U12

U12 GIRLS SHIELD

We decided to bring our U12 girls into one team this year, so they could all have the experience of learning to play on a full field, and to explore different positions and game play as a group. Something we aim to do as a club is to make sure everyone is included and by integrating players of different levels of experience our girls should be proud that they achieved this aim. 

With 2 coaches (myself and Matt Sweetnam) we were able to progress skill development and set plays at training according to each player's needs. It was so rewarding to see what we practised at training actually take place during the games and it gave us confidence that we were on the right track. 

Every single match presented different challenges which showed there is an incredible amount of learning that happens each week. We're very proud that the girls never let any of the setbacks get them down, their positivity and sense of fun was infectious and they always came off the field laughing.

We finished the season in 4th position on the ladder so we had plenty to celebrate and we learnt as much from the losses and draws as we did from the wins.

Thank you to Jay and Brooke for managing and helping with subs, and to Xanthe and her dad Rory for being organised and prepared with everything that is required to be a goalkeeper! Thanks also to all the parents for being so supportive and keeping the communication going. We're very excited to see everyone back over the summer and next year.

Pip Dudley

U12 MIXED SHIELD

Paula and I have shared the coaching duties of the U12 shield team this year so we could help the development of all the players. We were able to split the group and concentrate more om the individual needs of players,  specific to their skills and positions. We have seen great improvements by all players because of this.

Despite the limited games played in the season,  we saw multiple highlights with first time goal scoring to goal saving. Our players learnt how to play as a team and followed our game plan exceptionally well even when we were challenged.

We had 4 players making the Central Flames zone teams, 3 of these players also went on to join the Victorian academy and even 2 players making the U12 state team.

Paula and I will be looking forward to seeing some if not all of our players at the try-outs for Central Flames next year and some of them aiming for the state teams.

Paula and I would like to send out a special thanks to Annemarie for her exceptional effort as our team manager and keeping the whole team up to date and on time for each game. We all know it is very hard to find someone who is willing to play the hardest position on the field and as a result there is also one more thank you to Ollie for filling the hole in the goals. 

Steve Eager