What an amazing season we have had here at the community based Hills Hawks Football Club starting way back in February this year when we held our grading sessions for the competition teams and culminating in the championship finals on the 19th August. So much more has happened in between and we would like to share some of the highlights as we commence planning for the 2018 season, which will be our 49th year in operation.
Minis Competition – 2017 saw approximately 100 boys and girls from local schools around the area play soccer for the Hills Hawks Football Club. 13 teams were formed across the Under 6, Under 7 and Under 8’s in the “mini’s” format. The Hills Hawks Football Club held its annual Mini’s Gala Day on Sunday 21st May. This year saw 48 teams from as far as the St. George region; North Shore and Bossley Park compete at our annual Gala Day. Blessed with perfect weather on the day, even though the forecast earlier in the week said otherwise. This is our major fundraiser for the season and we are grateful for all the support we receive from local businesses and the community to run this event.
Competition Teams – 2017 was one our most successful on record with 11 of the 14 teams finishing in the top 4 after the normal completion rounds. Of these, 5 teams the 12/3, 15/1, 15/4 17/2 and AA13 were crowned minor premiers. The 13/3, 16/1 and AA17 all won the pennant round robin series. A whopping 6 teams made it through to the Grand Final and the BIG prize went to the 14/3, 15/1, 15/4 17/2 and AA13 whom all lifted the champions trophy – congratulations! A special mention to the 16/3 who punched well above their weight to make the GF from 3rd place. Hills Hawks were privileged to host 8 of the championship finals at Hayes Park for the GHFA – we are lucky to have such a great sporting facility here in Galston. Our 13/1’s will embark on and end of season trip to Tasmania in September – we wish them well.
Our Premier League teams welcomed new coaches with PL1 finishing 6th and PL2 in 4th position it was tough contest in what is the highest level of competition in the GHFA.
Coaching -This year the Hills Hawks Football Club introduced the Kick-start program as part of the ongoing development of the Club. Kick-start is a professional body whose focus is developing the skills of junior players. Kick-start ran the coaching for the teams from Under 6 through to the Under 14’s for the season. For all other teams we welcomed back seasoned technical director and ex-Socceroo Paul Wade.
Women’s & Men’s Social Competitions – Our Ladies social competition has been running for 10 years and this years final was justly won by the “Sandstone Sales Sparkles”. The Sparkles are the only team that has been in the competition from the beginning and they finally won it! Our Ladies Competition loyal sponsors CVW Engineering were on hand to present the winning trophies on grand final day. The Men’s social competition was informally introduced this year and is gaining momentum and lots of interest from our over 35 men and we look forward to launching in 2018.
Sponsors – The Hills Hawks football community truly appreciates the support we receive from each of our sponsors and their contribution goes along way in making this football club successful. Once again we would like to thank Glenorie RSL, Bendigo Bank, Hills District Farm Equipment, CVW Engineering, Hills Self Storage, Spa & BBQ Barn, Turrell Building, Chizzo’s Pizzeria and Coppernest Real Estate.
Upcoming Events –We wrap up proceeding on Sunday September 17 with our end of season presentation day at Glenorie RSL. Our Annual General Meeting will be held in November and we welcome new members to join our committee. For all the latest news and events follow us on Facebook @Hills HawksFC.
Lastly – Thank you to all the players, parents, coaches, managers & volunteers for making the Hills Hawks 2017 season such a great success and we welcome you all back for season 2018. Go Hawkies!
