Mikulski's Memo
SWQ THUNDER FC TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Hello,
First of all, Happy New Year and I wish everyone a very successful year in your private life as well as in your team. In January we are looking to push our players with hard trainings that prepare them mentally and physically so that we achieve our full potential this season.
As a club we have appointed new coaches that offer experience and a range attributes to help our players develop. These coaches include Thiago, Chris, Travis. I am very happy with how the first team is coming together as a unit and achieving results in the first two rounds of the Kappa Silver Boot competition.
I am looking forward to each team in our club developing in an enjoyable yet challenging environment at training. This environment should produce results on the weekend and benefit each player. Good luck to everyone and all the best in the future.
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Albin Mikulski
SWQ Thunder FC Technical Director
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Background Picture: Jackson Franke - SWQ Thunder Men
Silver Boot Success
SWQ THUNDER FC MEN - PRE SEASON
The Senior Men have had a great start to the Kappa Silver Boot pre-season competition winning their first two games in convincing fashion.
Game 1 on Thursday 11 January saw Thunder take on FQPL team Ipswich Knights. Thunder got off to a great start with Nykodah Smith, playing his first game since returning from a stint in Brazil, scoring in just the second minute of play. A misdirected pass from Nicholas Edwards rebounded to his feet and a great strike from edge of the 18 yard box beat the Knights goalkeeper at the far post.
Thunder continued to create a number of good chances up front with new recruits, Travis Cooper and Christopher Hatfield, finding plenty of space down the flanks. Knights Goalkeeper, Declan Murphy, kept them in the game with a number of quality saves to see the half time score remain at 1-0.
After the break Thunder continued their relentless attack on the Knights goal with Murphy continuing to deny a goal. Lathan Dunn finally put Thunder up 2-0 with a world class volley from a headed Knights clearance. The goal celebration was almost as good as the goal with a spectacular round off and back flip!
Italian import, Federico Brusaca had a strong game at the back and Jack Percy controlled the midfield. Kimba Kibombo was also his usual destructive self every time he ran the ball. Thunder had a number of other good opportunities in the remainder of the half but the score remained at 2-0 at full time.
Game 2 on Tuesday 16 January saw Thunder matched up against FQPL side Holland Park Hawks who are coached by former Thunder coach Fernando Garcia.
Thunder once again created a number of opportunities early but were unable to convert on the score board. Hawks drew first blood with a well taken free kick finding the back of the net in the 29th minute.
Thunder leveled the scores on the stroke of half time with Kimba Kibombo blasting the ball into the roof of the net from inside the 6 yard box after a goal line scramble.
After the break Thunder dominated possession and the Hawks defence finally cracked when winger Travis Cooper beat the offside trap to coolly slot the ball past the Hawks goal keeper.
Christopher Hatfield had an opportunity to seal the victory in the final minute of the game with a penalty however he pushed the shot wide of the goal. Despite the penalty miss Hatfield was outstanding and created opportunities almost at will. Riley Lobwein also continued on from his impressive debut in Game 1 with another outstanding game at Centre Back beside Federico Brusaca who had another solid game. Jackson Franke and Wade Hall were also creative at attacking midfield and left back respectively.
The top of the pool clash between Thunder and host club, Lions FC, on Sunday 21 January will determine who moves through to the Semi Finals.
Go Thunder!
3rd Game, SWQ Thunder Men vs Lions FC, Sunday 21 January, 5.00pm
SAP
New Year, New Structure
This year, for the first time, we welcome the SWQ Thunder SAP teams to competition games. SWQ Thunder SAP (Skills Acquisition Program) will now be playing in a 20 week season, commencing March 10th & concluding September 16th, against other FQ SAP licensed teams - as opposed to the old structure of training and carnivals only. This means that our SAP players leave behind their local junior teams and are brought fully into the Thunder family. The SAP program includes U9 - U12 Boys. In a big change up the U12 Teams are no longer represented in the FQ NPL Junior set up but has become a part of the new SAP program.
The SAP program for girls will vary slightly. SWQ Thunder FC is in the process of finalising the SAP season for girls and information will be released shortly. The combined U10/11 SAP Girls team will be coached by Mr Stefano Hlaca who brings many years of experience in coaching female football. Nice to have you on board Stefano!
