The Vikings National Schools Tournament was wrapped up yesterday, but online result reporting is still a little sketchy.
While the official results for the 15 year old boys are only known by a handful of people – who aren't telling – I can tell you that the Tas South team (my personal favourite) finished their campaign in pool B on a high, defeating Central Queensland 7 – 0. All up that means the boys had two wins, a draw and two losses; so out of the 6 teams in the pool, they probably ended up in 3rd or 4th spot on the ladder. Not enough to see them progress to the semi-finals, as only the top two teams in each pool got through, but a respectable showing never-the-less.
At a glance it seems that of the Tasmanian teams, the Girls had the most success. The 12 year old Tas South Green team ended second on their ladder and made it through to the semi finals, where they were defeated 1 – 0 by the South Queensland Raiders – the eventual winners. There were three Tasmanian teams in the 13 year old pool; of the three, Tas South Green ended in second place on their ladder, won their semi final against the South Queensland Viking 4 – 3 and progressed to the final, but the result of that game (against a worryingly impressive NSW team) has yet to be published.
The Tasmanian 19 year old girls' team also looked to be progressing okay from the results posted for day 1 and day 2: with two wins and a draw they were sitting at second spot on the ladder with a game yet to be played. Depending on the results of round three the girls probably progressed to the quarter finals, if not further.
Most of the other Tassie teams ended the tournament sitting around the middle of their respective ladders, not bad for teams hastily thrown together over the last couple of months.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Murphy's still at it
At dawn on day three of the National Schools Futsal Titles, we Channel dwellers have awoken to a rather bracing 2.1 degrees and snow down to around the 300 metre level while our futsal representatives in Brisbane are wallowing in a rather toasty 18.4 degrees. Here down south we can expect a top temperature today of around 10 degrees, Brisbane is heading for a tropical and possibly stormy 28. Luckily we had popped our boys on a plane before this latest cold snap descended, so the climatic shock has probably been less extreme than it could have been.
On another note, there's still no sign of the official results for the 15 year old boys teams, however a small electronic device informed me last night that the 15 y.o. South Tassie team had secured a win in Tuesday's first fixture against North Queensland and lost their second to the South Queensland Vikings.
The lads have one last game at 10:10 this morning. I gather that even a win here will not garner them enough points overall to secure a berth in the finals – so no silverware will be making the return trip with them on Thursday. Never-the-less the team has done pretty well given that they were drawn in a rather tough group to begin with.
On another note, there's still no sign of the official results for the 15 year old boys teams, however a small electronic device informed me last night that the 15 y.o. South Tassie team had secured a win in Tuesday's first fixture against North Queensland and lost their second to the South Queensland Vikings.
The lads have one last game at 10:10 this morning. I gather that even a win here will not garner them enough points overall to secure a berth in the finals – so no silverware will be making the return trip with them on Thursday. Never-the-less the team has done pretty well given that they were drawn in a rather tough group to begin with.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Murphy's Law
A loss and a draw
Over in Brisbane, the Vikings National Schools Futsal titles are into their second day of competition; for most of the age groups, the results for the first day's competition can be viewed on the Sportsvault results page Murphy's Law of course dictates that the 15 year old boys competition – where our WSC players are competing in pool B - is the one age-group whose results have yet to be posted. A brief text message at dinner time yesterday, however, informed me that of their two games they had drawn one and lost one.
This year's competition is trialling the live streaming of a select few matches, unfortunately we wont get the opportunity to see our lads in action as none of their games have been selected for the trial. Several Tasmanian teams, however did make the cut:
From 12:20 pm today (that's right now!) you can watch the 14 year old Girls Tasmania South Red team take on New Zealand. Then at 3:10 the Tasmanian Boys 10 year old team will be streamed playing against South Queensland Vikings 11 year old boys.
To watch the live streamed matches go to: http://www.futsaltv.org/livecast.php
Over in Brisbane, the Vikings National Schools Futsal titles are into their second day of competition; for most of the age groups, the results for the first day's competition can be viewed on the Sportsvault results page Murphy's Law of course dictates that the 15 year old boys competition – where our WSC players are competing in pool B - is the one age-group whose results have yet to be posted. A brief text message at dinner time yesterday, however, informed me that of their two games they had drawn one and lost one.
