TEAM REPORTS— JUNIORS

U14A in action in the Grand Final match against Cronulla Seagulls

Picture by Helen Plakias

U12A

SEMI FINALISTS

SSFA MOST IMPROVED

We started our season by welcoming three new additions to the team in Kasey, Patrick and Oliver - welcome to you boys! Despite the season being challenged with multiple weekends of bad weather, with postponed matches and many missed training sessions, the boys had an excellent season and one they can be proud of. They played their first ever State Cup competition; reached the end of season finals and were voted by the SSFA as the 'most improved' team in the U12A comp for the 2nd half of the season. Awesome job! Our focus this season was to familiarise the boys with playing full field football. Specifically, team structure, passing range and to defend and attack as a team. Once again, the boys delighted us, as they continued to develop their skills and football throughout the course of the season. Our resident keeper Max did a wonderful job in goal, making some great saves across the season, often keeping us in some tight games. Our titan defence afforded us one of the best goal differences in the competition this year, thanks to Hugo, Julian, Ryan and Oliver.Back Row L to R: Matt Hughes (Coach), Kasey Kunkun, Hugo Keane, Noah Farley, These boys became our dependable back four over the course of Oliver Derek, Remy Jacobs, Charles Keane (Manager) the season and helped turn defence into attack, plus deliver some great set piece Middle Row L to R: Julian Bova, Patrick Dean, Max Fleming, Tom Delrieux Front Row L to R: Kean Mitchell, James Hughes, Jake Farmer, Shane Bevan, Callum Petersson work. Our talented midfielders once again continued to cause our oppositions problems through the middle of the field and out to the flanks.Callum, Jake, Jamie, Kasey, Kean, Patrick, Remy, and Tom demonstrated great skill with passing and movement on and off the ball to create chances and score some great goals. All the boys, including our forwards showed versatility and the ability to play in multiple positions on the field. Finally our forwards, Noah and Shane worked tirelessly up front, linking up with our attacking midfielders to create chances from nothing. The boys used their speed to our advantage, running at the opposition defence to score goals. My thanks once again to our Manager Charles Keane and to all the wonderful and supportive parents. I'm looking forward to seeing all the boys back next year for another successful campaign in the U13's!

It was a tough season for these girls. The W12B’s faced a lot of changes this W12B season, with new players, players coming back after time away from the game, players playing up an age group and a new coach. Not only did they need to get to know each other, they now had to contend with a larger field, offside and different goalie rules. With only 12 players, and due to COVID and illness they regularly played with no subs or with a player short. After a bumpy start to the season, things finally started coming together and the girls learned their positions and started playing as a team. They always showed up to both training and our games with a positive attitude. Our girls improved not only their ball skills, but their understanding of the game. We are so proud of the effort and commitment of each and every player, and it showed it how much they improved. Well done girls! Asher and Capri were our centre fullbacks. Always calm in defence, they would patiently wait and clear the ball when need. Eliza and Izzy were our forwards. Eliza was new to this team and did a great job up front, helping create many opportunities. Izzy with her speed and control with the ball at her feet, was the reason why she scored most our goals this season. Back Row L to R: Belinda Whitbread (Caoch), Mae Elmubasher, Isabelle Wilson, Erin Lamb, Erin and Tahlia were our left and right full Willow Daly, Capri Parkes, Rachel Bliss (Manager), Front back. They could both clear the ball and never backed away from a tackle. Row L to R: Ruby Bliss, Tahlia Comb, Lucy Vertigan, Mia Turner, Asher Roberts, Joanna Theouli, Eliza Rollason Joanna and Willow were our centre-mids. Both girls never stopped running all game and put in 100% effort. Lucy and Mia shared the goal keeping duties. Both girls quickly learnt the new rules and adapted to the bigger goals. They both saved some awesome goals throughout the season. When not in goals, both girls did a great job as our left half. Mae was our right half. New to the game, she improved every week and put in 100% effort. She followed instructions and did a great job distracted players on the other team. Ruby was our utility player. She went wherever she was asked. Other than goals, I don’t think there is a position she didn’t play this season. Special thanks to all our parents, grandparents and families who supported the girls throughout the season. It has been a privilege to coach, manage and watch these wonderful young ladies develop each week both individually and as a team.

Belinda Whitbread Rachel Bliss Coach Manager

U12C MINOR PREMIERS , FINALISTS, JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONS

We couldn't be prouder of our boys. After overcoming what seemed like endless obstacles like, interrupted training due to weather, illness and injuries they managed power on and take out the minor premiership in their first year of competition sport. The team showed resilience and strength, and are continually inspired by our passionate and patient coach Mario. We played games with a player down and many with no reserves. But the boys have really come together and matured this year. I can proudly call them a team.They

communicate and work well together. They support each other and show respect to each other and their opponents. I'm sure that the team parents would agree that we had an exciting season, cheering our boys on and at times holding our breath. It has been an honour being involved in this wonderful community and I feel privileged to be part of such an amazing team. Go Trees!

Samantha Carnuccio Manager

Back Row L to R: Samantha Carnuccio (Manager), Blake Oakman, Aidan Montana, Nicholas Buttaro-Curtis, Peter Malikourtis, Mario Violaris (Coach) Middle Row L to R: Kai Huang, D’arcy Dunn, Lucas Carvalho, Gregory Violaris , Noah Violaris

Front Row L to R: Jenson Groos, Tomas Torres Ribeiro, Kasra Gorjipour, Hennry Tam, Kaan Huseyin, Mattao Carnuccio

U13B

GRAND FINALISTS

2022 had its challenges, with wet weather, games being cancelled & accessibility to sporting fields. We had a slow start having no wins in the first few rounds, but with some great coaching from David Crisp things started to turn around. Once we had our first win, the boys got their momentum which continued throughout the rest of the season.

The team did a tremendous job, going virtually undefeated for the remaining rounds, only to bow out in the grand final 3-2. The boys played some great football & I want to thank them for a fun season. Thank you to Dave for his commitment in coaching our boys & being a good mentor for the team. Congratulations to Will, Lucas, Dan, Jacob, Nate, Curtis, Luca, Riley, Aidan, Kai, Liam, Ayden, Aniken & Isaak for their hard work and effort throughout the year, at training and weekend games. Your team-work, skills and communication with one another improved every week which resulted in a great season had by all. Also a big thank you to all the parents for their support during the year.... Looking forward to next season!

Back Row L to R: Kirsty Stevens (Manager), Curtis Mahaczi, Aidan Stevens, Jacob Karaky, Aniken Vasilevski, Kai Stevens, David Crisp (Coach) Middle Row L to R: Isaak Woodcock, Riley Pick, Luca Ofria, Lucas Berg

Front Row L to R: Liam Sussmilch, William Beach, Ayden Trew, Daniel Crisp, Nate Lewis

Another season done and dusted, albeit a short season due to the weather. I wasn’t sure we would get a chance to kick the ball around the park most weeks, but eventually we did. This year we welcomed the addition of 6 new players to the team, Chelsea, Tulli, Lola, Tina, Maddi and Lana, so it took some time for us to settle in work out positions and how we operate as a team. We created a new back line of Emily, Georgia, Josie, Syenna and Scarlett and once the girls were in sync they stopped some very strong attacks on our goals and got into a rhythm of clearing the ball up to our mid field. Our mid field set up of Chelsea, Tulli, Lola, Lana and Ava V proved quite strong with plenty of helping out in defence as well as attacks, the girls worked well together with plenty of line breaks up the centre and the wings. The front line consisted of Maddi, Ellie, Ava B and Tina whose attacking skills and Back Row L to R: Troy Davis (Coach), Emily Schrader, Josephine Davis, Georgia Hatton, Ava Van supporting each other gave us -Milder, Scarlett Palermo plenty of goals and near Front Row L to R: Tina Stratikopoulos, Chelsea Sumich, Ellie Gubbin, Ava Bray, Syenna Saba, Lana Carvalho, Lola Evans Absent: Rachel Palermo (Manager), Maddi Harrop, Tilli Slattery misses. I took the opportunity to move the girls around positions when we could and it proved that all these girls are more than capable of playing multiple positions. Josie and Georgia had some time up front with them bagging some goals, Chelsea, Tulli, Lana and Lola also having a run up there and scoring. Tina and Ava B on the wings, not only getting some great runs down the sideline, but backing up and holding their spot for the cross and tapping it in. Syenna always in for the hard tackles, great passes and solid pressure on the opposition. Scartlett always marshalling the troops keeping the attacks out of our goal. Statistics from the year show just how well the girls went – 13 rounds with 7 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses, finishing the season off in 4th place and making it into the semi finals – what a remarkable effort for a team that only came together at the beginning of the season. Thank you to all the parents who took the time to run these girls around the Shire to get them to the games, for supporting the girls all the way at every game and volunteering your time for duty when we played at home. Thankyou to Rachel for all her hard work on managing the girls and for keeping me in line during the games!! And a final thanks to the SHFC Committee for their support throughout the season.

