A STRONG representation from the South East traveled to Adelaide on the weekend as part of the Football Federation South Australia junior state regional teams.
The sides played in a State Identification Program (SIP) carnival against rival teams, which consist of players from in and around Adelaide.
The South East Women’s Football Association had seven players compete in the Under 16 and Under 14 regional sides, which were up against some of the state’s best junior talent.
Gambier Centrals’ Kate and Ellie Seaton, Inter’s Ella Doody and United’s Chelsea Frost represented the Under 16 regional team, which finished the carnival with two wins and two losses.
The Under 14’s also fared well and were undefeated in their four games, with two wins and two draws.
That side consisted of United’s Leah McDonnell, Apollo City’s Olivia Gwilym and Millicent’s Lana Shepherd, while Millicent’s Emma Lang is also part of the team, but was unable to make the trip on the weekend.
With the regional teams having been together for about a month, the SIP carnival was the perfect chance for players to build their bond on the pitch.
“They played one trial game a few weeks ago, but that was made up of players from both age groups because of commitments,” SEWFA committee member Leigh Gwilym said.
“The SIP carnival was when they first really played as a team.
“For the Under 14’s to come away undefeated, that was quite an achievement with the lack of preparation time.”
Gwilym said the local girls played well throughout the carnival and they will now turn their attention to the Singa Cup in November, which will see the regional teams compete in Singapore.
The process of selection for the teams started at the State and Country Championships, with the girls involved in the program for the last couple of years.
“The State Identification Program is made up of teams consisting of the best players in their age groups from all of the state,” Gwilym said.
“Players are identified from the State and Country Championships each year, then they get invited to a SIP carnival.
“Then what normally happens is the following year – or sometimes the same year – they get invited to try out for the FFSA regional team.
“Those state regional teams go away to Singapore this year to participate in the Singa Cup.
“All eight girls from down here have been selected and they will go up to Singapore in November.”
The Singa Cup will provide the opportunity of a lifetime for the SEWFA girls, as they take their soccer international for an experience to remember.
