Still Plenty To Play For: The U18’S Falcons Up For The Challenge

FFV Metropolitan Girls’ North-West 17/18B

It’s a positive vibe for the final three matches of the season for the Darebin U18’s soccer team, who still have plenty to play for in the 2022 season. With the hard work at training, as well as excellent communication skills in the squad, the Falcons have been playing great football, challenging the competition leaders.

Coach Joe Baruzzo says that the squad have reacted well to the challenges of the season and are looking in great form.

“After a great season in 2021, we were lucky to keep most of our squad together. The 2022 competition had to be amalgamated for North and West, after other clubs were unable to field players post lockdowns. This meant that the competition had a wide range of skills and abilities, and there were some tough matches out there for us at the start. But it really has forced us to improve, and we had players really step up to the challenge of playing out of their division”

Lead by co-captains Emily Boyle and Olivia Baruzzo, with vice Captain Sophie Kehle, the squad have been putting out some strong team performances, creating lots of chances in attack and being accountable in defence. Falcs striker Maryam Sahi is sitting in the league top three for goal scoring after a couple of strong games taking her season tally to seven goals, and it is very pleasing to see the 10 Falcs on the goal kicking list.

“I love seeing that team work really come off, where we work hard at training to learn a skill and there is that light bulb moment. To see those team skill sets really come off in the game, and of course, we have had great moments of individual brilliance too.”

U18's Coach Joe Burazzo

At the U18’s, there are generally a lot of competing demands and of course increasing school pressures. 2022 has brought some unique COVID related challenges too. But the group have been able to build a strong team culture, providing support and encouragement to each other. With great training sessions, pizza nights, and of course the adrenalin and pressure of game days- the players have developed their understanding for each other.

“It has been great to see the group communicating well and encouraging each other. It makes it just so easy for me to enjoy coaching too. The group are really improving well over the season, but importantly, enjoying their football”.

As well as keeping the players from previous year, it has been great to see the squad welcome new players, and link well with the senior side. With some good performances, the season has built nicely with the communication links within the club and creating opportunities for the youngsters to transition into the open age group competitions.

Catch the action with the Falcons playing the next two weekends at GH Mott Reserve, Preston. Darebin take on Northcote City (3pm Sun 28 Aug) and Williamstown (3pm Sun 4 Sep).

Both match ups with these teams were close in the first round. With only a one goal loss in Round 8 against Williamstown, Darebin will be looking to get that next win. The team then goes on the road to play North Sunshine Eagles at St. Albans (1pm Sun 11 Sep), and again, will have a very competitive match on their hands.

Fixture and results here:
https://websites.mygameday.app/comp_info.cgi?a=FIXTURE&compID=601939&c=0-8746-0-0-0

Want to find out more about the Darebin Falcons?