Woodside Warriors Soccer Club, Adelaide Hills

Our U11s were Runner's Up at the AHJFA Carnival at Strathalbyn Strikers Soccer Club over the weekend. A hard fight in windy conditions against Stirling Districts White where the game ended up going to extra time. Go Woodside!

FOOTBALL DONE RIGHT

I just wanted to play. When Lee Maker put the call out for players to sign up for Woodside’s inaugural Seniors team in 2014, I put my hand up because I just wanted to play.

Before the first pre-season training kicked off we had an opportunity to meet the coach and all the players. It was a young team. A kid called Zac Ferguson was one of those players.

The season kicked off and it was obvious that we had work to do. This is a nice way of saying that we weren’t very good. Moments of brilliance were rare, goals weren’t even on the horizon and wins were but a dream.

In a game against Sturt Lions on their sandy, hole-ridden pitch, well before there was even talk of the plastic grass that is there today, Zac charged down the right wing, ball at his feet. He launched it towards the goal mouth. Tales vary between him taking a shot to him just looking for a cross. Either way, the wind encouraged it over the keeper’s reach and into the net. At that moment we were the best team in the world.

Over the years we’ve scored many goals and we’ve won a few games. We’ve never won a season, but we’ve been close. We’ve had a few tussles and a few tense moments where aggressive behaviour was on display. Everyone has their moments and I was no different.

A bump or a shove, a word exchange, and I was ready to get into it. I’m not small, I can do this. It only happened a couple of times, and a few more times for others. Every time there was someone there, quelling a potential storm with an unbreakably calm demeanour. I’m talking about Zac Ferguson of course.

Zac is relentlessly positive. I’m sure he’s had his moments where strong words like ‘damn’, ‘darn’ or ‘dang’ were used, but, most likely without even realising it, he’s played a key role in defining who the Woodside Warriors are, particularly the Senior Men.

I signed up in 2014 because I just wanted to play. Being inspired by someone many years my junior was not on the cards.

Zac Ferguson will take to the pitch today for his 250th game. He’ll lead the team against Hahndorf at Woodside Warriors Soccer Club, Adelaide Hills at 1pm. Get there if you can.

CONGRATULATIONS ZAC!

– Bruce Tonkin (on behalf of the club)

Woodside's U13 Gold team played their final game this week. It was a catch up game that they won comfortably, securing them the league win by a single point. Phew!

It's worth noting that this team is predominantly made up of players that are eligible for U11. The rest are U12. Coach Bob encouraged everyone to play up a grade "just for the challenge".

Well done players, parents and supporters!

FOOTBALL DONE RIGHT

I think everyone would agree that our canteen has been rather splendid this year! Big thanks to Rob Anns of Progressive Electrical for all his electrical work on it this season.

Rob's company offers a comprehensive range of electrical services, including residential, commercial, and industrial installations, repairs, and upgrades. They also specialise in illuminated signage solutions, providing custom LED and lightbox signs.

Get in touch with Rob via 0412 366 338, [email protected] or https://progressivesa.com.au/

Big congratulations to Maggie and Charli! ⚽️🎉

It’s been incredible to watch these two grow every step of the way—from starting their football journeys right here with the Woodside Warriors and representing the AHJFA, to stepping up into WNPL club football, and now taking another massive leap forward.

Recently both girls were invited to attend Football Australia’s Talent Identification (TID) session—a fantastic recognition of their continued hard work, dedication, and growth in the game.

Seeing local grassroots pathways lead players from the Warriors and AHJFA into the WNPL environment and onto the national radar is what it's all about. We couldn't be prouder of you both. Keep working hard and chasing your goals, girls!

Wrapping up our Neuroblastoma Australia fundraiser, we've held the draw for the raffle. Results as follows.

1st Prize – Lauren
2nd Prize – Sid
3rd Prize – Bruno
4th Prize – Lisa

Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket!

Beerenberg
2AM Kickoff
Jurlique
Chaballo - Equestrian & Lifestyle
Berrigan Wines
Sidewood Estate
Animals Anonymous
Balance Remedial Massage - Lobethal
Woodside Newsagency

+ Donations from the Woodside Warriors Ladies Team

We're so, so lucky to live in such a great community at Woodside. This was evident with our recent fundraising efforts dedicated to Neuroblastoma Australia on behalf of one of our players.

With the help of the parents, the partners, the players, as well as the wider community, we managed to raise $6,600 (and still counting). These funds came via a couple of events, including 100% of the profits made from our annual quiz night.

We'd like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations.

