Change is good for Charlestown Azzurri

It has been an interesting off season up Highfields way, with plenty of changers on and off the field that’s kept everyone on their toes.

The biggest change was actually before the off-season had even begun with the Charlestown club opting to revert back to its roots with the name “Azzurri”. In the 90’s Highfields Azzurri was a dominant force, and it’s hoped that the name “Azzurri” will not only bring back the glory days, but also some old faces to once again cheer “Forza Azzurri” in the terraces at Lisle Carr Oval.

The other big change at Lisle Carr Oval was the appointment of a new coaching staff in almost every grade. Graham Law is the man in charge of the first team, and in a short space of time has already made an impression according to club President Roby Valentinis. “With Graham at the helm one of his main points is that he really wants to promote youth, I know a lot of clubs are trying to do that but he actually makes a big effort to watch the youth games and one of his main goals is to build from our youth and turn that youth into top quality players for the future”.

Whilst Azzurri has plenty of talented players coming through the ranks, Law has brought in a few handy acquisitions to bolster his squad for 2020. Regan Lundy joins from Weston along with Cal Bower from Lakes and Newcastle Jets Youth duo Jackson Frendo and Riley Smith will all add to an already strong squad which finished just 2 points out of the top 4 last season. The mixture of youth and experience that Charlestown has at its disposal may just be enough to push for the title in 2020 “We’re excited about the youth coming through and the new editions”. “Everything is running smoothly and we can’t wait for the season to commence” Valentinis said.

Azzurri has a couple more trials before their NPL season begins. On Thursday night they will take on Law’s old club Cooks Hill United before backing up on Saturday against Dudley-Redhead. Azzurri will kick-off their NPL campaign against Newcastle Olympic at home on Saturday March 21.

Gains: Regan Lundy (Weston), Daniel Bird (returning), Jackson Frendo (Newcastle Jets Youth), Cal Bower (Lake Macquarie City), Riley Smith (Jets Youth), Jack Wilkinson (Cooks Hill United).

Loses: Riley McNaughton (Lambton), Adam Hughes (Valentine), Tom Smart (Broadmeadow).