This year's competition is trialling the live streaming of a select few matches, unfortunately we wont get the opportunity to see our lads in action as none of their games have been selected for the trial. Several Tasmanian teams, however did make the cut:
From 12:20 pm today (that's right now!) you can watch the 14 year old Girls Tasmania South Red team take on New Zealand. Then at 3:10 the Tasmanian Boys 10 year old team will be streamed playing against South Queensland Vikings 11 year old boys.
To watch the live streamed matches go to: http://www.futsaltv.org/livecast.php
Monday, September 27, 2010
National Schools Futsal Tournament - kick off?
Our futsal boys arrived in Brisbane somewhat later than scheduled yesterday after being delayed in Melbourne for several hours. It seems Virgin Blue, the airline they were travelling with, was experiencing some major difficulties due to the meltdown of their new electronic system. Sydney Morning Herald's “Traveller” page reported, in the wee hours of this morning, that flights across the country were delayed due to the carrier's "stricken computerised reservations and check-in systems."
Mr Y sent me a text at around 3pm yesterday to confirm his team's arrival at their accommodation, so perhaps they were lucky to be on the red eye flight. Perhaps the early morning departure - okay 7am isn't that early but we had to be at the airport by 5:30, which practically meant getting up before even going to bed to drive there from the Channel. Anyway the team's arrival at Tullamarine at 8:15am meant that, even though delayed for a few hours, they were on their way, winging it towards Brisbane, before the airports became too backed up.
The National Schools Futsal titles, which are to kick off in Brisbane today, are described in the Courier as “one of the largest futsal tournaments of its kind in the world, 140 teams and more than 1000 players” from all around Australian plus teams from New Zealand. The question is, with a significant number of them flying into Brisbane on Virgin Blue flights, will they all get there in time for kick off?
Mr Y sent me a text at around 3pm yesterday to confirm his team's arrival at their accommodation, so perhaps they were lucky to be on the red eye flight. Perhaps the early morning departure - okay 7am isn't that early but we had to be at the airport by 5:30, which practically meant getting up before even going to bed to drive there from the Channel. Anyway the team's arrival at Tullamarine at 8:15am meant that, even though delayed for a few hours, they were on their way, winging it towards Brisbane, before the airports became too backed up.
The National Schools Futsal titles, which are to kick off in Brisbane today, are described in the Courier as “one of the largest futsal tournaments of its kind in the world, 140 teams and more than 1000 players” from all around Australian plus teams from New Zealand. The question is, with a significant number of them flying into Brisbane on Virgin Blue flights, will they all get there in time for kick off?
Friday, September 24, 2010
National Schools Futsal Tournament
Mister Y (Y for youngest) is busy psyching himself up for the upcoming National Schools Futsal Tournament that is taking place in Brisbane next week. He's not the only WSC player to have been selected to represent southern Tasmania in this annual futsal competition. Several other WSC youth players were also invited to take part, and all up three of them will be participating in the event.
So this seems like as good a time as any to provide a quick introduction to the game of Futsal. Firstly the name futsal originates from the Portuguese term Futbol de sala, which translates as indoor football. Recognised as a sport in its own right, Futsal is the official FIFA endorsed form of 5-a-side indoor soccer and was first developed in Uruguay in 1930. Nowadays it is played extensively throughout the world and is extremely popular in European and South American countries, where it is credited with producing world-class football players such as Pele and Ronaldinho.
The game is played with a slightly smaller and heavier “low bounce” ball than those used for soccer, which, according to the Vikings Futsal Association “makes it easier for young or inexperienced players to master their ball control skills and assists with development” (2010). Unlike other forms of indoor soccer, pitches are delineated – there is no bouncing the ball off walls and players are forced to try and keep the ball within the bounds of the pitch.
