Football preview: Coffs Coast All-Stars v Newcastle Jets

It will be amateur hour but it will also be their finest as a bunch of weekend footballers from the Coffs Coast go up against the fully professional Newcastle Jets A-League side in a David and Goliath ding-dong. See what it means to the local players.

Some are students, others tradies. To a man though, their day job is definitely not football.

The inaugural Coffs Coast All-Stars will bring plenty of passion to the table though when they square off against the top tier Newcastle Jets in an exhibition clash next week.

The local squad is made up of some of the best players in the region, and while they are all amateur footballers, they can’t wait to hit the pitch against their fancied rivals from the A-League.

At just 17 years of age, local midfielder Campbell Brear has set the Coastal Premier League (CPL) alight with nimble dribbling and an eye for goal.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent Northern Storm and the CPL against a team from the best competition in Australia,” Brear said.

The youngster is itching to get out there and show the Newcastle coaches his potential.

Campbell Brear from Northern Storm is just 17 but has already proved to be a vital player in Storm’s first grade squad. Picture: Dean Biggs

“I’m keen to give them a run for their money,” he said.

The new-look Jets squad will land in Coffs Harbour on Sunday, just weeks out from the start of the 2022-23 A-League season.

Local versatile midfielder Connor Lewis said he’s keen to show his worth after an unexpected call-up.

“I just got a random message saying I’d been selected, but it feels incredible,” he said.

The marauding mid acknowledged the unique chance to play against a top team.

“We were chosen for our ability and skills and we know playing against professional players will be eye-opening,” Lewis said.

And he’s not expecting any favours from the professionals.

Versatile midfielder Connor Lewis from Northern Storm has been selected to play against A-league side Newcastle Jets. Picture: Dean Biggs

“You can’t make mistakes at that level, so it’s all about decision making,” he said.

The Jets, now well into their pre-season preparation, will train twice daily in Coffs and engage the buzzing football community with activities.

Local striker Tom Sweeney has found the strings 10 times in his past four CPL games and is salivating at the “mind boggling” chance to test the Jets defence.

“I can’t wait to play and understand the level of football Newcastle play each week,” Sweeney said.

The Jets squad is littered with talent and experience but Sweeney is relishing the opportunity to make his mark.

“To play against some of the best players in the nation is mind-boggling,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney believes the Coffs invitation side is strong and capable of the match-up.

“If we stick to basics and play as one, we definitely have a fighting chance,” he said.

Tom Sweeney has a keen eye for goal, having netted 10 times in his past four outings. Picture: supplied

Alex Nolan, coach and North Coast Football player development head, said it will be an unforgettable experience for Coffs Coast players.

“Playing against the Jets in front of a big home crowd will be a night they won’t forget,” he said.

Nolan said the All-Stars are a blend of promising young talents and experience.

“The preparation for this game will provide these players with a professional experience they haven’t experienced before. They’ll learn and absorb the whole experience over the next two weeks,” Nolan said.

With finals approaching for CPL squads, the team features two to four players from each club, and Nolan said the training will provide an insight into the elite intensity at an A-League level.

“Getting the boys together and training with the desire and intensity of how we want to play on the night is all part of the experience,” he said.

Newcastle Jets big new name signings Brandan O’Neill, Trent Buhagiar, Daniel Stynes and Callum Timmins will be given a chance to showcase their talent against an equally keen set of Coffs footballers.

The match will be played at 7pm on Thursday, August 25 at the C.ex stadium. Entry will be free.

Full team: