Their 2021 campaign might have been derailed by COVID-19 but that hasn't dampened the spirit of Southern Branch Inc and its players.
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The Ison Park-based club recently wrapped up its trials for the upcoming 2022 Football NSW season on November 12, with strong numbers in attendance across all grades.
Southern had 105 young footballers trial for their Skill Acquisition Program (SAP), which will feature 76 players across eight teams next year, while the club selected 64 from the 93 players available for their Association Youth Leagues sides (under 13s-16s) - highlighting the upwards trajectory of the club.
"Southern was in NPL 1 in early 2000s so was at its strongest then," Shoalhaven District Football Association technical director Mark Johnston said.
"We are rebuilding after some tough years - we now have a strong committee combined with quality coaches and players who are developing into skilful footballers.
"2022 is looking very positive, because in 2021 the under 13s, 14s and 15s were pressing for a top five position until COVID hit.
"We'll be looking to build on that and progress to as many finals series next season."
On top of that, next season will also be a landmark one for for the club - nominating an under 18 boys side for the first time in the Illawarra competition.
"Shoalhaven football's aim is to provide a pathway for the boys and believe entering into the Wollongong competition is a step in the right direction," Johnston said.
"Moving forward looking to enter senior teams in Wollongong in the next two to three years - just as we did between the years 2005 to 2008."
As well as their continued training efforts, the club will travel to Canberra on December 5 for their first trial match against Brindabella.
The club, which trains every Tuesday and Thursday at South Nowra's Ison Park, will then continue to train up until Christmas - where their break will run through until January 11.
Southern will then travel to Macarthur on January 30 for their second lot of trial games, then their four AYL sides will head to the Bathurst Cup in February,