Teams consist of 5 players, one of whom is a goalkeeper, and the games generally consist of two 20 minute halves. Futsal is an intense, exciting game to play, and it is also ideal for spectators with a short attention span - “watching it is a bit like watching the soccer highlights on SBS. It’s great, there are goals galore, gutsy goalkeeping and probably other things beginning with a 'G' too” (“Futsal?” 2008).
Wish the boys luck, maybe they will come home with some silverware.
So this seems like as good a time as any to provide a quick introduction to the game of Futsal. Firstly the name futsal originates from the Portuguese term Futbol de sala, which translates as indoor football. Recognised as a sport in its own right, Futsal is the official FIFA endorsed form of 5-a-side indoor soccer and was first developed in Uruguay in 1930. Nowadays it is played extensively throughout the world and is extremely popular in European and South American countries, where it is credited with producing world-class football players such as Pele and Ronaldinho.
The game is played with a slightly smaller and heavier “low bounce” ball than those used for soccer, which, according to the Vikings Futsal Association “makes it easier for young or inexperienced players to master their ball control skills and assists with development” (2010). Unlike other forms of indoor soccer, pitches are delineated – there is no bouncing the ball off walls and players are forced to try and keep the ball within the bounds of the pitch.
Teams consist of 5 players, one of whom is a goalkeeper, and the games generally consist of two 20 minute halves. Futsal is an intense, exciting game to play, and it is also ideal for spectators with a short attention span - “watching it is a bit like watching the soccer highlights on SBS. It’s great, there are goals galore, gutsy goalkeeping and probably other things beginning with a 'G' too” (“Futsal?” 2008).
Wish the boys luck, maybe they will come home with some silverware.
References:
Futsal? (2008, 10 July). Woodbridge Soccer Club Newsletter, p.1.
Futsal4All (n.d.) What is Futsal? Retrieved September 2010 from: http://futsal4all.com/what-is-futsal/
Vikings Futsal Tasmania (2010) Futsal Tasmania: The 'REAL' Small Sided Game [Flyer]. Moonah, Tasmania: Author.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Boudica's Paperclips
Until my sons started playing for our local soccer club, I had not spent much time thinking about the World Game. Even as I happily told myself that the boys would learn vital teamwork skills and develop self-control whilst expending some of their boundless energy, something stirred in the depths of my psyche. Deep down in my ancestral past great, great, great (recurring) Auntie Boudica placed a not-so-dainty blue foot on a severed Roman head and declared 'game on'.
Soccer Mom? Try Soccer Mother!
This was something I obviously needed to put a lid on, and not being a player myself I lacked the benefit of the rules of the game, which teach players how to control themselves. I needed something to keep my mind off the battlefields of yore; so I turned to many-a-girl's first love: stationery. Oh, how we love our colour coordinated staplers and sticky-tape dispensers; not to mention those ingenious devices designed to hold our paperclips.
Anyway, one thing led to another, which is a convenient way for things to happen; my pen and spiral-bound notebook were traded-in for a computer (great swap hey?) I kept the paperclips though, because you never know when you'll need something to count. Suddenly I was geared up to do something useful...
At this point I discovered yet another great love: mucking about with words and pictures on a computer, and just as I was in danger of getting rather side-tracked I was approached and asked to help the local soccer club with some secretarial details. The rest, as they say, is history – a statement that could have landed us back at the whole Boudica scenario, had I not finally learned some self-control - paperclip counting therapy works a treat!
So anyway, while billions of people around the globe play and/or follow football with a singular passion, I have found myself behind the scenes playing with my computer, messing about with words and pictures; helping those dedicated individuals who make football possible for our local youngsters.
In Tasmania the season proper may be over, but in Cyberspace (and elsewhere) the football never stops. Somewhere out there, an entertaining battle for mastery is taking place; which reminds me of the old adage “the pen is mightier than the sword”. How awesome then, to be armed with a whole computer!
Boudica would be jealous.
Soccer Mom? Try Soccer Mother!
This was something I obviously needed to put a lid on, and not being a player myself I lacked the benefit of the rules of the game, which teach players how to control themselves. I needed something to keep my mind off the battlefields of yore; so I turned to many-a-girl's first love: stationery. Oh, how we love our colour coordinated staplers and sticky-tape dispensers; not to mention those ingenious devices designed to hold our paperclips.
