Football South Coast (FSC) has announced the launch of FSC Academy, creating a new player pathway that gives more local players access to high-quality coaching while keeping community clubs at the centre of football.
For the first time, players will be able to progress through a connected pathway that links junior development, academy coaching, club football and representative opportunities under one association-led program.
For younger players, the Academy will deliver the Junior Development League (JDL), currently operated by South Coast Flame, for boys up to 12 years of age and girls up to 13 years of age.
Youth players will represent their community club while accessing additional coaching through FSC Academy and will have the opportunity to represent FSC at external tournaments and representative events.
The pathway has been designed to give more young players the opportunity to develop within our own football community, supported by quality coaching, strong clubs and representative opportunities as they progress through the game.
As part of these changes, 2026 will be the final playing season for South Coast Flame, with The Flame Board to start the process of winding up the organisation at the end of the 2026 season.
For the past decade, The Flame has made an outstanding contribution to football across the region, helping develop players, coaches and opportunities that have strengthened the game for everyone.
FSC Academy builds on those strong foundations by bringing together player development into a single association-led program, creating more opportunities for players to continue their development within our local football community.
FSC recognises that this announcement marks a significant change for the many players, families, coaches and volunteers who have been part of The Flame over the past 10 years.
Our priority is to ensure every current Flame player has a clear pathway into 2027.
The association will work closely with Wollongong Wolves, The Stingrays and our member clubs over the coming weeks to support current Flame players, coaches and families, to help every player continue their football journey in 2027.
We are also committed to retaining the experience and expertise that has helped make The Flame such an important part of football in our region. By working with Flame coaches and key personnel, we aim to ensure the values, knowledge and passion that have shaped player development over the past decade continue to benefit future generations of local footballers.
To recognise that contribution, FSC will establish The Flame Legacy Fund, which will provide player scholarships and support coach education to help ensure football development opportunities remain accessible to all.
FSC is committed to retaining coaching talent within the region and will work with The Flame personnel to maintain a strong coaching network across the Academy and the wider association.
FSC Chair Martin Rowney said the FSC Academy would strengthen opportunities for players while supporting the long-term future of community football.
“Our community clubs are where football begins, and they’ll continue to be at the heart of our game,” Mr Rowney said.
“FSC Academy has been designed to work alongside our clubs, giving players access to additional coaching and representative opportunities while continuing to play with their teammates each week. We believe that’s the best environment for young players to develop.”
“We’ve worked hard to create a pathway that keeps talented players connected to football in our region. Whether their ambition is to enjoy the game with friends, represent FSC, or pursue higher honours, we want there to be opportunities for them at every stage of their journey.”
Mr Rowney said it was important to acknowledge the contribution The Flame had made over the past decade.
“The Flame has played a significant role in shaping player and coach development in our region. We thank every player, coach, volunteer and family who has been part of that journey and helped build something the football community can be proud of.”
“FSC Academy builds on that legacy. Through the people involved, the coaching expertise we’ve developed and initiatives like The Flame Legacy Fund, we’ll ensure that contribution continues to benefit local football for many years to come.”
Expressions of interest for players and coaches interested in joining FSC Academy will open shortly, with further information on trials, coaching appointments and the 2027 program to be released in the coming weeks.
Further information on the FSC Academy: Click Here