Troy Davis Coach

U13D SSFA MOST IMPROVED It's raining, it's pouring...and pouring and pouring and yep, pouring some more! What an unusual lot of seasons we've experienced these past few years. Despite the rain, cancelled training and rounds, U13D team managed to play some pretty amazing games. Winning our first few rounds was an awesome booster to the confidence of the team. This was a great way for our boys to welcome players Benji, Ewan and Nic, who were both new to the team and new to soccer itself. Our defence line grew larger with each match...mainly because Iggy, Xavier, Christian and Anto seemed to shoot up in height right before our eyes, towering over players and parents alike. The shock on other teams' faces when they requested a check of our cards and realised that yes, the boys are all correctly age-graded, caused a laugh each time.

Together they threw themselves into their role and saved many, many potential goals. Iggy's touch of the ball showed fluidity and strength as he made turns, blocked players and took the ball up the field. Xavier stepped up to the role of keeper often and pulled off a number of saves that bought cheers from the crowd. Xavier and Christian were very alike in their defensive tenacity, never giving attackers an inch, but most of all never giving up. Anto was 'Mr Consistency', always positioned perfectly, reading the play with ease and even scoring one of the most cracking goals of the season.

Our mid-fielders were stars, winning the three awards of the year. Dylan, still with the ability to run box-to-box for the whole eighty minutes, was incredible to watch and he rightly deserved the Coach's Player of the Year award. Oscar, Player's Player, as he filled multiple roles throughout the year from mid-field to defence, goal keeper and attacker scoring a number of goals. A classic all-rounder. Gianni, winner of the Most Improved Player award made a real difference to the team being in position at all times and solidifying the midfield; so important when playing the big field.

James moved smoothly between a defensive midfield to an attacking role, playing well in one of the toughest positions at the side of the field. Benji,

showed a particular connection with the game as the season continued, gaining confidence with more attacks on the ball and following through with plays. Ewan showed such stamina trialling different positions, finding his feet as the rounds continued and gaining conviction as he built his skills each training session. Nic, with such determination, enjoyed his new-found confidence as he navigated plays of attack on the ball and backing up team members across the field. This season bought cohesion and moments of "hold your breath" plays for our attacking side. As an attacking pair, Yianni and Kai, were able to read each other's plays of the short game as they moved down the field to the final attacking third. A big growth in the last twelve months resulting in great goals by both players. It makes for an excellent game and dangerous for the other team. When Harry came out of goals there was no stopping him! His speed, agility and skill combined with his passion for the game left other players (sometimes even our own) in the dust. It was a difficult choice for the coach who would have given anything to clone Harry, one for the field and one with the gloves on. Yet again, U13D showed true team spirit as they rallied behind Coach Nekta, playing their best game in honour of him during his absence. A massive thank you to Andrew Crane, Matt Hughes and Steve Webster for giving up their time for the team at training and games when needed this year. The boys truly are better for the input of so many great role models. As another season closes, we can put aside the games missed, the dreaded COVID moments that bought our side down in numbers, the losses and even the moments of forfeits. When asked, the boys have good memories. And that pouring rain? Hey, it bought the best game ever where they played on the muddy field coming off like true Back Row L to R: Christian Alessi, Anthony Hondros, Ignatius Crisp, Xavier Auciello, Dylan Lomas

Middle Row L to R: Yianni Kalemkerdis, Oscar Crane, Harry Preedy athletes who love the game of soccer!-Kyme, Gianni Mamo

Front Row L to R: James Rourke, Ewan Montgomery, Kai Buchanan, Nicholas Lee, Benji Arnold Absent: Nekta Hondros (Coach), Alexis Auciello (Manager) Alexis Auciello Manager

U14A

GRAND FINALISTS

After 2 years of disruption who knew what season 2022 would have in store for the U14A’s! We got off to a slow start losing our first two games narrowly but a convincing performance against Miranda, followed by victories against Lilli Pilli and Como put us in contention for semi-finals.

