Despite facing all-important showdowns this weekend, the Newcastle Jets continue to spread the footballing gospel in the region.

Nearly 9,500 students from more than 100 Hunter schools have participated in the A-League club’s Jets:LEARN program throughout 2024.

Delivered in partnership with Greater Bank, the initiative helps pupils stay active, build life skills and connect with their sporting heroes.

And, in an exciting addition, 20 of them – All Saints College Maitland, Cessnock West Public, Charlestown South Public, Dudley Public, Gillieston Public, Glendale East Public, Hunter Valley Grammar, Islington Public, Medowie Public, Merewether Heights Public, New Lambton South Public, Our Lady of Lourdes, Tarro, Rathmines Public, Salt Ash Public, Shortland Public, St Kevin’s Cardiff, St. Columban’s Primary Mayfield, Tanilba Bay Public, Waratah Public and Weston Public – will now host Newcastle ALW and ALM players for exclusive clinics over the coming weeks.

These visits bring professional athletes directly into schoolyards, offering students hands-on coaching and an unforgettable experience.

“Seeing the youngsters light up as they interact with our players is what makes Jets:LEARN so special,” customer and community general manager Matt Starr said.

“These clinics are about inspiring young people to believe in themselves, work as a team and stay active, all while having fun.”

The program’s four-week curriculum is carefully designed to align with the NSW Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus.

Through a mix of football training sessions and lessons in confidence, teamwork and resilience, students are gaining valuable skills both on and off the field.

In the meantime, both the ALW and ALM outfits face Adelaide United.

The women travel to ServiceFM Stadium on Sunday 8 December while, 24 hours earlier, the men return to McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time in more than a month.

“I can’t wait,” skipper Kosta Grozos said.

“We’ve been travelling around Australia and New Zealand for about four or five weeks.

“So, the boys are excited to play in front of our fans again.

“Plus, it’ll be nice to sleep in our own beds for a change.

“While the results haven’t gone our way, I think we’re playing good football.

“We’re creating a lot of chances but not finding the back of the net, which is frustrating.

“Maybe, we need to be a bit more aggressive.

“We showed we could take it up to Auckland, so we shouldn’t be scared of anyone.”

Adelaide sits in third spot on the ladder, eight positions above Newcastle.

But, that means nothing at the end of the day, according to Grozos.

“We matched it with undefeated Auckland for 70-odd minutes,” he said.

“Our opponents [on Saturday] are always good, every year.

“So, I don’t expect anything different.

“However, we need to stay positive and stick to what we’re doing well.

“There were many good things to come out of the F3 Derby clash with Central Coast and again with Auckland.

“But, it’s time we matched our good performances with victories.

“It’s the results that matter.

“So, first and foremost, it’s important to secure a win and three competition points at home.

“And, we must deliver a strong performance to ensure our fans keep coming back.

“Hopefully, we’ll have another big crowd cheering us on.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Arvidson will play the Newcastle song at McDonald Jones Stadium.

More than 20 years ago, he took the community by storm when he played in front of thousands of Novocastrians at Foreshore Park after the 2001 NRL grand final.

Now, in partnership with the Jets, Arvidson has re-recorded his iconic anthem with an updated version.

He’ll unveil that for the first time this weekend.

Fans can purchase tickets for the Isuzu Ute A-League clash at www.newcastlejetsfc.com.au

Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United

McDonald Jones Stadium
6pm: Saturday 7 December

• Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Ryan Scott, 4. Phillip Cancar, 6. Matthew Scarcella, 7. Eli Adams, 9. Lachlan Rose, 10. Wellissol, 13. Clayton Taylor, 14. Dane Ingham, 15. Aleksandar Šušnjar, 17. Kosta Grozos, 19. Callum Timmins, 21. Noah James, 22. Ben Gibson, 23. Daniel Wilmering, 27. Nathan Grimaldi, 28. Will Dobson, 29. Justin Vidic, 33. Mark Natta, 37. Lachlan Bayliss, 39. Thomas Aquilina
• Adelaide United squad: 1. James Delianov, 3. Bart Vriends, 6. Stefan Mauk, 7. Ryan Kitto, 8. Isaías, 9. Luka Jovanovic, 10. Zach Clough, 12. Jonny Yull, 13. Max Vartuli, 14. Jay Barnett, 17. Ben Folami, 19. Yaya Dukuly, 20. Dylan Pierias, 26. Archie Goodwin, 27. Josh Cavallo, 36. Panashe Madanha, 42. Austin Ayoubi, 44. Ryan White, 51. Panagiotis Kikianis, 55. Ethan Alagich

For more sports stories:

• ALM: Jets to honour inaugural players, former stars
• ALW: Jets defender Prior looks like a key find for Matildas
• ALM: Friendships pushed to the side when ex-Jet returns to Newcastle

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