On November 19, as the world turned to the World Cup Football in Qatar, Killcare’s own won the local equivalent in an extraordinary match.
The Killcare Warriors, a team of nine-year-olds, came from third on the competition ladder to beat the two top-placed teams and take out the 2022 U9 Football Development League Cup.
Coach Jeremy Cox said Killcare players Artie Cox, Artie Ferrier, Axel Harrington, Bay Steinweide, Jack McKinney, Jett Lukins, Oli Simmonds, Roy McKinney, Miles Bush and Xavier Knight maintained a critical presence wherever they were on the field.
“On finals day, in the first ‘must win’ knock out, Killcare beat the elegant Stingrays (they had only managed a draw previously) 1-0, to proceed to the grand final.
“Then they were up against unbeaten and highly-respected ECSS-U8.
“After an intense battle for each inch of pitch, for every minute of the match, scores were even at 1-1 when the final whistle blew.
“It came down to a penalty shoot-out with Killcare winning the nail-biting match 4-2.
“It was a joy to watch.
“Each player drew on some form of indomitable energy from deep within; it was an uplifting experience to be part of.”
Cox praised the “elegance and sportsmanship” of the Warriors’ opponents and FDL organisers for creating “a wonderful structure for the local kids to thrive”.
“The community rallied around the competition with great support from Coast Home Loans who provided teams with full kits, 6sPhysio who provided impressive onsite physios to respond immediately to any injuries, and Belle movement who provide free passes for player of the matches,” he said.
“Frameless Designs also sponsored the event.”
More information, including the FDL competition scheduled for February 2023, can be found at https://www.footballdevelopmentleague.com.au/.
Source:
Media release, Nov 23
Killcare Warriors