Toronto Awaba Stags FC
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| Full name | Toronto Awaba Football Club | ||
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| Nickname(s) | The Stags | ||
| Founded | 1922 | ||
| Ground | Lyall Peacock Field, Toronto | ||
| Capacity | 3,000 | ||
| Coordinates | 33°00′39″S 151°35′21.6″E / 33.01083°S 151.589333°ECoordinates: 33°00′39″S 151°35′21.6″E / 33.01083°S 151.589333°E | ||
| President |
 Nathan White | ||
| Vice-President |
Dean Coles | ||
| Head Coach |
Tony Jovcevski | ||
| League | Northern NSW State League Division 1 | ||
| 2015 | 9th | ||
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Toronto Awaba Stags FC are an Australian semi-professional soccer club based in Toronto, Newcastle, Australia. The club are currently playing in the fourth tier of Australian soccer, the Northern New South Wales NewFM Football League. The team was relegated from the NBN State Football League at the end of the 2010 season.
History
Originally formed in 1922 by the then Awaba Cricket Club, the football team was playing on a small ground of literally dug out bush. In these times there was no change-room facilities and only local social clubs would come to play such as Barnsley and Teralba. It was now a decision was made to find a new suitable ground for the club. After this move Toronto Awaba was invited into the competition football season, in which it gained a total of 3 points in its first two seasons. However the following season in 1947 the club ran out premiers by a big margin. Although it was not until 1957 in which they were promoted to the State First Division for the first time. There the Stags have stayed tasting some success throughout their time in the State Football League.
Club Colours
2015 sees The Stags return to a Yellow and Blue vertical striped Home Jersey, the jersey is seen to be a link to the past and is heavily liked by the current playing group. The Away Jersey is White jersey with a Blue and Yellow slash coming from the left shoulder, this jersey designed by the players is a sharp addition to The Stags attire. The Goal Keepers will play in a Grey Jersey with Blue and Yellow horizontal stripes across the chest. The club will wear Blue shorts for both Home and Away games, with Yellow socks for Home games and Blue socks with the Away Kit.
Home Ground
Toronto Awaba play out of the historic Lyall Peacock Field, it is located at the corner of Cook and Thorn streets, Toronto. Lyall Peacock Field is easily recognisable for its famous grandstand on the half way line of the field.
Recent Seasons
2014
This year the club has undergone a transformation on and off the field, new and returning players and a committee dedicated to giving Toronto a great club to be a part of. The 2014 committee is led by President Dean Coles and Secretary Rob Jason, their tireless efforts are to be commended, the Treasurer is Nicole Butt and Vice President Brody Roberts brings a youthful exuberance to the club. Also on the committee is the Players Representative Will Cadden, Rachel Boyton, Kerron Cowie, Geoff Fitpatrick, Kerrie O'Brien Brown and Janene Roberts.
2013
The 2013 season was a forgettable season for the Stags with many people feeling as if the club had lost its way, while the hard work of people in recent years cannot be forgotten the people of Toronto demanded a change.
2012
The 2012 season was a season with many ups and downs for the Toronto Awaba Stags. Many of these down's reflected in the results.
First Grade finished the season in 4th position with a total of 35 points. First grade played in the finals serious for the second consecutive year.
Reserve Grade finished the season in a disappointing 7th position with a total of 17 points.
U/19's finished the season 6th on 22 points.
Under 17's finished the season in 3rd position with a total of 16 points. These
2011
The 2011 season was Toronto's first endeavor into the NEW FM state league in the past five years. A complete overhaul of the playing and coaching staff enabled a fresh approach to the start of a new season, which included the signing of former Newcastle United and Newcastle Jet Stephen Eagleton as the under 23's coach and squad member of first grade. Only one player remained on the club's books from the 2010 season. Bailie's preferred 3-5-2 system was used by all three grades (U19's, 23's and First Grade) and provided a better footballing spectacle compared to the last few years. On March 13, 2011 Toronto-Awaba hosted Belmont-Swansea FC in the first round of the 2011 NEW FM season. All three grades won their respected games and gave the club their first "clean sweep" in over seven years, Toronto again would achieve this honor in Round 2 when they produced another clean sweep this time at the expense of cellar dwellers Cessnock City.
Throughout the next few months Toronto had a roller coaster ride in all three grades, with each grade unable to find the required form to challenge eventual first grade and under 19's major and minor premiers Charlestown Blues FC. The under 19's and under 23's both finished in respectable 5th position, this was an enormous feat as both these sides fielded young and in-experienced line-ups. Under Bailie's guidement first grade was able to qualify for the finals series where they finished fourth in the regular standings, resulting in a tough tie with runaway leaders Charlestown where they lost 9-1 on aggregate, Toronto's first finals appearance in over five years.
2010
The 2010 season was one of the busiest of recent history. The year started with a complete overhaul of committee. The previous committee had left the club completely depleted of money & resources, so the task was huge for the new administration.
