The under-9 Weipa Junior Soccer Club impressed on the pitch when the western Cape York players made the trip to Townsville to play in North Queensland’s oldest tournament on 22-24 June. Photo: Supplied.
Weipa’s junior soccer stars shone on the pitch after finishing third against more experienced teams in North Queensland’s oldest tournament last week.
The under-9 lineup travelled to Townsville from 22-24 June to contest the 40th anniversary of the Filippo Mele Memorial Carnival and started the competition well by topping their pool group.
Despite it being their first time playing in a tournament, the Weipa boys demonstrated skill, sportsmanship, passion and resilience to make it to the semi-final stage, which they lost after a 4-3 penalty shootout in extra time following a 2-all draw.
Player Archie Thomas said he was keen to tackle the team’s next competition, despite the nerves involved with the semi-final going into extra time.
“It was a fun tournament playing against other teams from other clubs,” he said.
“It was stressful when we had the penalty shootout but I’m happy we came third overall.
“I would definitely do it again.”
While a return trip to Townsville for the 2025 carnival may be on the cards, coach Jamie Thomas said the team was already looking at other tournaments to play this year, and was full of praise for his wards.
“After only being together for 10 weeks and training twice a week, getting to a semi-final and coming third overall is a huge positive achievement,” Mr Thomas said.
“The boys stepped up to the challenge on the pitch and performed, and played their hearts out.
“Me and all the parents who came were so, so proud.”
Mr Thomas said he hoped the result helped boost the profile of the sport on western Cape York, adding the carnival organiser admitted to him “you have some real talent in Weipa”.
“This performance and the positivity that has come from travelling to Townsville and playing in this major tournament in North Queensland will certainly boost soccer in our town of Weipa, and has put us on the western Cape soccer map for future tournaments,” he said.
“I would love to see all age groups entering major tournaments in the future.”
It is fair to say the Weipa players were more than a little bit excited to be competing in the 2024 Filippo Mele Memorial Carnival in Townsville. Photo: Supplied.
