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All articles in this newsletter are printed on the understanding that unless stated, they are the original work of the contributors of the authors are not necessarily those of editorial staff of GNC

Dynamic Duo:

There is a new phenomenon changing the face of the Nepalese soccer scene in Sydney. Having started off as nothing more than a glorified way to pass those lazy Sunday afternoons, the GNC soccer (football) competition has gained immense popularity over the years with the competition steadily elevating to a semi-professional level. This rising standard has been accompanied, if not driven, by increased participation on the part of both the players and supporters, which has been characterized by a uniquely organic passion for the microcosmic world of Wyatt Park.

No analogy manages to epitomize this development better than the story of the Nepalese Thunder Storm. They may not have the trophies to bear a concrete example of their efforts but they have already won what many consider an even greater prize: the hearts and minds of fans and critics alike. 

With the most endearing sense of self-deprecation, they began shrugging off hugely demoralizing lows that were served up week in and week out mercilessly by their fitter, stronger and more capable opponents. Perhaps this background is what makes their meteoric rise all the more acutely impressive.

Having started off as the butt of everyone’s jokes, they are now the talk of the town.

The NTS have managed to resurrect that often loftily-held ideal reserved for feel-good movies and not this pragmatic world of ours. Even the most cynical of us would find it hard to discount this real-life example of how sheer hard work and discipline can allow anyone to heights that previously seemed inconceivable.
We have managed to go into the past and grasp the origin of NTS.

Depiction of the history by the founders

Establishment- at Tasker Park on 2004
Founding Members- Harka Limbu, Nabin BK & Chandra Gurung
NTS (Nepalese Thunder Storm) was established in 2005 by mainly three individuals Bikash Limbu, Nabin BK and Chandra Gurung at the TUSKAR PARK, Campsie. Originally it was started with the hope of having weekend exercise to keep fit since all the co-founders and players middle age 30+ having big belly(40% BFI-Body Fat Index). For nearly 6 months NTS was struggling to grow in team members not even reaching to 5/6 in number on regular basis. The executive founder members were in deep thought on how to gather members at least up to 8 so two teams can play 4/4 with goal posts for some good running and fun.

Not long after our key members like Rajman Thakali, Pabi Subba, Ashok Rai and Mahesh Kunwar joined the team which gave a new light to team. That was followed by many other players joining our team, Then Mr. Rajman really took initiative in getting all the required gears, heaps of soccer balls, nets, cones, jerseys. Chandra financial guru came into scene with Official NTS bank account establishment to properly utilize well established multimillionaire club. Things started to move, even youngsters got interested with NTS- finally grew very large. NTS decided to go for Nepalese Tournaments changing its motto from exercise theme team to professionalism.
Eventually, we were able to have enough players to form a team by the end of 2005.

We must accept the fact that Rajman Thakali really deserves most of the credits for all the hard work he did. He tirelessly invested a lot of time to take NTS to the next levels. And credit goes also to Ashok Rai, who made a great contribution to NTS by providing a proper training to our team. In regards to giving a name to our team was quiet a challenging task. The task was assigned to Harka Limbu (President). Harka wanted give a name to our team which sounded bit funny as well as frightening to our opposition. After many hours of thinking, he came up with this name NTS which was enormously approved by all NTS members. 

Our disappointment: Harka Limbu (Former President)
One of the most disappointing moment for NTS was during the first year of its official entrance into the GNC Football competition where we lost 11 - 0 to Himalayan Boys and we were unable to score a single goal right through to tournament. By the end of the tournament most of our players were either very frustrated and or abandoned the team. However, we never gave up our hope, particularly; Rajman consistently recruited new players into the team. Our team learned a lot from its past predicament and constantly worked on to improve its performance through team work and patience…………. 

Dynamic Duo:

The purpose of this article cannot be defined as the promotion of a single team and their aspiration to become the best, nor is it just about expressing gratitude towards the inspiration that one team conferred within our community. But by highlighting the novel contribution of a few individuals towards building up a “support” mechanism that collectively supported a small group of people, we intend for the article to emphasize a greater truth and inspiration: that this is the simple notion a community should be founded on.

Inundated by their demanding survival requirements in a place like Sydney which requires working 2-3 jobs on top of juggling other aspects of a hectic life, it is rare that anybody has time for anybody else. Even the established Nepalese communities have failed to really satisfy the most innate needs of the Nepalese community in Sydney.

So it really does take someone special to have the energy and compassion to support a group of newcomer students and provide them with advice, accommodation, jobs and sense of belonging by coordinating an emotional, physical and mental outlet that the NTS has become for the young guns that form the bulk of the team. One such individual who fits this bill to a tee and whom the Duo both have the pleasure of knowing very well is Rajman Thakili.

Few words form Rajman himself

Brewing up the storm

As Nepalese Thunderstorm Football Club stands tall and comfortable at the top of their group of GNC Soccer Comp 2008,without loosing a game ,conceding a mere 3 goals and scoring goals for fun this season; I can't help but believe they are finally at a position to seriously prove a point and set the records right.
Famously tagged UNDERDOGS not too long ago, NTS has weathered its fair share of highs and lows, thick and thin and some humiliating defeats in between.
A football club in Sydney formed 4 years ago among a chain of ageing friends and some football tragic who happily spared their Sunday afternoon to kick the ball around, share a few laughs and importantly shed some kilos; had been brewing up the storm for sometimes and now with the right man at the helm is steadily scaling to become the next big thing among our soccer community.
Perhaps they will go on to win the title this season, your guess is as good as mine, and there are no guarantees after all. Win or loose; the team commitment and work ethic will remain intact. It has always been the attitude of this club and the foundations built around it.
An extraordinary bond amalgamates the players, supporters and the preceders.Their support for each other exceeds that of just a team mate and stretches beyond football field perimeter which is vital for any team to flourish and develop their sense of belonging and camaraderie, hence impeccably for those young individuals to elaborate on their personal level.
Having endured myself at the loosing end with NTS and nurtured this club to my ability with selfless support from the sponsor’s supporters. Friends and family, it is overwhelming to see this club go strength to strength and moreover to witness the young thunders to ignite the lightning and beckon the massive thunderstorm ahead. 

From NTS Captain

As a player of NTS I feel proud. For me, NTS is a great family. Those who belong to the club players, members and supporters, I have respect for them. After long hard struggle NTS is now one of the best disciplined soccer team among Sydney’s Nepalese soccer club. It’s been a great experience playing for NTS and sharing with its all member. NTS "young guns" they are young and serious bout soccer. Winning is passion for them. At last from me, I want to thank to those who helped NTS exist, Sponsors, supporters and the ex-players who gave us opportunity to join the family.
We’ll make history in Sydney Nepalese soccer.

Dynamic Duo:

Whatever happens in the knockout fixture, the NTS in the eyes of many are already champions.

Tune in for a continuation of this segment when we talk about the one of the oldest and most successful Clubs (LFC). Learn about their history and their success in the next issue.