As the season progressed and with a 50% win/loss ratio (not to mention rain interruptions) we found ourselves needing to win the last game to make the semi-finals. The boys seemed to thrive under pressure and by winning convincingly they secured 4th place and a first taste of finals football. It was clear the boys needed to find something special to keep their season alive and.they did exactly that! A come -from-behind extra-time victory against Georges River in the first week of the finals saw the team progress to the second week, against a very consistent and much improved Bosco side. By this stage, it was clear the boys were energised by their efforts and they delivered a wonderful display of football defeating a shell shocked Bosco 5-1 in the preliminary final to advance to their first ever grand final. Our grand final opponent, Cronulla Seagulls, had only lost 2 games in 3 years and the boys knew they had a challenge on their hands. Unfortunately, despite putting in another inspirational performance they could not secure victory on Grand Final day. They nonetheless showed tremendous belief and fearlessness against a tough opponent in trying conditions. Achieving a Grand Final appearance at their first attempt is a great reward for the commitment and hard work shown not only this year but over the last few years. As a coach, seeing the boys come together and perform the way they did over the final few weeks was hugely rewarding . They should be incredibly proud of their achievements in 2022. Our defensive line of Rory, Nicholas P, Harrison, Justen and Nathan were great all year. Our midfielders Gabriel, Nicholas C, Alex, Elliot and Caleb performed very consistently and adapted very well to different formations when called upon. Our strikers, Christian, George and Byron scored important goals all year and found great form during the finals.

Back Row L to R: Chris Plakias (Coach), Caleb McNamara, Harrison Plakias, Nicholas Clapham, Christian Simos, Byron Whitbread, Alexander Cardamis (Asst Coach) Front Row L to R: George Psirakis, Nathan Bevan, Nicholas Pizel, Rory Caspersonn, Justen Banks, Alexander Caspersonn, Elliott Lindbeck, Kiri Pizel (Manager) Absent: Gabriel Bova

A big thanks to Kiri Pizel for once again stepping up to support me and the boys as manager. Also, thank you to all the families for ensuring the boys maintained their commitment to training and for supporting us on game-days throughout the year. I would also like to acknowledge the team assistant coach Alexander Cardamis who has given up his time to help me with training and on game day. Special mention to chief photographer Helen Plakias for capturing the boy’s achievements. Overall, a great achievement to Runners-Up and for producing some wonderful memories and excitement during season 2022.

In terms of awards, congratulations to the following players:

Coaches Player of the Year: Nicholas Pizel Most Improved: Alex Caspersonn Players Player: Gabriel Bova

Chris Plakias Coach

W14A

FINALISTS

This was a new team made up of 6 x U13 girls and 10 x U14 girls. A combination of 2 groups, both who had played together for the last few years .The disjointed year of wet weather and covid disruptions has made it very hard to train and work the girls into one united team. Off the field the 2 groups found it hard to come together, drifting into 2 groups at training and before games – but on the field they are one close knit team that play for each other. Fiercely competitive and working together to get that ball up the field. A squad of 16 meant there was a lot of time on the bench, but the girls all understand this and have never once complained about taking their turn off. Instead they sit on the bench asking when they can get back on the field to help the team. We had no designated goalkeeper and have rotated this position throughout the season. Thankfully our rock-solid defence meant that any goalkeeper had little, if anything to do. The girls were very grateful to Evie and Kalarni for stepping up for the big games. Both girls agreeing to play the top games and finals series, half each in goals. Our defensive line made up of Grace, Evie, Addison, Santina, Mya & Nikita. Our midfield line of Remy, Tia, Sienna, Kalarni, Elka, StephBack Row L to R: Kristy Farr (Coach) Evie Charles, Stephanie Whetters, Mya Moutevelis, & Bronte. Up front, scoring goals were Gabi, Jess & Caris. Most of these girls played multiple positions Tia Shanahan, Grace Considine, Lisa Bacon (Manager) throughout the year, happy to learn and Middle Row L to R: Bronte Snoxall, Jessica Viner, Addison Farr, Remy Harmer grow. It has been great to see the girls Front Row L to R: Kalarni Judd, Sienna Cummings, Santina Gella, Caris Troy, Elka Coombes Absent: Nikita Byrnes, Gabriela Waechter branch out and try new positions, as they can’t always play where they want to. This is the challenge of having such a capable group of girls to work with. Thanks for a great season team. It has certainly been a different and I cannot believe how often it rained on Tuesdays! Thank you for allowing me into your world and coach you this season. Really hoping that all these girls choose to come back next season. A big thank to Lisa for managing and to the parents for running the girls around.

Kristy Farr Coach

The U14B team has been a pleasure to coach this year and we feel privileged that we were able to coach such a great bunch of respectful and committed kids. Considering the number of interruptions, we had and the competitiveness of the competition the boys did not ever stop trying and turning up to training. I also want to thank Luiz for his unconditional support throughout the season and without his support and advice I don't think I could have done it. We would like to thank a great bunch of parents who always provided their support and put up with my loud voice on the side-line! To the boys you each added your own strengths and abilities and ill provide a summary of those below. Liam won the Players Player award outright and this was well deserved. We promoted him to an entirely new position, and he took it into his stride. His Spartan spirit never let up no matter the result and his commitment to his team is his strength. Chris won the Coach's Award and was our outright second place in votes from the boys, he has been an inspirational leader throughout the season and his never say die attitude also inspired me when the results didn't go our way. Kyan won the Most Improved and this is an award that I think demonstrates his character, he was tucked into a position that he made his own and the level of Back Row L to R: Nick Bouziotis (Coach), Alexander Fleming, Lucas De Oliveira, consistency throughout the season was something to Kyan Gokani, Branko Doshen, Vuk Stojanovic, Lu,iz De Oliveira (Manager) behold. LucasFront Row L to R: George Constantinidis, William triantafyllou, Andrew Theouli, our enigmatic midfielder who's ball skill dazzled the opposing defence could have easily won

George Skouras, Chris Bouziotis, Zachary Bartholomew, Luka Ljubas Absent: Alexander Plakias either of these awards, but he is a model player and person and I really feel lucky to have coached such a young gentleman. Andrew was also promoted to a new position, and he thrived with this opportunity where he battled each game with a smile on his face. Luka the ultimate team player who put everyone else first, he fought hard throughout the season and was always first at training. Zach tore up the right side of the field and his never say die attitude and close ball control made it hard for all the opposing teams. Branko was pushed and pulled into different positions but made the centre back his own, his stature and presence was enough to throw off the opposing attack. Alex is a pillar of this team and I don't know what we would do without him. The work rate he possesses is out of this world and his no fuss attitude makes it all that much more rewarding for us. Alexander (Xandy), the newest member to the squad and goalkeeper had a brilliant season and the intensity and passion he brings to this team made the boys work harder. I can see him stepping into the coaching role one day and can ’t wait to follow that. Vuk had a tough season with injuries and the like but had a great finish to the season in bringing his silky skills on the park and really show casing what he can do. George S has improved each year and his vision and control are attributes that can take him far in this sport, some of his assists this year could make the PL highlights show. George C was our Mr Utility Player and was a God Send to the team, he moved from defence to attack without any fuss and made each position his own Thanks to all the parents and boys for their support and I am really looking forward to next year

Nick Bouziotis Luiz Oliveira Coach Manager

This year we welcomed back Ayden who has played with the team previously. As a coach, I am extremely proud of what the boys have achieved this year and how they have developed as soccer players. We took the step up to D grade last season and I believe the team has adapted well to the higher grade. It’s been a challenging year with wet weather preventing weekly training sessions and games. When weather permitted it was great to see the boys arrive to the games with energy and enthusiasm. Connor & Marley alternated in goals throughout the season and did a great job both in and out of the goals. Our defence was held together by Adam the larrikin and he was well- supported by Kynan, Theo and Ayden. Billy, Marley, Blake, Lucas, Zack and Noah worked really hard in midfield to provide support to our defence and feed balls to our strikers. Billy stunned the crowd this year with a number of superb, long-range goals. Isaac and KalanBack Row L to R: Magnus Petersson (Coach), Marley Ronay Sundin, Billy Katsinas, Ayden King, did a great job in attack and ran less offside than last year. They scored Connor Masters, Kalan Comb, Adam Kemp, Kim Kemp (Manager) some great winning goals for the team. I would like to thank the team manager Kim. Front Row L to R: Isaac Law, Zackary Crane, Kynan Griggs, Lucas Smith, Blake Petersson, Noah Turner, Theodore Karavias Her help and organisation each week were vital to the team being able to run smoothly. I also would like to thank Andrew for assisting with the coaching this season while I was away on holidays (yes, we are allowed to travel again). To the U14D players and to all their parents; thank you for a great, and again a short, season! I am looking forward to 2023 and hope to see all the players back again. Go the Trees!

U14D