2024 SUANFC Pathways Cup

On Sunday 10^th March, junior players from SUANFC
pathway clubs, Canada Bay Cannons, Newtown Swans and Glebe Greyhounds descended
on Bat & Ball Oval to take part in the inaugural SUANFC Pathway Cup- a day
of footy, fun and healthy competition!

20/03/2024

It was a big and successful day at Bat & Ball, that saw junior and senior players come together for footy and fun before the season kicks off. The day began with SUANFC Premier Womens and Mens teams playing practice matches against North Shore and Wollongong Bulldogs, respectively. Following the morning action, it was time for the real fun to begin with the Pathways Cup commencing just after midday in the sun at Moore Park, where the junior clubs took to the field for their first hit out of the pre-season. First to take the field in match one of the inaugural event was the U17 Boys teams from Canada Bay Cannons and Glebe Greyhounds. The vibes were high as both teams fought it out, getting plenty of valuable pre-season match experience in. Parents, supporters and plenty of club people cheered on from the sidelines, watching Glebe Greyhounds come away with the eventual win.

Spectators and players alike were treated to an incredible BBQ during the day, with gourmet meats provided by the fabulous team at Macelleria. Fantastic SUANFC volunteers were on BBQ, canteen and merchandise duty ensuring no one went hungry, and everyone could get behind the Blue & Gold by purchasing SUANFC merch.

After a fantastic first match, it was time for Glebe Greyhounds U17s Boys and Newtown Swans U17 Boys to take the field- both teams keen to go home with the Inaugural SUANFC Pathways Cup. It was a competitive match between two known rivals- and the atmosphere was electric as everyone watched on at the incredible skills being showcased on the field by both teams. After a tough four quarters, it was Glebe Greyhounds who came away as the Inaugural SUANFC Pathways Cup Champions!

SUANFC were excited to be able to award the Hiscox Cleary BOG Medals to a player from each match who was nominated as Best on Ground. For Match One, it was Glebe Greyhounds Jack Webb who took home the coveted award. The Hiscox Cleary BOG Medal for match two was awarded to Glebe Greyhounds Conrad Blackwell-Smith- Conrad was also the lucky recipient of a free 1-on-1 session with kicking video analysis thanks to Kicking Dynamics.

While the sun was pounding down, players were kept hydrated and fuelled thanks to SuperBoost who supplied plenty of their product- the next generation in sports hydration. The juniors were also provided with quality medical support thanks to the fantastic team at Sports Lab led by SUANFC Head Physios, Dave Johnson and Keiran Qaium.

The competition was certainly heated during the Inaugural SUANFC Pathways Cup, with all teams bringing competitiveness to the field, but all in all the day was aimed at bringing junior clubs together for of course footy, but also a lot of fun and a chance to connect with SUANFC players and members. As the senior pathway club, SUANFC is committed to working in close collaboration with junior pathway clubs to promote the continued development of the game within the broader community, and to assist in the retention of players from junior to senior football no matter their skill or talent level.

It certainly was a fantastic day of football, and a great opportunity for SUANFC to support and connect with some of our Pathways Clubs- we look forward to more initiatives throughout the year. Thanks to the fantastic AFL Sydney Umpires for their fantastic work on the field. A special thanks to all the fantastic volunteers, players and coaches from SUANFC who made the day possible- and thank you to Glebe Greyhounds, Canada Bay Cannons and Newtown Swans for their support of and involvement in the day- we can’t wait to continue to work closely with all our pathway clubs and schools in 2024, and to build to an even bigger Pathways Cup in 2025!

For more information about SUANFC Pathways Initiatives or how you can get involved, please contact SUANFC Pathways Manager, Tim Barrett: tbarrett@suanfc.com or 0420 736 016

Acknowledgement of Country

SUANFC acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which our club and home ground is based and recognises that this land has always been under their stewardship and care. SUANFC pays our respects to Elders, past, present, and emerging and extend that respect to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander club members. We also recognise the significant contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the game we play.

U19 Div 1