Sitting third on the NPL Men’s NNSW table with seven wins, four draws and just three losses, it is remarkable to think Belmont Swansea United has only been part of the competition for 18 months.
Yet for BelSwans head coach Michael Stafford, the success his side has enjoyed in 2026 is just the beginning of something much bigger for a club that continues to hold its own against some of the region’s most established teams.
“We've still got to look back and think, we've been in NPL for 18 months,” Stafford said following his side’s draw with Valentine FC in round 12.
“People are celebrating. An established club like Valentine are celebrating a draw with BelSwans. That just makes me happier and happier.
“It's all about perspective. I think we're travelling well.”
Had you asked Stafford the same question six months ago, the response may have been very different after BelSwans experienced significant player turnover following the 2025 season.
Their inaugural campaign in the competition saw BelSwans avoid relegation and finish 10th with four wins, eight draws and 10 losses. For Stafford, the resilience shown during that season laid the foundations for the club’s current success.
“I think it was a success to stay in the league [last year], with our resources, [and] considering how quickly we had been promoted,” Stafford said.
“We were dealt a blow when we lost some real key players. There was an instant rebuild.
“It was nervous around Christmas time about how we were going to replace the players we lost.
“But I think the 2025 season earned our club a bit of respect, and the conversations became easier. We were able to recruit not only players, but experienced 150 to 200-game NPL players.
“The key was the three visa signings, who have been absolutely quality. The cleanout probably made me work harder as a coach to secure more experienced and talented players. Otherwise, I think we would have kept the same group and battled away again.
“Everything happens for a reason. The boys we've got as people and characters are the best I've seen. It is probably the best and tightest group I've coached in 10 years at the club.”
For Stafford, the success in 2026 is about more than results on the field. He hopes BelSwans’ growing presence in the NPL NNSW can become a launching pad for players, both locally and internationally, to develop their craft and pursue higher honours.
A key part of that vision is ensuring the club remains connected to its community roots while continuing to grow.
“I don't think anyone at the club would have believed 10 years ago where we're at [now],” Stafford said.
“It's based on the hard work of not just the people here now, but many people who have worked hard on and off the field in the past to get BelSwans to the position we're in now. I always get excited when I see them at games, continuing to support the club.
“We continue to punch above our weight, but it's through sheer hard work, energy and enthusiasm from local people.
“Our centre-back is our social media coordinator. Our six is our club physio. Our right-back is our strength and conditioning coach. Our goalkeeper coach marks the lines and mows the field.
“We're very grassroots, but it also creates a big buy-in from everyone. We're all working hard and we've all got a piece of it when we get the results.
“If we can continue that in the next few years, I really think we can solidify our place in the NPL and, in turn, strengthen the pathway for the young players and families who have put in the hard work before us.”