It’s more than just soccer for first-timers who vow to return
By Ashlee Buckley
The Canberra Times 16/7/09
With the Kanga Cup in its 19th year, and teams from all over the world attending, it’s hard to believe many clubs this year are making their debut at the tournament.
There are many reasons why teams have decided to attend, but the main one is for clubs to develop their teams, and help to develop their game against different styles of play.
Northbridge boys under- 10s coach Neale Muston said, “Well, the Kanga Cup has been the premier tournament in Australia for the juniors.
“It’s a great challenge for the kids to come down and to meet all the other players here, and to challenge them, and they’ve had a wonderful time.”
Sydney Apia Tigers boys under-10s’ coach Marc D’Amici said his side had never played teams outside its local competition.
“[We] Just wanted to give the kids a new experience,” he said.
“It’s good that they get to experience other teams from outside their district.
The guys feel really challenged.”
And the new clubs are coming in and challenging for the trophy right away.
Northbridge has won, lost and drawn a snatch, while the Tigers have won and lost, even clocking up a 11-2 victory over Woden.
Also in the Tigers’ pool is Brazilian Soccer Schools Victoria, who are also debuting at the tournament with an tinder-10s side.
Coach Adam Riccuiti said the tournament had been beneficial.
“You can never get enough experience,” he said.
“And they [the team] will remember things like this, tournaments like this, for the rest of their life.”
All three coaches found the level of competition good at the Kanga Cup, saying their teams were well matched with teams in their group.
They also said play wasn’t dirty.
“The play is aggressive and clean, very good spirit, some teams are representative teams, which we’ve found is also great to play against,” Muston said.
Some teams also enjoyed the seven versus seven games.
“This small-sided structure is really suited for our kids really it’s the way forward for football in Australia,” Muston said.
“[I'm] very happy that this type of tournament’s been organised.”
But it’s not just the younger players that enjoyed the tournament: older teams also found the cup beneficial.
Colo Cougars under-18s coach John Hall has brought his teats to the cup for the second time this year, and finds it not just about football.
“We enjoy it, because it’s also a bit of a relaxation for the boys, a time out, relax and bond a bit,” he said.
The coaches agreed the tournament had been a success, and had nothing but praise for it.
The players had also enjoyed Canberra.
All the coaches recommend the Kanga Cup, and want to bring their team, plus more from the club next year.
Just thought i would comment and say cool theme, who you think will win the World Cup 2010?