Limestone Coast fields strong soccer teams

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UNDER 16 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

Under 16web TBW Newsgroup
UNDER 16 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

THE Limestone Coast Football Association (LCFA) will field another strong representation in the South Australia Junior Soccer Association (SAJSA) state championships in Adelaide this weekend.

Each of the grades have been filled and a contingent of 91 of the region’s most promising young players will be on display over the three days of competition.

LCFA junior sports director Warren McCallum said the teams – which range from Under 12 to Under 16, including an Under 12 development side – are ready to put their skills to the test.

“All of the coaches and players are raring to go,” he said.

“We have all six teams going from the Under 12D’s to the Under 16’s.

“I think four squads took a full card of 16 players and there is a mixture of kids from every team in Mount Gambier, as well as Portland, Naracoorte and Millicent.”

McCallum said coaches are pleased to see such strong representation, particularly from the clubs outside of the Blue Lake city.

Last year the LCFA returned with three state titles and two runners-up, with only the Under 14’s missing out on the final.

This year looks set for another successful tournament, but McCallum said the main focus is on experience and enjoyment.

“You always hope to do well, but it is not all about winning, as long as the kids have fun, get the experience and nobody gets hurt,” he said.

“They are the main objectives.

“If we come back with silverware, that is a bonus.”

The Under 13 group will be one to watch, having been competitive in their last two appearances, since their successful debut in the Under 12D’s in 2017.

They won the Under 12 title last year and will now look for a third consecutive state victory.

“Coach Michael Prior has had those kids for the last two years,” McCallum said.

“I expect them to go alright.

“Our 16’s are a bit light on, but there are some quality players there so they should go alright as well I think.”

It will all come down to how the teams match up against their opposition, with a blend of regional and metropolitan teams in the mix.

From the state championships players also have the opportunity to be selected for the State Identification Program (SIP), an initiative of Football Federation South Australia which aims to identify and develop the future stars of the sport.

Last year the LCFA had a strong representation in the program and there is sure to be Limestone Coast talent on the radars of selectors again over the long weekend.

Regional teams will also be selected from the event, which caters for the Under 15 and Under 17 age brackets.

The state championships kick off with the first games at 8.15am tomorrow and wrap up with presentations at 12.30pm on Monday.