Like many local sports clubs, Blue Mountains Football Club endured a fragmented 2021 season thanks to COVID-19, but plans are already in place to make 2022 a memorable one for all associated with the historic soccer outfit.
BMFC has placed a request with the Nepean Football Association to compete next year in the Waratah League, otherwise known as the 'Prems', the elite competition in the Nepean district. The club is currently seeking expressions of interest from players looking to play at this level, ahead of trials and training in November and December.
And any prospective players should know that they will be joining a thriving soccer community - the club fielded a whopping 69 teams in 2021.
"Despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented to the club, and indeed community sport, the club was again able to field nearly 750 players in age groups from under-five to over-35," said club secretary Sandy Duetoft. "What has been pleasing over the past several years has been the growth of our female players - in 2021 a total of five female teams wore the BMFC jersey.
"As the club is now in the off season, the committee can have some time off, but there is still plenty that needs to be done before the end of the year. Once we hit January 2022 it will all start up again as registrations open in the first week of that month, and we are always welcoming new players to the club."
BMFC plays out of Knapsack Park in Glenbrook, and has a long and illustrious history, with the club first fielding teams in 1965.
Anyone interested in playing with BMFC in the Waratah League can contact coach Mark Ansell on 0418 118 314. Players interested in other grades and age groups can email contact@bmfc.com.au or visit bmfc.com.au. The club is also offering sponsorship packages to local businesses, who can call club president David Smith for more information on 0401 064 818