Armadillo, Balhannah Nurseries, Bruce's Meat, Girl Friday, Gomersal Wines, Lenswood Cider Co, LeRêve, Balhannah Mitre 10, Neutrog, Nourished Ground, Reform Distilling, Stone Built Cabinetmakers, The Garden Depot, TL Hire, True Hair Collective, Williams & Taylor Artisanal Hampers, Woodside Newsagency.

Well done to everyone involved!

FOOTBALL DONE RIGHT

Now's the time to get involved! ❤️💙

Love the Warriors? Want to help make our club even better? Or maybe you just fancy having a say in what happens behind the scenes?

Our AGM is coming up and we'd love to see some new faces join our committee!

You don't need to know everything about running a soccer club, or even how to play - just bring ideas, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. There's a job for everyone, big or small.

See you there! 23rd September, 7pm at the Club!

🆚 U7 Blue vs Strathalbyn A
📍 Woodside Oval
📅 15 August 2026

What a different kind of match for our U7 Blues today! With Strathalbyn arriving with only three players, our Warriors stepped up to help, rotating across to play for Strathalbyn in 10-minute blocks so everyone could enjoy a proper 5-a-side game. 🤝⚽

That meant our boys weren't just playing hard — they were adapting to different teammates, swapping sides and showing fantastic sportsmanship along the way. We were also joined by Will, who jumped straight into the action, did a brilliant job and helped make the game possible. Welcome, Will! 👏🌟

Despite all the swapping and changing, Woodside kept up the pressure and came away with a fantastic 4–0 win! 🎉

🌟 Player Highlights 🌟

🛡️ Alfie

What an effort from Alfie! On a muddy, wet and seriously slippery pitch, he pulled off a brilliant sliding goal save in the first half that helped keep Strathalbyn scoreless! 🌧️🛝⚽ He also took a knock to the tummy but showed plenty of determination and managed to play on. Tough stuff!

⚽ Jasper – 1 Goal

Usually known for his defensive strength, Jasper showed he can make an impact at the other end too! He found the back of the net with a fantastic goal, while continuing to bring his usual strength and determination wherever he was needed. 🛡️➡️⚽

⚡ Rory

Rory brought plenty of energy and attacking pressure before unfortunately picking up an injury that saw him sit out the final 15 minutes. He'd already put in a huge effort for the team, and we hope he's back racing around the pitch very soon! 💙

⚽⚽ Jameson – 2 Goals

Two more goals for Jameson! 🔥 His fancy footwork, determination and attacking instinct were on display again, but just as importantly, he continued looking for his teammates and creating opportunities around him. Another brilliant performance!

✨ Ryder

Ryder brought plenty of clever movement, fancy footwork and confidence on the ball. He kept looking for passes, finding space and moving the play forward — another really strong all-round performance. 👏

🚀 Arthur – 1 Goal

Another goal for Arthur! ⚽ Those long legs covered some serious ground as he powered through the slippery conditions, chased down the ball and kept the pressure on. A brilliant reward for another determined performance.

💙 Tommy

Tommy once again showed why he's such a great all-round team player. He adapted to the unusual rotations, worked hard wherever he was needed and continued supporting the players around him. A fantastic team-first attitude!

👋 Will

A huge welcome to Will, who jumped into a pretty unusual first game and did a fantastic job! With players swapping teams and positions throughout the match, Will got involved, worked hard and looked right at home on the pitch. 🌟⚽

🌧️ Mud, Slides & Sunshine! ☀️

The pitch was wet, muddy and very slidey, which made for some spectacular tackles, saves and a few unplanned slides! 😄 Then the sun came out and we were treated to some brilliant passages of soccer from all the kids.

And while a 4–0 win is certainly something to celebrate, today's biggest win was probably the sportsmanship. Our Warriors helped Strathalbyn field a team, played alongside different teammates, swapped colours throughout the game and still gave everything they had regardless of which side they were playing for. 💙🤝

👏 Big Thank You's 👏

🍊 Thank you to the Beaumont family for providing the fruit.

🧑‍⚖️ Thank you to Dave Ward for refereeing.

⚽ A huge thank you to Coach Alex for somehow keeping everyone organised through all those rotations!

🙌 And thank you to all our families for helping with setup, pack down and supporting all the kids from the sidelines.

Four goals. A clean sheet. Great sportsmanship. And another win for Woodside Warriors U7 Blue! 💙🏆⚽

Well done, Warriors! 🌟

We’re seeing 🩷👚🎀 PINK 🎀👚🩷 at Woodside this morning!

Come and see us at the trading table or the canteen to pick up some goodies and support a WOODworthy cause! 🤩