The Belrose-Terrey Hills Raiders Soccer Club‘s junior teams stormed the state finals at Valentine Sports Park, returning home to their community with two prestigious Champion of Champions trophies.
A Remarkable Season
The twin triumphs at Valentine Sports Park cap off an outstanding 2025 campaign for the Terrey Hills-based club, which operates within the Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA). Club President Samantha Cheesman expressed immense pride in both teams, highlighting their exceptional quality, consistency, and character throughout the demanding season. The club’s strong showing was further emphasised by the fact that a record five BTH junior teams represented the club in the tournament.
An Unprecedented Run of Success
The Under 15s team, guided by coaches Duncan Kerr, Nate Gray, and Luke Garrard, has officially etched its name into local football history. This Champion of Champions title is the latest addition to a 2025 season that already included winning the MWFA Premiership, the Grand Final, and the joint NSFA Cup. This success builds on their incredible 2024 season, where they achieved an unprecedented five-title sweep, securing their place as one of the most decorated junior sides in the association’s history. Ms Cheesman noted that their consistency over the past three years has been remarkable.
A Dream Finish for U17s
For the Under 17s, the championship victory was a perfect finish to their long journey together as a group. Led by coach Ben Sinclair since 2021, the team has grown together as both players and friends. Having narrowly missed out on winning the U17 State Cup final earlier in the year, the team’s triumph at the Champion of Champions was described as a fitting reward for their persistence and teamwork.
The Secret to Success: Community and Loyalty
Beyond the trophies, the club’s success is being attributed to a foundational culture of loyalty and community. Ms. Cheesman explained that the club’s key strength is the longevity of its players and coaches, which builds mateship, trust, and mutual respect over time. Many players in the dominant U15 squad have been with BTH since they were six years old, coached by Nate Gray throughout their entire journey.
This focus on developing well-rounded individuals is also shown off the pitch. This year, a dozen players completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award by mentoring younger BTH teams. This stable and nurturing environment has also proven to be an effective development pathway, with several players progressing into representative and NPL programs. One standout player now represents Australia in the Junior Matildas and has signed with Sydney FC.
‘More Than Just a Football Club’
For a small community club like Belrose-Terrey Hills, winning on the state’s biggest stage carries profound meaning. Ms. Cheesman stated that these results show a club does not need to be large or flashy to achieve great results, and that BTH provides a quality football experience for players capable of competing with the best in NSW.
She praised the dedicated coaching staff, managers, and the tireless committee of volunteers for creating this challenging yet supportive environment. Now in her ninth season with the club after first joining with her two children in 2017, Ms Cheesman reflected that watching these young players grow into confident athletes is like watching family succeed, making all the volunteer hours worthwhile. She described BTH as more than just a football club, but as a community where these results are the outcome of years of shared passion.
Published Date 22-October-2025
