“This year has been amazing with 310 junior players here each Saturday,” Association president Courtney Haddrell said.
“The under-5s don’t play competition, under-7s combine both girls and boys, while we have a strong under-8 all-girls competition and under-9 boys with nine teams in their age group.
“We have a mixed group of under-7s and boys’ and girls’ under-12s.”
“We have had many parents come to speak with us about their daughters playing with us next season, which is wonderful. It’s thanks to our Australian team, the Matildas, who have created a new wave of young girls wanting to play.”
It’s a massive task organising more than 300 youngsters at Apex Reserve each week, but the small committee is dedicated to ensuring enthusiasm remains high for a sport the kids love.
Over a season covering 16 weeks, the youngsters are coached on the rules of the game and the skills they need, and asked to practice these skills to become the best they can be. The youngsters aged 5-12 years come from Finley, Yarrawonga, Tocumwal and Cobram, proudly wearing their new soccer tops, sponsored by eight local businesses, to battle it out on the pitch each week.
On their final day last week, finals matches were played among the two top teams in each age group. Each junior player, whether in a final or not, was presented with a medallion and gift or soccer ball by the association.
The smiles on their faces ensured it was a memorable moment for parents and organisers.
