While the Woden Valley Valkyries, the Woden Valley SC’s under 11’s Female Plate team, may have just fallen short of gold at the Kanga Cup, they didn’t let their loss in the grand final affect their overall outlook on the tournament.
The Woden Valley Soccer Club was formed in 1988, when at this time they had approximately 150 players, most of which were young boys. Flashing forward to 2024, the club now has over 1500 players, catering for juniors (from the ages of 5), seniors competition for both men and women, as well as masters.
The club prioritises providing all those in their community, of all ages and abilities, a positive environment to play football. They hold their values very close to their heart as well. Some of those key values being respect, teamwork, fun, integrity, excellence, accountability, and community!
This year, the Woden Valley SC brought seven teams to compete in the Kanga Cup. For the coach of the under 11 Valkyries, Nathan Blaylock, it was his very first time being involved in the tournament, and he identified one of the biggest positives of the event was the learning opportunities that it could provide for his team of young girls.
“There is so many games in such a small space of time, it’s such a learning opportunity for the players,” he shared. “To be able to give them a message as a coach, and for them to be able to practice it that afternoon is so valuable. Normally they have a whole week to forget it.”
From a coach’s perspective, Blaylock believes that the tournament’s highlight has nothing to do with how many games were won and lost, but everything to do with fun and friendship.
“Just watching how much fun the girls have had, really,” he said. “They have become such good friends, and the parents too. It’s been wonderful.”
When asked what he believed the highlight of his players week was, the Woden coach responded with one simple answer:
“Playing so many games, I think. That’s what they are here to do, and they love it.”
The Valkyries joined the Kanga Cup with one idea in mind. That being to play as much football as possible! Whether they were playing against teams from their local competition, or teams who have travelled from a far, Blaylock believes the tournament provides a space for everyone to see what else is out there.
“It is nice to see teams from Sydney, Wagga, and so on, you know, all over Australia,” he commented. “To see how they play, they might play differently, maybe similar, but to just see the range of competitors. “
The Woden Valley SC have been long time participants of the Kanga Cup. Anticipating their return next year, it is exciting to see what they will have on offer!
Words: Kate Reedy
