Discover Berkeley Vale Soccer Club FB: Latest Updates, Events and Team News
2025-11-15 13:00
Walking through the gates of Berkeley Vale Soccer Club last Saturday felt like stepping into a living scrapbook of my own memories. The familiar scent of freshly cut grass mixed with that distinct damp-earth aroma after a morning shower, the echoing shouts from adjacent fields, even the way the afternoon light filters through the eucalyptus trees bordering the pitch—it all remains remarkably unchanged. This consistency strikes me as both comforting and significant in today's rapidly evolving sports landscape. I've been following this club for over eight years now, through multiple seasons and various divisions, and I can genuinely say what makes Berkeley Vale special is precisely what our Filipino friends might describe as "Same same pa rin naman, walang nagbago"—the heart of the club remains beautifully consistent even as we grow.
This season has brought some exciting developments while maintaining that essential Berkeley Vale character. Our first team currently sits third in the League One table with 42 points from 21 matches, just seven points behind the leaders with a game in hand. What's particularly impressive is our defensive record—we've conceded only 18 goals, the second-best in the division. I've watched nearly every home game this season, and the defensive organization under Coach Thompson has been nothing short of transformative. Remember last season when we struggled with set-piece defense? Well, we've reduced goals conceded from corners by 68% compared to the previous campaign. That's not just luck; that's systematic improvement while keeping our attacking philosophy intact.
The youth academy continues to be the lifeblood of our club, and having volunteered as a coaching assistant for the U14s last month, I witnessed firsthand how we're developing the next generation. We currently have 127 registered players across seven youth teams, with our U16s sitting top of their division. What struck me during my sessions was how the club culture permeates through all age groups—the same emphasis on technical development combined with sportsmanship, the same community values. While other clubs constantly reinvent themselves chasing trends, we've maintained what I consider the golden thread of Berkeley Vale's identity: developing technically proficient players who understand the game's nuances while remaining grounded individuals.
Our community engagement has expanded significantly this year, yet the essence remains unchanged. We've hosted three major community events since January, attracting approximately 2,300 participants across football clinics, family days, and coaching workshops. The annual Berkeley Vale Summer Festival in July broke attendance records with over 1,400 people—a 23% increase from last year. But what continues to impress me isn't the numbers; it's the atmosphere. The same family-friendly vibe, the same volunteers who've been here for decades, the same sense of belonging that transcends wins and losses. I spoke with Martha Higgins, who's been coordinating our community events since 2005, and she put it perfectly: "The decorations might get fancier and the attendance bigger, but the soul of these events hasn't changed one bit."
Financially, the club has shown remarkable stability while investing in necessary improvements. Our membership has grown to 843 paid members—a club record—and merchandise sales increased by 34% compared to this time last year. We've allocated approximately £45,000 toward pitch improvements and facility upgrades, including new floodlights that will allow for evening training sessions starting next month. What's noteworthy is how we've managed this growth without compromising our values. Unlike some clubs that chase commercial opportunities at the expense of their identity, we've carefully selected partnerships that align with our community focus. Our three principal sponsors have been with us for an average of six years—a testament to these relationships being about more than just logos on jerseys.
Looking ahead, the foundation we've maintained positions us beautifully for future challenges. The women's team continues its impressive trajectory, currently second in their division with genuine promotion prospects. Our partnership with the local council has secured funding for the disability football program launching in September, which I'm particularly excited about as it represents both growth and inclusion—expanding our reach while staying true to our inclusive ethos. Sometimes in football, the temptation to constantly reinvent can be overwhelming, but Berkeley Vale's strength lies in understanding what shouldn't change even as we evolve. The camaraderie in the clubhouse after matches, the way senior players mentor youngsters, the connection to our community—these are the constants that form our foundation. As we continue through this season and beyond, this balance between progress and preservation will remain our guiding principle, ensuring that while we strive for success on the pitch, we never lose what makes Berkeley Vale truly special.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
