2024 Season Report

W14A Season Report

2024 was a season that started really well for us with some convincing wins and a great performance against a very good team going into extra time in the State Cup. Then as the rain arrived the season levelled itself out and we suffered a few losses, and the competition become very even amongst all the clubs so for the rest of the season it usually came down to which team turned up to win on the day.

We tried quite a few different positions trying to find the best formula and we focussed on possession and quality passing at training. Unfortunately, our season was plagued with sickness and injury which followed us to the lead up games before semis. It was often impossible to get a full team to training and as a result we couldn’t work on set plays and some areas of our game suffered so we didn’t enter the semis at our best.

I truly believe when we played “our” game we were the team to beat. When we played with confidence, maintained possession, passed and moved with the ball, opposition teams struggled to respond, and we looked sharp and capable. Watching from the sideline some weeks when we were in gear and doing our thing it was great soccer and enjoyable for all.

We again made the semis for the fourth year in a row (GF two years ago) but lost our first game. We remain a team capable of results and this should inspire confidence into the future.

Great season in goals from Gemma who has improved in confidence and skill every single week.

Our backs in Mia, Emily, Alanah, Jordy and Dee worked hard each week and towards the end of the season were talking to each other heaps, covering each other, being strategic and working hard as a defensive unit.

The mid-section saw Amika, Eva, Chloe, Lily, Sophie, Addie and Skyla as the engine room and they showed lots of effort each week, running hard in attack and defence, improved with our passing to each other, one on one defence and some great attacking work improving game by game,

The forwards were Noa and Amelie who both have a fantastic turn of speed and confidence on the ball producing lots and lots of shots at goal along with some awesome goals from what seemed impossible throughout the season.

Unfortunately, Noa leaves us this year after being a key team member for many years now and we wish her all the best with league. Noa’s passion and drive to win will be missed. Eva only joined the team this year and is unfortunately moving house but her contribution to the season was exceptional. The Sth Coast are lucky to have her. We wish them both the best next year.

Coaches award as always is a tough choice and there were a number of girls considered this year by Glen and I. As always, we look for commitment at training, attitude towards improvement and how that player treats other team members and responds to coach’s instructions. Of course, how the player performs on Saturday is important and the recipient was a standout all year, a pleasure to coach and is very well deserving of this recognition.

Big thanks to all the parents, grandparents, siblings and friends who supported the team all year. It’s great to see dozens and dozens of supporters at the game each week cheering on a great team regardless of the results.

I would like to thank Glen very much for helping me coach this year. Glen brought enthusiasm, knowledge, fun and a great relaxed attitude to training and game days and I really couldn’t have done it without him.

Manager and super wife Heidi stepped up again this year and attended to all the background organisation that comes with a team. Along with keeping me calm and on track when required she did a great job of looking after the team and I can’t thank her enough.

Special mention also to Matt and Deb who also as always assisted with a whole lot of other little bits and pieces throughout the year. Also, thanks to all parents for involving yourselves each week with parent’s choice awards and ground duty. It really was a great season of family contribution.

Finally, and most importantly, a big thanks to the team for being a great bunch of girls from a number of different schools and friendship groups who come together to play soccer each week. Whilst there have been a few new girls the last couple of years, I have had the pleasure of coaching many of you now for many years and I am very proud of you all. Despite laughing and having lots of fun at training and on Saturdays, I apologise if sometimes I got a bit cranky and perhaps pushed too hard at times, but I did this because I have faith in all of you and the abilities and potential, I see in each one of you.

You are a great bunch of young women; be confident in anything you try to achieve even if you have doubts and give your parents a break from the teenage attitude now and then over summer. I hope everyone is back to play again next year.

Yours in soccer, Jon.