Monash City U12s Win 2005 Gold Coast International Youth Cup

After 10 months of hard work and preparation for the Gold Coast International Youth Cup, the U12s were rewarded by winning the grand final, defeating tournament favourites Rochedale Rovers (Queensland) by 3 goals to 2. The game was arguably the most dramatic played by the team since last years thrilling match against Musgrave (Queensland) in the same competition.

The Team: Anastasio, Anthony Barker-Daish, Jake Dimopoulos, Jamie Drinoczky, Ben Ferns, Curran Frangou, Chris Gow, Jack (Box Hill Inter) Grusman, Alon Hameed, Ali Kerstens, Henry Lolios, Billy (Box Hill Inter) Michaelis, Jordan Johnson, Oliver Schroen, Marcus (Box Hill Inter) Yu, Kevin Balding Monty

The Monash team had to come from behind twice, and survive a penalty miss which would of surely swayed the game in favour of Rochedale. After going one nil down, and conceding much of the possession throughout the first half to a well-drilled opposition, the team equalised through Billy Liolios on the stroke of half time. In the second half the team lifted and began to dominate more of the play, however Rochedale went 2 -1 from a well struck free-kick. Minutes later the team could have been 3 -1 down when a dubious penalty was awarded. Justice was served when the ball skidded off the post and ran out for a throw-in. The Monash team did not give up and were similarly rewarded a penalty (deliberate hand-ball) 10 minutes later. Marcus Schroen had his first effort saved, but the keeper was judged to have moved before the kick was taken. Schroen made no mistake from the re-take to level the game at 2 - 2. With 4 minutes left before extra time, Schroen was involved again, sending a whipping cross into the penalty area from the right wing which was slotted past the keeper by Ali Hameed. The last 4 minutes went very slow but the team held out to win the final.

In the semi-final Monash defeated Brisbane City 5 - 2, the team came back after being 2 -1 behind at half time. In the group stages the boys won every game without conceding a goal. They defeated SW Queensland 6 - 0, Subiaco City (Western Australia) 4 - 0, Mudgeeraba (Queensland) 16 - 0, and Western Bay of Plenty (New Zealand) 3 - 0.

Summary of FFV Website Article

Over 140 junior teams that attended the Gold Coast International Youth Cup Tournament, held at the Carrara Stadium 17 - 24 September. Teams attended from all over Australia, New Zealand, and as far away as Wales (UK). Victoria was represented by Monash City (U12s), Green Gully (U13s), Keilor Park (U14s) and a combined U16 girls team labelled the Bayside Pirates which comprised players from Brighton, Sandringham and Monash City.

Monash City U12s and Green Gully U13s won the Grand Finals for their respective age groups and where crowned 2005 champions. The Bayside Pirates U16s also performed very well and finished in 3rd place.

Monash City, Green Gully and the Bayside Pirates attended the same tournament last year and were impressed by the quality of the interstate teams, especially from Queensland and New South Wales. All three Victorian sides did not make it to the finals last year, but used that experience to improve their approach to the competition this year.

Monash City's Director of Coaching, Laurie Ferns, explained that his U12 side had prepared for this tournament for 10 months. "We knew after attending last year that every aspect of player and team preparation had to improve to compete with elite Queensland teams in their own environment. Besides developing the players' technical skills and game awareness, training this year included a conditioning program to improve their strength and muscle endurance so to help them maintain performance across 6 demanding games in 7 days."
 While at the tournament, players were consistently reminded to drink fluids and were fed lots of pasta, rice, fruits and cereals. Even the playing strip was specially made from a light-weight material which allowed sweat to evaporate more easily.

A challenge for all the teams coaches and managers was restricting young players from spending too much time in swimming pools and keeping them away from beaches and theme parks. "All of these activities are energy draining and not good preparation for competitive football matches" said Ferns.

Officials from the clubs comprising the composite Bayside Pirates were pleased with their sides performance. The Pirates 3rd place finish will give each player involved a memorable experience to take back to their club side.

Next year Monash City and some of the other sides will explore the possibility of attending the Kanga Cup in Canberra, and the Tiger Cup in Malaysia.

Information on the Coast Tournament can be found at www.championsyouthcup.com