Jumping into their first year on the full field brimming with enthusiasm and excitement, the 12C’s didn’t disappoint! These boys were so much fun to coach. Fourteen awesome little personalities made sure there was always plenty of laughs and ultimately, a great bond between team mates that showed each time they took the field.

On the field the boys continued to build on their skills, adapting to playing new positions and using the full field to their advantage. Although we started the season with around three quarters of the team wanting to play striker, the boys quickly grew to love playing almost anywhere on the field and realised goal scoring wasn’t reserved for the striker!

The boys consistently improved with every game, finishing the season with some big wins and securing third place on the ladder. I know we would have been real contenders if finals had been played, but I guess that is what next season is for!

This season we were also super fortunate to have our very own Virtual Assistant Coach in Ziko, who joined us from his Aged Care Home. Ziko played national level football in Serbia and each week would send messages of advice, tactics and encouragement to the boys. The boys all listened intently, and proudly asked for Ziko’s reaction to their results each week. I’m so proud of the boys and the way they embraced Ziko and respected all he had to offer. The joy it brought to Ziko to be connected to his beloved football again was truly priceless.

Of course, we were the luckiest team in the comp to have Super Manager Carina keeping us organised each week and bringing the best cut oranges you ever did see. Thanks Carina for keeping the ravenous orange-eaters energised and the parents up to date.

Although it was a short season, we couldn’t have asked for a better one. Super proud of all of the boys, I loved watching them improve each week and continue to love their soccer. Thanks to all of our parents and supporters who cheered on the boys each week with plenty of positivity. Also thanks to Scott and Gary for stepping in to coach our final game and keeping our winning streak!

Thanks for a fun season team!

Rachel

Our boys:

Owen – Fancy Feet: Owen, I have loved watching your fancy feet and tricks on the field. You can take on any player and beat them almost every time. It has been awesome to see you flying up the wing and weaving through your opponents. You make it look so easy! You have scored some awesome goals this season, must be from all the practice at hitting the railing at training!

Finley – Stats Man Super Sweeper:  Finley, you have controlled the back line all season. From game one you showed that you are an amazing defender who can read the play and keep those attackers out. I have loved watching your confidence grow as you talk to your teammates throughout the game and keep our back line strong. Thanks for always keeping us up to date with all the competition statistics and where we are on the ladder, I love your enthusiasm!

Lincoln – Love Of The Game: Lincoln, you have an obvious love of soccer and it shows every time you play. You are always looking at how you can improve and try new tactics on the field. It has been great to see you playing the ball up the line and always making yourself an option to receive a pass. It has been great to see you give great advice to your team before each game.

Jacob – Dynamite Defender: Very few players can get past you when you are in the back line. You have been a strong player all season, defending with such enthusiasm whether on the wing, in the centre or playing sweeper, and always with a smile on your face! I always feel confident when you are in the back line.

Jordan – Leadership Award: Jordan, you show such a mature approach to every game and training session. You show up ready to listen and learn every week and set a great example for all of your team mates. On the field you have been happy to play any position and always make sure you give every position 100%, every time. You have shown plenty of skills on the ball and I am really impressed with how you read the play on the field. I was so proud to see you score your first goal, it was awesome!

Jack A – Awesome in Attack: Jack you have amazing skills with the ball at your feet. Every game you weave your way through the defenders and fly up the wing, then finish off your run with a perfect cross to your team mates or a strong shot at goals. I have loved watching your confidence grow each week.

Jack O – Determined Defender: Jack we are so lucky to have your energy and enthusiasm on the field each week. You have been happy to play any position on the field and played with fierce determination wherever you were. As a defender you never stopped until you got the ball! You have improved so much each week.

Aiden – Quiet Achiever: Aiden, I have loved watching your confidence grow each week. At training you are always listening and then putting into practice what we have learnt when you are on the field. Your goal was so amazing and one of my highlights of the season, you were so cool and calm as you controlled the ball and hit it past the keeper. I think there are many more goals to come for you!

Atti – In The Air Specialist: When the ball is in the air, you get it every time, while making it look super easy. You are a such a hard-working defender and have improved so much this year. You have worked so hard at training and always give 100% in every game. I love watching you play!

Luke – Team Spirit:  Luke, I love your fun energy on and off the field. Always listening, always learning. You help to motivate your team mates before the game with your awesome team spirit. On the field you have shown so much skill as a striker, controlling the ball, chasing down opportunities and scoring plenty of memorable goals, always putting in 100%. You have had a fantastic season!

Deacon – Golden Boot: What a great season you have had! Those golden boots have scored some cracking goals, especially your hat trick! In the midfield you have been strong in attack, getting through the opposition easily and putting through balls for your forwards or taking on players with ease. When we need you in the backs you don’t disappoint, with your strong tackles and huge boot clearing the ball. I have loved watching you play each week.

Shea – Most Improved: Shea we have been super lucky to have you in goals this season. Every single week you have improved, diving for the ball, taking catches in the air and your goal kicks going further with every kick. I have loved watching your confidence grow as a goalie. We know our goals are safe with you! Just make sure you get your gloves on before the ref blows the whistle!!

Reid – All-Round Sportsman: Reid you are a true sportsman in every respect! On the field you play with your heart and have excelled in the midfield this year, making many great runs and putting through perfect passes. You are a strong, confident goal keeper and have kept us in the game many times with your awesome saves. You totally impress me with the sportsmanship you show your team mates, the opposition and refs, and I am always grateful that you make the effort after every game and training to thank me, the sign of a real sportsman. I have loved watching you play this year!

Todd – Most Enthusiastic: Todd, your enthusiasm for every training session and game is contagious!! You have turned up to training every week ready to learn something new. You have worked so hard to learn new skills, even when you thought you couldn’t and then all of a sudden you could!! I have loved watching you play this year, controlling the centre of the field and pushing the ball through in attack, using all those skills from training!! Thanks for always helping out at training, you make the straightest line of cones!