Junior Teams
AUST. YOUTH SHOWING TEAM SPIRIT |
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 With regular updates on the Australian Youth Teams tour of New Zealand coming through to us here, it is abundantly clear that not only are the teams playing some good touch footy but they're building friendships, creating life-long memories and doing not only their parents, but everyone here, proud. Australian 16's Mens Coach Mark Wallace says the team has bonded well after a very tough National Championships where they were opposed to each other. "The boys have learnt heaps on tour, it has been a great life experience not only with Touch, but for the experiences and friendships. The group has embraced the Australian Touch culture of team harmony before individualism and are doing their country proud!" 16's Womens Coach Anthony Prior believes that his team is no different. "The girls are starting to hit their straps after a good solid performance today against the Canterbury team. The atmosphere and the friendship amongst the girls is great." With an attitude and atmosphere like this displayed amongst not only the 16's teams but also the 18's, it's obvious the Australian Senior teams have an incredibly positive future. Australian 18's Mens Coach Colm Maguire says this is the best bonded team he has been involved in, with strong friendships being formed during the trip. "The team has a great deal of self-belief in it's ability to achieve better results than the previous Australian 18's mens teams in New Zealand," he says. "But it's their attitudes that are so fantastic. The players are looking forward to every challenge and cherish the opportunity to represent their country. These guys are all proud representatives and are jumping out of their skin to play for Australia." With the Mens 18's tour diary sharing the interesting, and often slightly embarrassing details of the players exploits, it's evident Colm isn't exaggerating when he says the boys have bonded well. And if that's not enough, just ask Malcolm, Candy, Tracker, Mr T, Loz the Provider, Gonzoblades, Mr M or that guy from Charlies Angels that smells the hair, Pete - Pete repeat, Mumbles, Meggsy, Dopey, Wax, Miss Piggy, Rudolf, Amelda, Drummy, Fiddles &Thumbs. (That's the mens 18's under their alternative names.) The boys say they're all now the best of mates & that this is something they were all aiming for, as were the other Youth teams no doubt. From what these guys are saying and putting into action on the field, it's obvious New Zealand won't have to just beat some of the best player's in the Country, but they will also have to get over the fact that the Australian players are all going to dig deep for their Buddy - That will be a real advantage when the chips are on the table. Rachel Moyle |
