Evergreen Peter Hamshaw honoured with life membership at Nelson Bay FC

AN opportunity to coach his son has reinvigorated the soccer career of Salamander Bay school teacher Peter Hamshaw.

It has been a rewarding two decades for the Nelson Bay Football Club stalwart, who still enjoys shutting down rival attacks as a no-nonsense defender in the Zone competition at the age of 58.

While evergreen Peter has maintained his on-field competitive juices over the years, his ability to inspire young football hopefuls and senior comrades in a coaching capacity has shone through like a beacon.

His value as a player, coach/mentor and hard working volunteer was recognised recently when he was bestowed with life membership of his beloved Nelson Bay soccer Marlins.

Peter was one of two club legends inducted – joining great mate Daniel McKenzie on a distinguished honour roll.

“This is a proud moment for my family and an achievement I’ll always treasure,” reflected Hamshaw, who is the deputy principal at Shoal Bay Public School.

“Soccer is a real passion of mine and I’ve been able to play and coach at such a great family club like Nelson Bay FC for much of my career,” exclaimed Peter.

“I get to experience it all with a great bunch of blokes,” he added.

Originally from Lismore, the experienced defender began his soccer journey at the age of five with Richmond Rovers FC before moving to Port Stephens in 1990.

He played with Nelson Bay United for twelve seasons before switching to Nelson Bay FC and starting a successful coaching reign with his son Jordan’s Under 6 juniors squad.

In eighteen years of coaching, an astute Hamshaw has shaped the fortunes of many of the club’s aspiring junior and senior players across the inter district and Zone competitions.

A personal highlight was playing alongside son Jordan – now aged 27 – in the Over 35s category.

Jordan, a promising midfielder-defender, is now established in the club’s All Age men’s squad where he continues to turn in consistent displays.

After a ten year playing hiatus, an injury-free Peter made a welcome return to the Marlins’ Over 35s ranks this season where his vast experience came to the fore.

“Many of the juniors I’ve coached have transitioned into the club’s senior ranks over the years and this gives me much fulfilment,” exclaimed Peter.

“I haven’t lost the desire to mentor our players and am still keen to pull on the boots again next season with the Over 35s third grade side,” he added.

By Chris KARAS