Something for the juniors...

Uni SC are at it again; in addition to conducting the Twilight Cup competition for interested youth and senior players, they have added a spring/summer program for junior players aged 8 to 11 (under 9 to under 12 players). The sessions are scheduled to take place at Olinda Grove, Mount Nelson on Thursday afternoons from 5:00 to 6:30 pm and will run from 28th October through to 9th December.

While the focus will be on skill development, the sessions will also include small-sided games, where participants will divided into teams based on age, ability and gender in order to play mini games that consist of two twenty minutes halves.

From a developmental perspective, the opportunity for our junior players to participate in post season training sessions is valuable one. Not only is their season effectively extended, allowing them more time to hone their skills, it also provides the opportunity for them to learn from highly qualified coaches whilst playing the game they enjoy.

The cost for the program is set at $55 per player, which works out at just under $8.00 per session, or around $5.00 per hour. It sounds like good value for junior players who are already missing their soccer. It is also a great opportunity for them to meet players from other clubs, and since each training session finishes just before the Mixed Social Twilight games start, there is also the option to stick around and watch the game being played by senior mixed teams.

Even better, Olinda Grove is only around 25 minutes from Woodbridge, there are three well-maintained ovals plus change rooms and clubrooms – it’s a great venue for football and it’s not too far away.


As there are limited places available due to space restrictions and coach availability, those interested in taking part in the program are urged to enrol online
Anyone wanting more information should contact John Parry on: 0412 07 05 39 or email him at: J.S.Parry@tassie.net.au

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...