Newcastle Jets return to the Mid North Coast

The Jets, grand finalists this year where they were beaten in controversial circumstances by Melbourne Victory in the decider played before a full house in Newcastle, will continue their association with Football Mid North Coast. Newcastle conducted a highly successful visit to Taree and Port Macquarie last year.

Players will arrive in Forster on Monday July 16 where they will conduct a coaching clinic at a venue to be determined. The Jets will head to Port Macquarie on the Tuesday for further promotional work before tackling a Football Mid North Coast selection that night at the Regional Stadium at Port Macquarie. They’ll return to Taree on the Wednesday to conduct another coaching clinic.

“This will possibly be at the Zone Field at Taree Recreation Centre, although it hasn’t been locked in yet,’’ FMNC chairman Mike Parsons said yesterday.

“Full details will on on the Football Mid North Coast website as soon as everything is finalised.

“We’re still fine tuning details of the visit – it was only confirmed the club was coming here last Friday.’’

Mr Parsons said the Jets will play FMNC northern and southern selections in the clash at Port Macquarie with the local sides getting one half each against the A-League stars.

Taree’s Rod Bartley will coach the southern side.

“The teams will be named soon and hopefully we’ll be able to organise a couple of training session,’’ Mr Parsons said.

It is expected players from Taree Wildcats, Tuncurry-Forster, Wallis Lake and Camden Haven will make up the southern squad.

Last year’s game at Port Macquarie drew a crowd of more than 4000 and Mr Parsons is confident this will be exceeded next month.

Mr Parsons said it is a significant coup for Football Mid North Coast to secure the visit from the Jets.

“After the season they had there are other areas willing to pay much more money to get them,’’ he said.

“However, they’ve stayed loyal to us and we thank them for that.’’