Blackstone, Brisbane Valley teams kicking ahead in challenging times

One of the founding clubs Blackstone United and country representatives Brisbane Valley were among the teams involved in the latest grand finals. See how they fared.

Players from Brisbane Valley (blue strip) and Blackstone battle for possession in the under 15/16 girls Queensland Christian Soccer Association grand final. Picture: Gary Reid

TWO Ipswich regional clubs typify the strong focus on junior development in the tradition-rich Queensland Christian Soccer Association (QCSA) competition established in 1969.

One of the founding clubs Blackstone United and country representatives Brisbane Valley were among the teams involved in the latest grand finals.

Blackstone’s under 15/16 years girls side beat Brisbane Valley 2-1 in a tight battle between the top two sides at Westminster field, Redbank on Saturday.

Action from the under 15/16 girls Queensland Christian Soccer Association grand final between Blackstone and Brisbane Valley. Picture: Gary Reid

Blackstone coach Jeremy Bruce was most satisfied with how his young side matured through the season having a group of new players.

“We did have a good year,’’ Bruce said.

“We had probably half play before and half brand new.

“The development improved out of sight . . . and we managed to win the minor premiership.’’

In the grand final, Jorja Robbins and Ashlee Saderncamp scored for the Blackstone team.

Action from the under 15/16 girls Queensland Christian Soccer Association grand final between Blackstone and Brisbane Valley. Picture: Gary Reid

Brisbane Valley 15/16 years girls manager Marissa Pakleppa also praised her team’s commitment after a testing year, including the Covid disruptions and having limited players.

“There was a few little setbacks but overall they (the QCSA) did really well just to get us to go,’’ she said.

“I was very happy.

“We never really had any subs over the season so they had to play full games and they really dug deep.’’

Action from the under 15/16 girls Queensland Christian Soccer Association grand final between Blackstone and Brisbane Valley. Picture: Gary Reid

Blackstone won two of the six grand finals played at the weekend. The club’s under 12 side joined the victorious under 15/16 girls.

Bruce said with proud foundations dating back more than 50 years, Blackstone’s goal was to maintain membership providing regular competition for players from under 10 to over 40.

The Brisbane Valley club based at Lowood has been in the state church soccer competition since 1992.

It caters for players in teams aged six to over 30.

Close tackling contact from the under 15/16 girls Queensland Christian Soccer Association grand final between Blackstone and Brisbane Valley. Picture: Gary Reid

The under 15/16 girls was one of three sides from the valley involved in grand finals.

The club’s 17/18 years men beat St Paul’s in their grand final. A number of players have come through under 6’s.

The Brisbane Valley senior women’s team were runners-up after a grand final against Beaudesert.

The club’s under 15/16 side was captained by Lilijana Sajkar, who scored Brisbane Valley’s goal on Saturday.

Brisbane Valley goalkeeper Alicjia Sajkar prepares for Blackstone attacking raid in the under 15/16 years grand final. Picture: Gary Reid

Her younger sister Alicija, 13, was team goalkeeper.

“They played for each other and our biggest focus is to have fun,’’ Pakleppa said, having been with the club for four years.

Pakleppa’s partner Louise Carney is coach of the team.

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