offering a range of Sport Development courses over the coming months. Information is attached

The 2011 Stingrays Senior Squad Roster has been announced for the new season.

The 2011 Stingrays Under-16 Roster has been announced for the new season.

The 2011 Stingrays Under-14 Roster has been announced for the new season.

The 2011 Stingrays Under-12 Roster has been announced for the new season.

The Illawarra Stingrays have again been nominated in the Illawarra Mercury & Peoplecare Sport Star of the Year Awards for 2010.

You can vote for us on line in the People's Choice award by visiting the home page of the Illawarra Mercury. Let's see if we can give these Dragon's a run for their money!

Get your family and friends to vote too. Only 3 more voting days left. Voting closes this Friday 21st January

The Stingrays are proud to again be nominated for this prestigous award. It is great to have acknowledgement of our hard work and achievements. Thank you to the Illawarra Mercury and the Peoplecare.

If you would like to support us vote on line at the Illawarra Mercury Home page by COB this Friday (21st January)

It is with great sadness that we hear of today's passing of FNSW Competition Secretary Larry Grant. Larry was a great friend of the Illawarra Stingrays always available with a friendly ear and sound advice. Condolences to Larry's family, workmates at FNSW and friends in the football community. He is a true champion and will be greatly missed.