NWS Koalas FC’s U13’s squad puts teamwork ahead of talent
COMPETING every year at one of the highest levels in the country would be a challenge for any team but the NWS Koalas U/13’s always compete hard and with a smile.
Local Sports Stars
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COMPETING every year at one of the highest levels in the country would be a challenge for any team.
Not only do the North West Sydney Koalas Football Club have several teams in the elite National Premier League 1 competition, but their under-13 team does so with players up to three years younger than some of their opponents.
That is because many of the players come from the Koalas’ Skills Acquisition Programme, which was developed thanks to the support of long-time sponsor The Epping Club.
The SAP is a special junior developmental system that helps the club identify talent in players as young as eight and nurture them through to a representative level.
Coach Adam Keramea’s first priority is to ensure the girls learn together and always enjoy the game.
“Of course technical skills are important, but my focus is on building a team understanding of the game, how to move and communicate together as a team,” Keramea said.
“There’s a lot of great personalities in the group, which definitely makes my job easier. They always turn up to training with a smile on their faces. It’s a great team.”
With the list of former Koalas players including Matildas representatives Ellyse Perry and Chloe Logarzo, there is no denying that the current crop of young Koalas have a very bright future.
The NWS Koalas under-13s have been nominated for NewsLocal’s Team Spirit 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.
The program has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.
To nominate someone visit: www.localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal