Rouse Hill Rams have returned to Canberra for their fourth KEEPUP Kanga Cup since 2018 and they plan to showcase their best football, with two teams entered in the tournament in 2023.
Both the U15 boys and U12 Girls are playing some great Football. The U15 boys have been playing just like… Rams. Being Light of their feet on the rainy Canberra ovals has helped them keep a perfect winning streak.
The U15 Boys Co-Coach, Michael Grima says tournaments like the KEEPUP Kanga Cup are crucial for building not only football skills, but lasting relationships within a team and club.
“The boys love it too. It’s great for comradery. They Love their football but what it builds in friendship is on another level,” Grima said.
Grima and The Rams don’t underestimate how important these relationships can be in the footballers’ lives, complimenting the KEEPUP Kanga Cup on its communal approach to football.
“We love it. We’ve been coming here for four seasons, and we’ve always had a great time.” Grima confirmed.
“At this age it’s just about making sure the boys keep playing sport and with the friendships they’ve made and events like KEEPUP Kanga Cup, it ensures that.”
The cup gives the club opportunities to clubs to spend a full week bonding and seeing how Canberra supports football in Australia. The Rams have a tour booked with the Australian Institute of Sport where they’ll see what goes into making Australia’s best athletes.
But even our best athletes start with social youth tournaments and Canberra’s annual cup is one of the best, not to mention biggest. Grima believes bringing teams together from around the country is what many love about the KEEPUP Kanga Cup.
“It’s great that we get to play teams like Radford College from Canberra and Wagga City Wanderers,” Grima commented.
“In 2019 we brought six teams. And next year we’re hoping to build it back up to that 6-team mark.”
The Rams are a big club, and six teams would be an adequate representation of their grand club. With over 1,300 registered players in 2023, The Rams are known for maintaining a family-feel, even if it’s a big family.
The U15 Boys will represent the Rouse Hill Rams in the finals while the rest of the club enjoy their week in the KEEPUP Kanga Cup.
Words: Henry Ricketts