For the first time in over 20 years as a club, the Mudgee Gulgong Wolves FC have confirmed their presence in this year's Western Premier League (WPL) competition.
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Featuring teams from Bathurst, Dubbo, Parkes, Orange and Lithgow, the WPL offers the Wolves a chance to put their skills to the test against some of the region's best.
The side, to be coached by Jason Payne and Harry Hall, is the first taste of a pathway for the younger generations, with team manager and club president Christopher Clegg declaring "we've got a really strong competitive team".
"My goal is to create the best team that we can to represent Mudgee/Gulgong with," he added.
Since stepping into the role as president late last year, Clegg has developed a desire to provide further opportunities for those who excel in the sport or have a goal of reaching the highest level.
"Like any successful football club, you need an aspiration. My goal is to really invest in these kids and develop some strong players. This area should be a feeder zone of progression for people who want to play football," he said.
"For the club to really push forward and make sure that those who begin in football stay in football, we have to give them something to work towards. As it stands now, our under 5s through to 16s just verse themselves. The better players are just getting bored therefore going to a different sporting code.
"We're getting into a society where mediocrity is just ok and there's nothing wrong with that if that's where you find yourself giving your best, that's where I find myself a lot of the time. But having something for every player and coach to look forward to is our focus."
READ MORE: An A-Z look at Bathurst soccer in 2020
Not only are the Wolves focusing on the development of their players, but also for those who wish to participate in other capacities.
"In the next few years, we're going to invest in coaching the mums, dads and those already in the current positions. Through upskilling them, you'll be able to run better coaching sessions that create better players," Christopher said.
"Our club is all about inclusion and having a program for all regardless of age, gender, ability and desire. We will cater for everyone.
"We will endeavour to empower our players with a life-long passion and love for football."
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Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