Anyway, one thing led to another, which is a convenient way for things to happen; my pen and spiral-bound notebook were traded-in for a computer (great swap hey?) I kept the paperclips though, because you never know when you'll need something to count. Suddenly I was geared up to do something useful...
At this point I discovered yet another great love: mucking about with words and pictures on a computer, and just as I was in danger of getting rather side-tracked I was approached and asked to help the local soccer club with some secretarial details. The rest, as they say, is history – a statement that could have landed us back at the whole Boudica scenario, had I not finally learned some self-control - paperclip counting therapy works a treat!
So anyway, while billions of people around the globe play and/or follow football with a singular passion, I have found myself behind the scenes playing with my computer, messing about with words and pictures; helping those dedicated individuals who make football possible for our local youngsters.
In Tasmania the season proper may be over, but in Cyberspace (and elsewhere) the football never stops. Somewhere out there, an entertaining battle for mastery is taking place; which reminds me of the old adage “the pen is mightier than the sword”. How awesome then, to be armed with a whole computer!
Boudica would be jealous.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Is she singing yet?
So, you thought the soccer season was over?
The official rostered games have all been played, the winners have basked in glory for a short space, cricket clubs around the state are gearing up and die hard soccer players are turning their attention elsewhere. Just as my family's thoughts are turning to the indoor version of the game – because yes, they are futsal freaks too - an interesting flyer crossed my virtual desk space.
University Soccer Club has organised a social Twilight tournament to be played at Olinda Grove from October 5th until December 1st. Two separate competitions are being organised. On Tuesday nights a social men's competition will be played, and on Wednesday evenings a mixed competition will take place, with mixed teams fielding no more than five male players at a time and the balance of the eleven-a-side team being female players.
Woodbridge Soccer Club is planning on entering a mixed team in Wednesday night's competition, interested players are urged to contact Dalles to express their interest in taking part. The cost per player should be just under $50 and will cover the $600 team nomination fee.
For more information see the news item on Club's web page, where you can download the flyer.
Dalles can be reached via email at:
dallesh@yahoo.com.au
or by phone at either: 6267 4810 or 0427 043 566
The Mini World Cup
The youth and junior season was wrapped up in a traditionally fun way on Saturday with a bunch of players, parents and anyone who happened to be passing by, forming teams to compete in the Mini World Cup. I love the sense of community that happens at this annual event; the competitiveness of the season proper goes out the window as teams are formed that comprise of players from our under 6 team all the way through to senior players.
This year there were four teams competing: Australia, Brazil, Ghana and Spain. With the adults and older teens restricted to 3 touches and no strikes at goal, some of the club's younger members got a chance to shine.
After a close competition it was ultimately Brazil who came out on top, due in no small part to the wonderful passing and team work that was happening between a handful of our Under 13 players. After a tough season of playing up an age-group, and the culture shock of moving from junior to the more competitive youth competition, these lads demonstrated how much they have improved.
The day had started with the election of the new committee for 2011, player trophies had been awarded while a BBQ sizzled away in the background; it ended with some of our older players escaping the restrictions imposed by the Mini World Cup and playing a game that, from the comfort of the deck, seemed to have to rules at all. But at least they were having fun...
This year there were four teams competing: Australia, Brazil, Ghana and Spain. With the adults and older teens restricted to 3 touches and no strikes at goal, some of the club's younger members got a chance to shine.
After a close competition it was ultimately Brazil who came out on top, due in no small part to the wonderful passing and team work that was happening between a handful of our Under 13 players. After a tough season of playing up an age-group, and the culture shock of moving from junior to the more competitive youth competition, these lads demonstrated how much they have improved.
