24 NOVEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 488 | FREE
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Nagambie Soccer Club make the Finals
n Sunday the 14th of November, Nagambie Soccer Club played their very first final in the Shepparton Junior Soccer Association tournament.
It was the Under 12 team who had made it all the way to the top of the ladder and as rain and hail poured down over players who simply refused to give up, it was clear that the NSC is here to stay. In the end, the nail-biting game finished 3-4 and Goulburn Valley Grammar school left the pitch with the victory, but for a new team who had never played together before to finish second runner up, was indeed an impressive accomplishment. The 2021 soccer season was a challenging one. Pandemic lockdowns and on and off restrictions meant that games and training sessions were cancelled at short notice. As this was Nagambie Soccer Club’s inaugural year, the circumstances
brought about challenges of different characters. It was, however, truly inspiring to see how the children and their parental guardians faced these obstacles with stride and patience.
The generosity of the Nagambie Primary School made it possible for weekly training sessions for all three teams; Under 6s, Under 8s and Under 12s, have taken place on their grounds. Jessie Richardson, Anna and Phil Close have been the coaches, with support from various different parents. Thirty local children as well as those who have travelled from Murchison and Euroa to participate, have made up the Club, half of which are girls. “One aspect which I have loved about our club and about being a coach, is how many of our players have actually never played team sports before, nor played soccer.” Phil Close says. “We just want the kids to have fun together and welcome everyone, regardless of previous experience. This time we might not have won the final, but to me, all these kids are winners. To see
them support each other, dare to try something new, work together and sometimes sacrifice for the benefit of the team, well, it’s just beautiful.”
“This year we had Under 6, Under 8 and Under 12 teams.” Phil Close concluded.
During the course of the season, the Club also took the initiative to apply for funding via a few different channels and secured grants from both Strathbogie Shire and Bendigo Bank. The Club also received generous donations from local businesses and the Lions Club.
“The interest has been great and we know many more have expressed they would like to join in on the fun in 2022. By then, we hope to also include an Under 10 team and possibly also Under 14, depending on interest.”
“The money will go towards purchasing new equipment, such as goals and balls, but also ensure no parents hesitate to send their kids because they fear not being able to afford the costs involved,” said Anna Close. “We try to keep the fees down as low as we possibly can, but we also know that the pandemic has put a financial strain on many. Therefore, we are happy to be able to offer support to enable all interested kids a spot on the team.” Next year, the Club is looking to expand with more teams and more players.
“It’s been such an honour and privilege to train these kids,” said Anna. “But we need more support, particularly from parents who would consider coaching a team or perhaps becoming ‘team managers’. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the rules of soccer, we’ll teach you! When Phil first became a soccer coach in Sweden, he didn’t even know the language. If there’s a will there is a way!” Anna finishes up. To find out more, please visit Nagambie Soccer Club on Facebook, or call Phil Close on 0437 320 932.