SWQ Thunder FC has appointed experienced and respected local football identity Mr Chris McLeod as SAP coordinator. Chris is tasked with leading our SAP players and overseeing our SAP coaches during the 2018 Season. Chris will be assisted by U9 Coach Tom Lund, U10 Coach Kyle Townsend & Coach Assistant Craig Van Heerden, U11 Coach Chris Hatfield and U12 Coach Thiago Kosloski. We know the value of our young coaches in Kyle and Tom who will be closely mentored by Chris and Craig throughout the season. A special welcome to Chris Hatfield from NSW who plays for the SWQ Thunder Men and has a solid background in football. Also a very warm welcome to Thiago who joins Thunder in 2018 all the way from Botafogo FC in Brazil, Thiago is a Pro License Coach, and the SAP boys are in for a real treat here having witnessed Thiago at work over the past 5 years.
Our Thunder SAP players have a fantastic opportunity this season to increase their skills through superior competition and excellent coaching.
We look forward to seeing our SAP teams in action throughout the year!
SWQ Thunder proudly supports
Thunder Talk
- A Thunder Goalie has kept a CLEAN SHEET this month! Great hands by Anthony Passante, Thunder Men v Ipswich Knights. (Yes he was the only Thunder keeper to take the field in a pre Season Match at date of publishing!)
- It seems our intrepid (and incredibly talented - Hey David) photographer is not immune to being trash talked by opposition fans while he is on the sidelines documenting the game in pictures. Be careful when you attend games vs Ipswich Pride as it seems their over zealous fans will have something to say to just about anyone from Thunder! #dontmesswiththephotographer
- Are you having withdrawals from not watching any SWQ Thunder football games. Remember that we have plenty of pre season action coming up across the club! We love to get our Thunder supporters out and about cheering on our teams. Keep an eye on our FB page for posts on upcoming games!
- The FQ NPL competition is no longer sponsored by PS4 in 2018 so you won’t be seeing the #PS4NPL anywhere - we are going with a pared back #NPL
- Travelling supporters to the Kappa Silver Boot compétition were welcomed to the completely refurbished Lions FC NPL Premier Leagues Clubs facilities for the pre season tournament. The rumoured 5 million plus upgrade is spectacular and many enjoyed meals, drinks and some great football. #futuregoals #therewasareallyreallybiggoldlion
- It seems some of our Thunder Men have used the off season to revamp their style. Two senior players are now sporting new do’s with one dark haired player now sporting a platinum blonde do and another long haired player shaving off his flowing locks in a buzz cut! #betterthanaholiday
- FOUND - Thunder Supporters have reported a sighting of the missing 2017 Men’s Goalkeeper (LB - not mentioning any names!) The sighting took place at Lions FC with the missing Goalkeeper trying to remain incognito in a beanie ..... in summer ....... in Brisbane.
- Welcome back to Thunder Nykodah! SWQ Thunder FC are pleased to announce the much anticipated return of striker Nykodah Smith to the Men’s team. Nykodah had a great start in his first game for Thunder opening up the scoring in the Silver Boot competition in the first minute of play.
- Shout out to our SWQ Thunder Women who have shown inspiring commitment by training without a break right through the Christmas period! #squadgoals
Would you like your local community junior team to participate in the SWQ Thunder FC Home Games by being mascots and ballboys - please send an email registering your clubs interest to: community@swqthunder.com
Background Picture: Federico Brusaca - SWQ Thunder Men
Pre Season Changes
A few adjustments to SWQ Thunder’s pre season games!
CANCELLATION
Women’s, U15 Girls & U13 Girls pre season games vs Virginia United FC have been cancelled.
U18 BOYS PRE SEASON
Pre Season Game now scheduled for the SWQ Thunder U18 Boys on 20 January Vs Ipswich Knights @ 1.00pm at Gatton FC
and
U18 Boys Vs Southside Eagles on 28th January (Bulimba) 10.00am Kick-Off!
Here we go, Here we Go, Here we go
2018 Season Commencencement dates
Not long now till kick off to the 2018 Season - get ready for the commencement of games! Below are dates for the first round of the competition.
- NPL - Weekend starting 2nd/3rd February 2018
- WNPL - Weekend starting 2nd/3rd February 2018
- SAP Boys - Weekend 10th March 2018
SAVE THE DATE
All club players need to save the date for the SWQ Thunder FC Season Launch which is scheduled for the 10th March, 2018 at Clive Berghofer Stadium. This annual event is COMPULSORY for all SWQ Thunder Players.
Further information will be released club wide closer to the event.
Thunder Spotlight
Mario aparicio - Goalkeeper coach
Meet Thunder keeper coach Mario Aparicio of Aparicio GK Development (we have included a pic so if you see him around the grounds don’t be shy to say Hi).
