Goals, goals, goals! The 2015 edition of the NSR Kanga Cup was a fitting tribute to the 25th Anniversary of the global phenomenon that is widely renowned as the premier youth football event in the Southern Hemisphere with superb action, and lots and lots of brilliant goals!
A record entry list of over 340 teams descended on the national capital of Canberra for a week of fun, friendship and football taking away memories that will last a lifetime following six days of action, both on and off the field.
With 33 different competitions across the full spectrum of ages from under-9 to under-18, as well as the highly anticipated AWD division, thousands of aspiring footballers battled it out during the week in a series of matches that culminated in a massive Grand Final day held at the NSR Kanga Cup Football Central at Southwell Park.
And whilst the weather on the day may have been miserable, the rain was almost incessant from kick-off early in the morning to the final whistle late in the afternoon, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of all involved with the general consensus of opinion that all would be back for more in 2016.
“The event is run like clockwork; the atmosphere around the games is great; the kids enjoy every minute of it and you can see their happiness during the event and after, once they get back home,” Carlos Drescher the Junior Technical Director at Essendon Royals commented. “I could go on, but the best way to understand what the Kanga Cup is about is to come and experience it – no further words will be required.”
It was a sentiment that was echoed by a number of other coaches and administrative staff who thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a week’s football with their young charges. “It’s got the full package,” Spring Hills FC Manager Paul Mathioudakis said. “It’s a great competition, it’s a bonding experience for the players and it’s a holiday for the parents as well.”
The trophies may have been presented at the conclusion of the competition but it was less about the silverware and more about the experience for the vast majority of NSR Kanga Cup entrants. 2016 promises more of the same!
