South Coast Flame Football Club will be replaced by FSC Academy next year, leaving many players without a club.
The new academy won’t be a part of any Football NSW representative competitions, which will impact the number of people in all age groups playing football across the Illawarra.
Under 18’s player Charlotte Davis said the withdrawal from youth and senior competitions will limit development and future opportunities for Illawarra players.
“I think it takes away heaps of opportunity and extinguishes the player pathway we’ve been trying to build where you can go from grassroots level to a club like Flame in NPL2 [National Premier League Two],” Miss Davis said.
“It takes away players’ dreams of being able to reach those high levels if they can’t develop themselves or build them up anywhere.”
The change comes with a few weeks left of the season, leaving many players searching for a new club either in the Illawarra or Sydney to continue playing in the FNSW competition.
Former South Coast Flame FC coach Lachlan Raymond said the number of players in the Illawarra will decrease, leading to a drop in players from the region pursuing the sport at a higher level.
“You will see a drop off in players within the region getting exposure to higher quality opposition and coaching which will lead to less players impacting the game at a state and professional level,” Mr Raymond said.
Ms Davis says the changes are about more than football. The sport is a safe haven in her life, as well as many others at South Coast Flame FC.
“For it to change is devastating. I mean for a lot of people including myself, football is a constant in their life and for me it’s one thing I can control where I’m happiest and safest. By taking this away, it impacts our mental health and destroys bonds,” she said.
The new academy is set to provide coaching, and allow for players to participate at the community level as well as have chances to represent the Illawarra region at various tournaments throughout the year.
