Charlestown Azzurri FC

Last updated

Charlestown azzurri logo.png
Full nameCharlestown Azzurri Football Club
Nickname(s)Azzurri
Founded1963
GroundLisle Carr Oval
Capacity3000
Coordinates 32°58′42″S151°42′54″E / 32.978419°S 151.714924°E / -32.978419; 151.714924
PresidentRoby Valentinis
Head coachJames Pascoe
League NPL NNSW
2024 4th of 12
Website http://www.charlestownazzurri.com/

Charlestown Azzurri FC (formerly Charlestown City Blues FC) is an Australian soccer club based in Whitebridge, a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales. The club currently competes in the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW (NPL NNSW).

Contents

[1]

History

Charlestown United was founded in 1900, while Hamilton Azzurri was founded in 1963 which later became Highfields Azzurri during the 1970s. In 2006, Highfields Azzurri became Azzurri FC. In 2009, Football Federation Australia forced Azzurri to change its name. [2]

After the 2009 season, the club became Charlestown City Blues FC, when Azzurri FC and Charlestown United merged. [3]

In 2014, Charlestown City was accepted into the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW (NPL NNSW). The Blues finished in 4th place in the first season of the NPL NNSW, qualifying for the finals series. [4]

In October 2017, Azzurri announced the signing of former Socceroo Ljubo Milicevic. [5]

The 2018 season saw Charlestown finish in 6th place in the league. Scott Smith and Kane Goodchild were the side's leading goalscorers with 7 goals each. The club also enjoyed FFA Cup success, progressing to the round of 32 for the first time in their history, where they were defeated by Heidelberg United. 2022 saw finals football return to Azzuri under now ex-manager Graham Law. A team led by Nigel Boogard and Taylor Regan finished 4th and fell at the hands of Newcastle Olympic in the 4th v 5th playoff game.

The club will change its name to Charlestown Azzurri for the 2020 season, and will also unveil a new crest, returning to its traditional red, white and green colours, acknowledging its Italian heritage. [6]

2023 invited a new look for Azzuri who under new management of James Pascoe finished the season in 3rd place. After a strong start to the season, injuries and the loss of goalkeeper Nate Archibald saw Charlestown's form drop towards the end of the season. Azzuri lost to Broadmedow magic in the first round of the finals before going on to beat the Weston Bears 1-0 at their home ground (Lisle Carr). Following this Azzuri would once again face magic where they were unsuccessful resulting in the Azzuri boys falling just short of a grand final appearance.

Current squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
— GK Flag placeholder.svg Nathan Archbold
—CBFlag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Nigel Boogaard
—CBFlag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Taylor Regan
—CAMFlag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Jacob Melling
—CMFlag placeholder.svg Caleb Walz
—RBFlag placeholder.svg Callum Bower
—RWFlag placeholder.svg Dean Petit
—STFlag placeholder.svg Kyle Munns
— GK Flag placeholder.svg George Scorer
—ForwardFlag placeholder.svg Harrison Frendo
No.Pos.NationPlayer
—CDMFlag placeholder.svg Jackson Frendo
—CDM/RBFlag placeholder.svg Jethro Elkington
—CBFlag placeholder.svg Jett White
— DF Flag placeholder.svg Luke Callen
—LW/CAMFlag placeholder.svg Regan Lundy
—STFlag placeholder.svg Rene Ferguson
—STFlag placeholder.svg Ryan Frame
—LWFlag placeholder.svg Miguel Herrera

Club Legends

[7] [8]

Life members

References

  1. ↑ "Home | Northern NSW Football". www.northernnswfootball.com.au. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  2. ↑ Kerry, Craig (6 September 2018). "Blue steel: Charlestown vow to continue fight to regain Azzurri name". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  3. ↑ Kerry, Craig (28 July 2011). "Azzurri and Charlestown United combine for NNSW State League". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  4. ↑ "Home | Northern NSW Football". www.northernnswfootball.com.au. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Kerry, Craig (27 October 2017). "Ljubo back to boost Blues after dark days". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  6. ↑ "CHARLESTOWN CITY TO BECOME CHARLESTOWN AZZURRI". NBN News. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
  7. ↑ "About | Charlestown Azzurri" . Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  8. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
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