Highlands FC may only have one team here at KEEPUP Kanga Cup 2023, but do not let that deter you from their love and heart to give it their all.

Led by coach Anthony Arnol, the boys will hope to make it through their pool and play finals later in the week.

The U/12’s side faces a new environment here in the nation’s capital, playing an unfamiliar form of football.

“We play full field, 11-a-side back home, so a big change for the team,” Arnold said.

As the team adapts to the different format, they hope to compete against their competition in their respective pool, but most importantly, “have fun.”

The team also contains players from mixed ages as some 11-year old’s play up a year to complete the team.

Due to the footballing community being small in the region of Southern Highlands, Highlands FC gives an opportunity for players to play the world’s game.

Highlands FC plan to maximise their time in Canberra as they will tour the Australian Institute of Sport in Bruce to gain an appreciation of the top-level athletes in Australia.

The boys will be looking to face a new level of opposition after being one of the top teams in their local competition in the Illawarra.

“They’ve been looking forward to this event… they are doing well in their local competition this year so we hope we can do well,” Arnold said.

Scoring their first goal against Radford College on Monday saw the players, families and friends light up in jubilation.

In all elements of the game, the kids continue to have so much fun as they spend their school holidays the best way imaginable, playing football.

It is the team’s second year competing at the KEEPUP Kanga Cup giving themselves a plethora of experience and confidence to beat their opponents.

The players are gracious in the opportunity to play in this tournament but also to socialise and connect with people from various backgrounds.

Words: Harrison Frater