A new pathway program brought Aurukun gold at the FNQ Futsal Titles. Photo: Aurukun Shire Council.
Cape York soccer teams have done their communities proud after snagging silverware against some of the best at the FNQ Futsal Titles.
Teams from Aurukun, Cooktown and Weipa travelled down to Cairns for the 1-2 November competition, which hosted 77 players from across the region.
This year, Aurukun stepped up its game with the introduction of a new pathway program, which resulted in more players, more commitment and stronger teams.
The Western Cape York community sent three teams – under-12 United Girls, U12 Active Boys, and Masters Deadly Elders. The U12 United Girls team came out on top in its division.
“Last year, our focus was on participation and gaining experience in mainstream futsal,” Aurukun Shire Council sports and recreation officer Rathin Saha said.
“This year, thanks to the pathway program, participation numbers increased significantly, allowing for a more structured approach and attracting highly motivated players.
“Our players have started to dream bigger and recognise opportunities to represent at regional, state, or even national levels, which has resulted in a positive shift in their mindset and ambition.”
The Reefs Football Club sent two Cooktown sides to the tournament, a men’s team and girls’ team. Both brought home silver.
“The wins were unexpected and huge,” club secretary Jen Jenyns said.
“Every year, our team lifts, benefitting from the experience of playing with seasoned professional clubs that play a few times a week, and that are three or four times the size of our club. We are grateful for the experience.
“[In the men’s team], it was fantastic to see our two local sides, Lakeland and Cooktown, that have a friendly rivalry most of the year, team up to take out silver against four other teams, including two professional teams from Townsville.”
Lakeland and Cooktown rivals came together to bring home silver to Cape York. Photo: Supplied.
Weipa Junior Soccer Club’s two teams, in the U8s and U10s, made the semi-finals and the quarter-finals respectively.
Coach Jamie Thomas said despite a bit of disappointment from the boys, they kept up the “Weipa spirit”.
“They cheered each other on, high-fived when we scored, hugged each other when there were tears, and showed fantastic sportsmanship,” he said.
“As a coach and parent, I felt their loss. But at the same time, I was immensely proud of them for competing and giving this fast-paced game a go.
“Compared to these Cairns teams that have regular practices and regular competitive games week-in, week-out, we gave it to them and kept up right until the end.
“I’m sure we’ll be back next year competing for the titles again.”
Weipa Junior Soccer Club coach Jamie Thomas says he’s proud of the sportsmanship displayed by players at the FNQ Futsal Titles. Photo: Supplied.
