MEDOWIE Football Club’s all-conquering Under 14 boys team are the pride of the region after etching their names in the record books.
The talented young Bumblebees created history when they lifted the prestigious Northern NSW Football Champion of Champions trophy at Coffs Harbour – becoming the first Medowie FC side to achieve the feat.
In an epic final against rivals Nelson Bay FC, the Medowie colts won a thrilling penalty shoot out to be crowned tournament champions.
The Champion of Champions trophy success helped erase the disappointment of Medowie’s 1-0 knockout semi-final loss to Maitland Magpies in the Newcastle Football Interdistrict Under 14 A-Grade competition.
It was the team’s only loss of the 2025 season, after finishing undefeated minor premiers.
Nelson Bay FC later downed the Magpies in the Grand Final decider.
Still reeling after their semi-final loss, the boys set their sights on the Champion of Champions tournament and made the trek up north with a steely purpose and desire for more silverware.
It took an almighty effort – with just 13 determined players – but what unfolded for the Medowie club after three scorching days will go down as a significant moment in the Bumblebees’ proud history.
Battling through the heat, Medowie played two games a day and showed incredible grit from the opening whistle.
The boys kicked off with a 2–1 victory over Nelson Bay before backing it up with a hard-fought 1–0 victory against Coffs City. A narrow 1–0 loss to Bellingen in their third match left Medowie sitting second on the table after the regulation rounds; setting up a rematch with Bellingen in the semi-final.
Stung by the earlier defeat, Medowie turned on the style with a dominant performance but struggled to convert with the breakthrough finally eventuating after 37 tense minutes when the Bumblebees struck from halfway.
Medowie then held firm in defence to secure a 1–0 win and a spot in the Under 14s tournament Grand Final.
On the other side of the draw Nelson Bay FC, who had finished fourth after the regulation fixtures, defeated top-ranked Coffs City to book their place in the decider.
The championship final was a battle for the ages.
After 40 minutes of end-to-end action, neither side could be separated, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Nelson Bay scored their first two penalties, as did Medowie.
Then came the turning point.
Talented goalkeeper Jaxon Everill pulled off a diving save to deny Nelson Bay’s third attempt and give Medowie the lead – 3–2.
Spring-heeled Jaxon wasn’t done there, producing two more brilliant saves including a one-handed stop to seal the victory.
As the final whistle blew, the entire team sprinted to Everill in celebration in a moment of pure joy and relief.
Medowie Head Coach Jaye Walker told News Of The Area that the week was “one to savour.”
“It was an amazing experience staying together at the caravan park with the whole team,” he reflected.
“For parents to take time off work and pay for accommodation so the boys could have this opportunity was something special.
“The support from parents and siblings in every game was unreal. We definitely had the biggest supporter base there.”
Walker also credited team manager Phil Lavender for his enormous effort throughout the season and during the tournament.
“Phil has been incredible, he made the whole week enjoyable and fun for everyone – always keeping spirits high, cracking jokes, and making sure the boys were relaxed and ready to go.
“His support for me and the players has been second to none and he’s a huge part of what makes this team so special.”
Since forming, the team has enjoyed phenomenal success – winning minor premiership and Grand Final championships as Under 12s and Under 13s in the Newcastle Football Interdistrict series.
Medowie’s three mainstays this season have been rising keeper Everill with six clean sheets; emerging striker and skipper Lincoln Prout, who topped the goal scorers’ list with 14, and gifted centre back Owen Kempf, a virtual brick wall in the Bumblebees defensive line.
Other top prospects in a superb team effort were Noah Davison, Dylan Blue, vice captain Taylor Walker, Quincey Wilson, Tyler Lavender, Hudson Turner, Jonnie Andrijic, Flynn Tolhurst, Jack Blue, Travis Hayes, Jarryd Stein and Leo Marland.
Assistant coach was Samantha Cartwright with Alice Lavender the tireless assistant manager.
Seven of the Medowie players – Jack Blue (Under 12s), Walker (Under 13s) and Prout, Marland, Tolhurst, Wilson and Lavender (Under 14s) also helped Newcastle junior representative teams win Community State championship titles this season.
“The Champion of Champions triumph took a huge amount of hard work and belief. It’s an incredibly meaningful moment for me — I’m so proud of the boys and it’s something I’ll never forget,” Walker added.
By Chris KARAS
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