With composure and calmness on the ball, it’s no surprise that Easts FC will look to go far in the KEEPUP Kanga Cup 2023.
The team from eastern Sydney has been eagerly awaiting for the tournament to arrive, training twice a week with Easts FC, with other players taking up extra football commitments with their schools in Sydney.
Former president and proud father of one of the boys competing, Alan, says that the boys have been scratching at the bit to get underway.
“They’ve been really keen, they’ve been talking about this competition for over a month,” Alan said.
“There’s been four or five core players that have played each year, and this will be the last year most of them will play together as they head into high school next year.”
To commence the tournament, a team dinner was held on Sunday night to bond as a group and to officially begin their week in Canberra.
“The team dinner was a good chance to say let’s have a real go but of course have fun,” coach of the U/12’s side, Gabi, said.
With not many top teams in their local competition, the boys have been looking forward to testing themselves against a new level of opposition they wouldn’t normally play against.
Easts recognise there are fierce competition ahead of them, but nothing they can’t handle.
“Teams like Blacktown City FC are going to be tough, but they’ll give it their all,” Alan said.
The community run football club which was established in 1989 hosts some talented individuals across the board, with a few players eyeing off higher level competition next year.
“Some boys will look to playing NPL next year, so it’s a great chance to get a taste of the level of football,” Alan said.
Falling short in last year’s competition, the team started their crusade off strong, defeating West Canberra Wanderers at Harrison fields on Monday.
With some players playing football up to five times a week, the quality of football should shock no one as they look to go a long way at the tournament.
KEEPUP Kanga Cup. Fun. Friendship. Football.
Words: Harrison Frater