The day had started with the election of the new committee for 2011, player trophies had been awarded while a BBQ sizzled away in the background; it ended with some of our older players escaping the restrictions imposed by the Mini World Cup and playing a game that, from the comfort of the deck, seemed to have to rules at all. But at least they were having fun...
to coin a phrase "Come Play"
As Woodbridge Soccer Club turns 10 years old in 2011, I can look back and see that one or more of my own children have been playing for the club since it's inception as Woodbridge Whalers SC, way back in 2001. Once upon a time, as a parent of junior players, I was hesitant to help; not because I am inherently lazy (although there is that :)), but because I didn't know what was involved – didn't think I had the necessary skills and I didn't really know enough about the game; of course all that changed - starting back in 2004.
...I became involved quite by accident.
In 2004 as a volunteer at our local Online Access Centre I was assisting the then President with some secretarial detail or another. Next thing I know I'm Club Secretary, then the Secretary/Newsletter Producer, then Newsletter Producer/Web Assistant then Web Master/Social media director (well at least that's what I'm calling myself). Throw into the mix: accidental registrations officer, youth liason, 'taxi' driver, raucous supporter, match reporter and graphic designer and you have an idea of my experience with various incarnations of the WSC management committee and club in general
Overall it has been educational and fun; I have learned a lot, gained experience in various areas, met new people and generally had a good time (I've made mistakes along the way too, but that's all part of the learning process).
Why am I telling you all this?
Well it's simple – I want you to get involved. Come along to the AGM (11am Sat 11th September) and put your hand up to help. If you are a junior parent who can't see the point in facilitating senior football, put your hand up to be liason to Central Region Junior Soccer Association, or a junior coach, manager, match reporter or the junior registration officer or some-such.
Likewise if you are a senior player, but aren't that interested in junior soccer, offer to help with the mountainous amounts of administration that Football Federation of Tasmania requires for youth and senior teams.
If you feel you know too little about the sport, but you know how to throw a party, how about forming a sub-committee to organise the Club's 10th birthday bash? Know how to liaise with businesses? How about co-ordinating some sponsorships and other fundraising? Love photography? Is writing your passion? Draw awesome pictures? Have a knack for numbers? Have Internet skills? Love public speaking? Are great at organising and co-ordinating people? Enjoy problem solving?
Whatever you like doing, whatever you are interested in learning, I'm sure there is something you can do to help our club, our kids, our youth, our community and yourself in 2011.
Come along to the AGM on Saturday the 11th September, put your hand up, get involved - you will be surprised at how much fun it can be...
Alio
...I became involved quite by accident.
In 2004 as a volunteer at our local Online Access Centre I was assisting the then President with some secretarial detail or another. Next thing I know I'm Club Secretary, then the Secretary/Newsletter Producer, then Newsletter Producer/Web Assistant then Web Master/Social media director (well at least that's what I'm calling myself). Throw into the mix: accidental registrations officer, youth liason, 'taxi' driver, raucous supporter, match reporter and graphic designer and you have an idea of my experience with various incarnations of the WSC management committee and club in general
Overall it has been educational and fun; I have learned a lot, gained experience in various areas, met new people and generally had a good time (I've made mistakes along the way too, but that's all part of the learning process).
Why am I telling you all this?
Well it's simple – I want you to get involved. Come along to the AGM (11am Sat 11th September) and put your hand up to help. If you are a junior parent who can't see the point in facilitating senior football, put your hand up to be liason to Central Region Junior Soccer Association, or a junior coach, manager, match reporter or the junior registration officer or some-such.
Likewise if you are a senior player, but aren't that interested in junior soccer, offer to help with the mountainous amounts of administration that Football Federation of Tasmania requires for youth and senior teams.
If you feel you know too little about the sport, but you know how to throw a party, how about forming a sub-committee to organise the Club's 10th birthday bash? Know how to liaise with businesses? How about co-ordinating some sponsorships and other fundraising? Love photography? Is writing your passion? Draw awesome pictures? Have a knack for numbers? Have Internet skills? Love public speaking? Are great at organising and co-ordinating people? Enjoy problem solving?
Whatever you like doing, whatever you are interested in learning, I'm sure there is something you can do to help our club, our kids, our youth, our community and yourself in 2011.
Come along to the AGM on Saturday the 11th September, put your hand up, get involved - you will be surprised at how much fun it can be...
Alio
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