Josh Bartlett

"It gives a more equitable pathway for everybody to continue playing." The increasing popularity of walking football in the Illawarra is proving that it's never too late for people to don the shin pads and play. Story: @barto0612 @FSC_Official, @UOW illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"It feels very special." Michelle Heyman's remarkable career resurgence has continued after the @CanberraUnited star was on Thursday named captain of @thepfa's @aleaguewomen's 2023/24 team of the season. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"We're riding that wave of excitement continuously." Women's football continues to thrive in the Illawarra, and the @FSC_Official community is ready to stop and celebrate these exciting achievements. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"We needed that win... and hopefully we can get a streak going." They were far from their best, but @WollongongUtd have got their @FSC_Official Premier League campaign back on track with a gritty 2-0 victory over @PortKemblaFC on Sunday. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"It is for anyone who wants to play a sport that is very inclusive of gender, ability level, size or shape." A renewed campaign is under way for @aflnswact to bring an AFL Wheelchair program to Wollongong. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

Can @Blueysone and @SCUFC continue their winning ways? And are @APWEOfficial flying under the radar? These are some of the key talking points ahead of round eight of the @FSC_Official Illawarra Premier League. Analysis by @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"He's always had a very good character and he was a born leader." Newly-minted @brisbaneroar @aleaguemen head coach Ruben Zadkovich's leadership skills were evident from his tender years playing football at grounds around the Illawarra. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"It is my home away from home, it's a second family." Danika Matos's future remains safely in red and black, with the Lake Illawarra talent electing to extend her stay with @aleaguewomen club, @wswanderersfc. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"I've missed that winning feeling." She was challenged from start to finish, but @swetriath rising star Tilda Mansson emerged victorious in the @worldtriathlon Cup elite women's race in Wollongong on Saturday. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"It's special to be here in Wollongong." It's not quite a homecoming for @CharMcShane on Saturday, but the @AusTriathlon star hopes her strong Illawarra knowledge will put her in good stead at this weekend's @worldtriathlon Cup. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"Being such a young squad, another pre-season under the belt will go a long way for these young guys." They took a huge step forward in 2023, and Shellharbour are now keen to take it to the next level in this year's @AFLSC competition. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

Shellharbour teen Indiana Dos Santos's star continues to rise rapidly, with the @SydneyFC talent picked to represent the @FootballAUS Junior Matildas at next month's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup in Indonesia. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"You've got to be patient and bide your time, and I think that's what I've done this year." It's not been all smooth sailing for @joelking_5 this @aleaguemen season, but he is now in a good position to reap some rewards with @SydneyFC. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

Whatever @WollGongWOLVES coach David Carney said to his troops at halftime on Saturday night against St George, it should be bottled up like liquid gold. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"We're too fit, we're too good and too fast as well." @FcConiston have fired a warning shot to their @FSC_Official Illawarra Premier League rivals after thrashing fellow contender @wgongolympic 3-0 on Saturday. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"The girls are keen to grow, learn and improve." Kyle Emley says he is excited about the impressive talent in Figtree after being named the Saints' new head coach for the 2024 @AFLSC season. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

@FcConiston gaffer Franc Pierro says they are focusing on themselves, not their opposition as they prepare for Saturday's @FSC_Official Illawarra Premier League showdown with @wgongolympic. | @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…

"Wollongong is truly beginning to feel like home for me." He was the beating heart of the @illawarrahawks' impressive @NBL campaign, and Will 'Davo' Hickey is extending his stay in the Gong. Story: @barto0612 illawarramercury.com.au/stor…