For Nelson Bay FC’s under-16s boys, the 2026 season brought one of the hardest challenges a football team can face.
The team lost coach, parent and much-loved club member Andy McKenzie unexpectedly during the season, leaving a lasting impact on the players, coaches and wider Nelson Bay FC community.
Andy had been part of the club for 12 years, giving his time as a coach, committee member, club referee and dedicated supporter. Team manager Louise Farrell said Andy had become a valued part of the Nelson Bay FC family.
“Andy was a valued and much-loved part of the club for the past 12 years, serving as a coach, committee member, club referee and also a dedicated supporter of NBFC,” Farrell said.
Andy’s family chose to honour his connection to the club in a way that would create a legacy. Rather than flowers at his memorial service, which was held at the Nelson Bay clubhouse, the family asked for donations towards the Andy McKenzie Stand.
The stand became a special place for the club throughout the finals, reflecting Andy’s love of watching football and supporting the teams around him.
For his sons, Arran and Conor, the stand also became a reminder that their dad would always be close by.
“The boys feel their dad will always be close by watching them and other teams play, as that’s what Andy loved,” Farrell said.
Arran, Andy’s eldest son, also stepped up to help coach the under-16s team throughout the season, alongside his brother Conor on the field.
A talented player himself, Arran brought his tactical knowledge and experience to the team, helping guide the boys through a season that tested them on and off the field.
The wider football community rallied around Nelson Bay during a difficult time.
Farrell thanked the team’s parents, Nelson Bay FC, Newcastle Football and the coaches and players from opposition clubs for the support they showed throughout the season.
“We are very grateful for the support we received from the parents, Nelson Bay FC, Newcastle Football, as well as from the coaches and players of the other teams we played against this year,” Farrell said.
Despite the challenges they faced, the boys continued to come together on the field.
After winning the premiership, Nelson Bay finished its season with a grand final victory over Cooks Hill after extra-time.
Cooks Hill earned a penalty in the final minute of extra-time but Nelson Bay goalkeeper Logan Parmigiani produced a crucial save to preserve the lead and secure the grand final victory.
For the players, coaches and families, the final whistle brought an emotional end to a season they will never forget.
“What a way to finish an emotional but amazing season. To see the smiles on every boy’s face when they were lying on the grass made the whole season worthwhile. We dedicated our grand final win to Andy McKenzie,” Farrell said
For Nelson Bay’s under-16s, the grand final victory was about more than a trophy. It was a season shaped by loss, strengthened by community and finished with the boys coming together to honour someone who had given so much to their club.