Epping FC’s fair play award icing on cake in arctic conditions

Epping FC have braved the Canberra cold to walk away with the Kanga Cup’s Fair Play award

Epping Football Club's Kanga Cup team received the competition's Fair Play award. Pictured with Matildas striker Michelle Heyman

• Defence the difference
• Passion key motivator

Sometimes sport isn’t all about winning, but rather playing the game with enthusiasm, respect and enjoyment.

Epping Football Club’s Kanga Cup team embodied this philosophy at the recent elite competition, walking away with the tournament’s Fair Play award.

The Kanga Cup is the largest junior football tournament in the southern hemisphere, with around 400 teams from ages nine to 17 competing in a week-long football festival in Canberra.

Despite going up against some of the most talented football teams in the country, the girls braved the at-times arctic conditions to always put their best feet forward, no matter who the opponent was.

“I am so proud of the girls,” said coach Richard Rasker.

“They had a wonderful week together, had lots of fun, played some good football and also witnessed some very strong teams first hand, learning what they can aspire to as they develop as a team.

“Winning the Fair Play Award was really great recognition for our team culture and was the icing on the cake of a week the girls will never forget.”

Epping FC’s Kanga Cup team has been nominated for NewsLocal’s Young Sporting Spirit-Team award.

The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.

Award categories are Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

To nominate someone, go to localsportsstars.com.au