With the new committee came a new coach. Originally chosen as Under-23s coach, Lindsay Tapp was promoted to senior coach with Mike Trebilcock. With years of experience as Assistant coach at Highfields Azzuri and in charge of the Edgeworth Eagles Youth Grade, Lindsay had a huge job in front of him to create a squad basically from scratch. Lindsay attracted mainly young players, most notably the future star of tomorrow Josh Small from Broadmeadow Magic/NSWISS. Tapp also brought senior players to the club, most notably Christian Okonkwo (Weston Workers Bears FC), Jason Cowburn (Edgeworth Eagles), Sean Matthews (Heaven) and Scott Baillie (West Sydney Berries).
The team only managed 1 point whilst under Tapp's charge. Tapp was let go and Scott Baillie, former National League player and most recently player/coach of West Sydney Berries, was given charge for the rest of the season and the season after. Scott changed the formation to 3 defenders and more midfielders.
The Stags finished last on the table, and as relegation had been reintroduced to the format of the competition they were dropped to the NEWFM First Division for 2011. Lake Macquarie Roosters were promoted from NEWFM for their amazing feat of going the whole normal season undefeated and losing only the Grand Final.
2009
The 2009 competition had a changed format and the previous ten teams have been downgraded to eight. Toronto Awaba was offered a place in this format and is confirmed until the 2011 season. The other seven teams are:
Broadmeadow Magic FC
Valentine Phoenix FC
Edgeworth Eagles FC
Weston Workers Bears FC
West Wallsend FC
Hamilton Olympic Warriors FC
South Cardiff Gunners FC
The two unfortunate clubs not offered a position where:
Highfields Azzurri FC
Lake Macquarie City FC
2008
The 2008 season was possibly a season to forget for the Toronto Awaba Stags with no grades qualifying for the finals series.
First Grade finished the season in 10th position with a total of 13 points. These coming from 3 wins, 4 draws and 11 losses with a goal difference of -24.
Reserve Grade finished the season in 8th position with a total of 19 points. These coming from 5 wins, 4 draws and 9 losses with a goal difference of -20.
Youth Grade finished the season in 10th position with a total of 10 points. These coming from 3 wins, 1 draw and 14 losses with a goal difference of -29.
Under 17's finished the season in 8th position with a total of 18 points. These coming from 5 wins, 3 draws and 10 losses with a goal difference of -28.
2007
The 2007 season was a season very much the same as 2008 with once again no grades qualifying for the finals series.
First Grade finished the season in 8th position with a total of 17 points. These coming from 4 wins, 5 draws and 9 losses with a goal difference of -10.
Reserve Grade finished the season in a dismal 10th position acquiring no points and suffering 18 consecutive defeats with a shocking goal difference of -82.
Youth Grade finished the season in 9th position with a total of 11 points. These coming from 2 wins, 5 draws and 11 losses with a goal difference of -27.
2006
The 2006 season was once again similar to the 2007 and 2008 season with no grades qualifying for the finals series.
First Grade finished the season in 9th position with a total of 15 points. These coming from 4 wins, 3 draws and 11 losses with a goal difference of -9.
Reserve Grade finished the season in 9th position with a total of 11 points. These coming from 3 wins, 2 draws and 13 losses with a goal difference of -49.
Youth Grade finished the season in 10th position with a total of 6 points. These coming from 1 win 3 draws and 14 losses with a goal difference of -47.
2015 Playing Squad
2015 sees the NewFM return to the 4 team format, now including the Under 17s once again.
1st Grade
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Under 23s
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Under 19s
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Under 17s
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Notable former players
- Darren Stewart
- Mark Jones
- Jobe Wheelhouse
- Troy Halpin
- Luke Gibbons
Life Members
- Glen Bowling
- Chris Bowling
- Rhonda Bowling
- Warwick Cashmere
- Dean Coles
- Col Earl
- Adam Earl
- Chris Elliott
- Neville Field
- Glenn Hogan
- Fraser Marshall
- Bev Marshall
- Garry Randall
- Raymond Stewart
Sponsors
| Toronto Workers Club | Toronto Hotel |
| Toronto Diggers Club | LIFP Consultants |
| Woodman Automotive Repairs | Spec Savers Toronto |
| Toronto Pool Shop | Kardia Jewellery |
| Garry Brown Office Meats | Nationwide Tracking Systems |
| Toronto Quality Meats | National Ceramic Industries Australia |
Rivalries
The Stags have several strong rivals across the region with clubs such as Lake Macquarie City Roosters FC, Westlakes Wildcats FC and Morisset Strikers FC. The most recent addition to Toronto's rivals is Singleton Strikers FC due to a number of former players and coaches who have now joined the club, these clashes have been full of venom with many harsh tackles and words being exchanged between the clubs.
External links
- Toronto Awaba FC (Toronto Awaba Junior Soccer Football Club
- NBN League Website
- Northern NSW Football Federation Main Site
- OzFootball.net
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