An under 13s soccer team from Australind took on the big boys in Perth this year and came out on top.
The extension program squad of 20 young players from Australind Soccer Club were accepted into the Football West junior boys south division three competition and were so good they were relegated to division two after three weeks.
Joining a tougher competition and being three weeks behind would normally have made the task of playing finals rather difficult.
But the boys rose to the challenge, playing the remaining 15 games of the season and finishing with 13 wins and two draws. In total the side kicked a whopping 80 goals, while having just seven scored against them.
Despite playing three games less than their opponents, they finished on top of the ladder and won a grand final appearance against Perth Hills United.
A great all-round performance saw the boys clinch a 2-nil victory with goals to Sonny Vassay and Aaron Stone.
Coach Julian Vassay said the side have had an outstanding season.
“I would like to thank the Australind Junior Soccer Club for their support and the player’s parents for making a real commitment to helping their children play in Perth,” he said. “The boys have been commended during the year by other clubs and referees in the league for the good natured way they play the game and for their excellent sportsmanship.”
Vassay said the side have been ambassadors for the South West and will continue to compete in the Perth competition, with elevation to division one for 2017.
He also thanked their sponsors Virgo Gardens Australind, Kyani, Professionals Real Estate, Soccer Mindset Academy, Australind Small Engines and Back on Track Massage and Chiropractic.
Pictured are the team: Back Row: Mark Bateman (assistant coach), Cameron Bailye, Wade Morton, Kyle Peterson, Cooper Granville, Aaron Stone, Sonny Vassay, William Griffiths, Julian Vassay (coach). Front row: Eli Iemma, Jackson Vassay, William McDermott, Blake Stapleton, Jack Hayes, Dylan Briggs, Corey Stone, Jack Miller, Sam Bateman. Players not pictured: George Gallagher, Michael Yates, Hamish Melvin.