COACH ANNOUNCEMENT & PRE SEASON TRIALS/TRAINING
The club is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Boelen to head up the 2025 FQPL4 Men’s campaign, with the experienced coach’s arrival already signalling what will likely be a significantly stronger season ahead for the Eagles.
>>> TRIALS ANNOUNCED for Nov & Dec — Details & info at bottom of this post <<<
Mark is no stranger to success in this league, and his 2022 campaign with Murwillumbah notably delivered the double to the club, winning both the premiership and the grand final, whilst also earning the club promotion. That effort also delivered a Football Queensland FQPL4 Coach Of The Year accolade for Mark.
Mark Boelen and Gary Stone are fired up for the 2025 season at Nerang
With an extensive local playing history and coaching history across club’s such as Broadbeach, Mudgeeraba and Tweed, Mark’s knowledge of the Gold Coast football landscape is second to none, and he’s already made it clear he has no illusions in terms of returning Nerang to a promotion-worthy team across the next couple of seasons.
With several key yet-to-be named signings already bolstering the squad and an expectation of a stronger campaign on all fronts, there’s already been an influx of optimism around the club, something which
“I like to win, it can be infectious, and that’s what I’m going to look for here at Nerang — winning and losing, it can become a habit and we will be pushing to win,” said Mark.
“Nothing comes without the hard work and that’s the culture that we will develop — with the work, [winning] can happen.”
“This league can be scrappy sometimes, it’s hard to get out of. I have a style I like to play but you have to be ready to adapt.
“We’ll be really working to develop the right mix of players, a handful of young players and a good sprinkle of experience combined.”
“There’s only one way to go and that’s to go up, it’s a great club at Nerang with a lot of history and I’m excited for the season ahead — this is going to be a team which players will want to be part of.”
Joining Mark in the Reserve U23s will be returning Nerang Soccer Club veteran player/coach, Gary Stone.
Stone’s wealth of game experience (with an impressive 688 senior games under his belt for Nerang) and competitive drive is legendary, with a notable section of the shelves in the clubhouse already graced with silverware from his past campaigns coaching key junior, senior and women’s teams at the club.
Speaking on how many of his junior boys have followed Gary through into senior football, Garys says he’s optimisitic for a noticeable improvement in results into the 2025 season.
“I think [our boys] are going to do really well this season, they’re going to be a lot stronger, they know what they’re up for now, they know what they’re playing for.”
“I’m excited to be working with Mark, a new coach bringing in new things, I think it’s going to be great.”
“It’s always going to be a battle but we’re pushing for at least mid table, but I think top-four is the target and we’re more than capable,” said Gary.
“The boys improved massively towards the back end of last season which is great, and it showed in our results and stats, we should have won a lot more in the end but it’s definitely there.”
PRE SEASON TRIALS & TRAINING
Sessions are open to all interested/eligible/returning/new players – please turn up ready to play.
- 27 Nov 2024 – Alabaster West Field 1 – 6pm – 8pm
- 30 Nov 2024 – Location TBA
- 04 Dec 2024 – Alabaster West Field 2 – 6pm – 8pm
- 07 Dec 2024 – Location TBA
- 11 Dec 2024 – Alabaster West Field 1 – 6pm – 8pm
- 14 Dec 2024 – Location TBA
- 18 Dec 2024 – Alabaster West Field 1 – 6pm – 8pm
- 21 Dec 2024 – Location TBA
Contact head coach Mark Boelen for further info or enquiries — 0431 145 919
