Frank Lampard, Maclean Football Club, Clarence Valley Independent

After celebrating their 40 Year Anniversary in 2021 The Maclean Bobcats Men’s and Womens Premier League Football (soccer) teams embark on season 2022 with renewed vigour. The proud club with a trophy laden history is renowned for developing local talent from all over the Clarence Valley as young players gravitate to the only club that can offer Premier League level football. Having said that it has been a lean few years for the powerhouse club as retirements from their own Golden Generation have proven hard to fill. From the late 1990’s through to 2014 the Bobcats were perennial semi-finalists and are the only club to win Premier League titles in both the North Coast and Far North Coast Premier League competitions. The last Grand Final win was by Reserve Grade in 2018 and it has been mid table results since then.

So now the Bobcats are searching for their next Golden Generation and are inviting any inspired players from anywhere in the Clarence Valley to come and train with the regions only Premier League Mens and Womens teams. On the Mens side former North Coast Football Coach of the Year Dennis Mavridis returns to the helm. He has a talented group spear headed by former North Coast Player of the Year in Captain Jarrod Doyle and the classy former QLD NPL player Nelson Burgess who is a Bobcat local junior. He also has the emerging young starlets in the Power-Casson brothers Brady and Jarret, along with fellow young gun Ryan Jackson, but there are still many positions available. “We need to ramp things up with our training this year and the influx of a handful of fresh keen faces will assist in that area enormously” Mavridis said. “I will be looking at all options and a positive attitude as much as anything will take you a long way” he added.

For the Womens Premier League it’s an opportunity to play under the experienced tutelage of Wayne Sutton a former Premier League player himself and coach of vast experience in both Womens and Mens Premier League. It’s also a chance to play alongside star representative players Rachel Anderson and Emily Loy. “Two or three new quality players can be the difference between being in the semi-finals or missing out. It can also be the difference between winning a Grand Final or being Runner-Up” is an astute and accurate observation from the always thoughtful Sutton. “I think if both the Men and Womens Premier League sides can find a couple of quality new players we will be back contending for Premierships like we always should be” he added.

So the call to action is now for all those players looking to play at the highest levels of football in the Clarence Valley. Pre-season training has just commenced on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With the annual trial game against Lismore Thistles scheduled for Sunday 6th of February, anyone wishing to trial and potentially play in that game are encouraged to come along. The pre-season Anzac Cup for the Mens Premier League commences the last weekend in February and with a 20 man squad to be nominated it is great chance to establish yourself in the top grades. All players from keen teenagers to experienced First Graders are welcome.

The Bobcats Reserve Grade teams have always been considered a nursery for young talented teenagers, supported by experienced veterans, the club can provide a great experience for anyone looking to improve their football. To field two teams in the trial games against Thistles, the Bobcats will need an influx of players. That in itself signals there are great opportunities to be had for the keen. Are you ready and willing to play at the highest level? If the answer is yes come along to training and sample if the Bobcats are right for you.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 2 February 2022.