Mario has extensive experience both playing and coaching as a Goalkeeper and we are excited to have him on board for our SWQ Thunder FC 2018 Season! Mario’s football profile below:
Junior Honours
- U12- U14 State Representative (QLD)
- U15- U16 State Representative (QLD Captain & National Champions)
- U17 Australian (Joey's) Representative (2003 World Cup Finland)
Senior Honours
- Parramatta Power - SYDNEY ( NSL Professional Contract)
- COLO COLO - CHILE ( Professional Contract)
- Rochedale Rovers (BPL) - 4 League Titles (2007,2008,2010 & 2017)
- 2 Grand final Winner (2007 & 2011)
- 1 Canale Cup Winner (2011)
- Olympic FC (NPL) - Inaugural League & Grand final Winners (2013)
And in welcome news Mario will now be the premier GK coach not only for the Senior SWQ Thunder squads but also for the SWQ Thunder Junior squads. An excellent opportunity for all of our keepers to take advantage of Mario’s knowledge and expertise.
The Thunder board is pleased to be able to provide opportunities to all of our keepers above and beyond what can be found locally in our region. We continue as a club to promote and facilitate development by engaging and improving upon coaching opportunities at every possibility.
Background Picture: Wade Hall - SWQ Thunder Men
The WAM Award
(The Worth-A-Mention Award)
Luke Lister
SWQ Thunder U16 player Luke Lister was invited to attend a training camp at Ipswich City FC in Sussex, England for 6 weeks at the end of the 2017 Season. Luke had an incredible and improving experience training and playing in a professional and successful English football club. Luke was also supplied with a personal chauffeur to get him from training to his apartment in Sussex!!
Eli Adams
U16 SWQ Thunder player Eli Adams has been selected in the U16 Australian Schoolboys Team. A fantastic effort from Eli who travelled with the QLD Team to Adelaide to compete in the Australian Schoolboys Titles. Congratulations Eli!
SWQ thunder
supporters group
Volunteers Required
At the risk of sounding not only bossy (just a little) but repetitive (I try very hard not to be) we are putting the call out again for volunteers to rejuvenate the SWQ Thunder Supporters Group.
Now, I know that on the previous times we asked you all thought -Oh they don’t need me someone else will already have put their hand up! - And we were really hoping you were right!!!! But No.
So, third time lucky - SWQ Thunder FC would love to hear from any of our Thunder family who would like to help out by volunteering for the SWQ Thunder Supporters Group. If you are interested please send a private message to the SWQ Thunder Supporter Group FB page or alternatively please send an email regarding your interest to swqthunder@gmail.com.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Road to Russia
World Cup 2018, 14 June to 15 July
Another month closer to possibly the greatest sporting event in the world! Where else can you see a competition that hosts 64 quality matches in 30 days! (No not the cricket)
The three stadiums for our group matches look spectacular, so I thought we’d take a closer look at each of them
Brand new Cosmos Arena, which was specially built for the World Cup 2018, cost $320 million to build. Cosmos Arena will be known as Samara Arena during the World Cup only The new purpose built Samara/Cosmos Arena will host 6 World Cup games (4 group, 1 round of 16, and 1 Quarter final). Australia will play their 2nd game here vs Denmark.
Fisht Olympic Stadium was built for the 2014 Winter Olympics and was the site for the opening and closing ceremonies. Australia played Germany in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup at this stadium in a close 3-2 defeat. Australia will verse Peru at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.
Kazan Arena boasts the largest outdoor screen in Europe and is the home of Russian Premier League team, FC Rubin Kazan. Australia will kick off their World Cup campaign at this stadium versus France.
And for those who may be travelling to Russia here is some tourist information!
How cool is this football field in Moscow, Russia! If you happen to be in Moscow this would be worth a visit and I’d be taking a ball with me! Is it real though? Well the internet says it is.......
And some interesting stats about the population in Russia:
There are around 11 million more women than men. So if you are single and want to mingle, Russia sounds like a good idea - for men that is, sorry ladies!
And for your culinary information, Russia has the busiest McDonalds restaurant in the world with 700 seat capacity in the capital Moscow, which will probably come in handy for tourists as a popular dish in Russia is Chicken Feet Soup (Kholodets - if you see this on a menu, do not order it and you can thank me later)
Thunder & You
Get Started Vouchers
Qld Government funded Get Started Vouchers - click here to be taken to the website. Round 11 will open for applications on 24 January 2018. Ensure you have created and activated your QGrants account prior to the round opening if you want to apply for the voucher.
FQ NPL Draw
The NPL Men’s Draw has now been finalised for the 2018 Season. Click the link to the Game Day App for easy access and up to date information on the draw, results and ladder throughout the season.
All other Draws will be released shortly by Football Queensland.
Credits:
DSL Photography