Football South Coast has a record seven (7) teams competing in the 2016 FFA Cup. This competition has captivated audiences across Australia. It gives the small Association clubs an opportunity to play some of the bigger clubs in not only NSW but if clubs progress, across Australia (including A-League clubs).

This year Woonona, Albion Park White Eagles, Kemblawarra Fury, Picton Rangers, Wollongong United, Bulli, Cringila and of course the Wollongong Wolves all are part of the Australia wide knockout tournament.

Teams will need to negotiate past round 7 to make the national draw however with the majority of these teams starting at round 3, that is just 5 wins away.

Woonona have been drawn away against Eastern Suburbs Association club - Pagewood Botany. Should they get through that game, they face Barden Ridgebacks (Sutherland Association) away. Not a lot is known of either of their opponents and given Woonona's nice little run last year, it is not inconceivable to think that Woonona could face NPL2 side Bankstown Berries in round 5.

Albion Park White Eagles host West Ryde Rovers (Gladesville-Hornsby Association) in round 3 where the Eagles are expected to prevail. They would then face a stern test against NPL1 heavyweights Blacktown Spartans at home which should be a fantastic contest. The Spartans have been bundled out to local opposition here before (Wollongong United 2015) and will probably have learned from that experience in not underestimating local teams.

Kemblawarra Fury host Western Lions FC (Penrith Nepean Association) in round 3 and assuming they get through that, they face the winner of minnows St Marys Convent and Kissing Point. Assuming they get through that, the Fury could well face Wollongong Wolves at home in round 5. This could well mean that we have at least one local team heading into round 6 and the penaltimate NSW preliminary qualification round.

Picton Rangers are away to St George Association team - Forest Rangers FC. Should they get through that, the Rangers will host the winner of Balmain Tigers and Doonside Hawks. Should the Rangers get through to round 5, they will likely face a lower State League divison team which is a handy draw. 

Wollongong United are away to Auburn FC (Western Sydney) who last year gave Dapto Dandaloo a strong game before going down. Assuming United are too strong for the hosts, they face another IPL side in Cringila Lions at Cringila. We could see another team through to Round 5 where they meet the winner of the potential clash betwen Albion Park White Eagles and Blacktown Spartans.

Bulli FC host State League club Liverpool FC in round 3 and should they progress, they have another difficult game against this time at home to NPL2 side Spirit FC. Should they progress through to Round 5 though, they look like they will draw a lower league side which will be just reward for progressing through the early rounds.

The Wollongong Wolves come in at Round 4 and as mentioned could potentially set up a mouth watering clash with Kemblarra Fury.

FSC wishes all teams the best of luck in their cup run. The third round kicks off 19 March.