Ravens U17/2 girls claimed local and state titles through an undefeated 2016

Gladesville Ravens reaping the rewards of their commitment and teamwork

The Gladesville Ravens U17/2s have been nominated for NewsLocal’s Young Sporting Spirit award. Pictures: Phil Rogers

• Super Sydney soars
• Training hard to pool ahead

The Gladesville Ravens U17/2 girls are more like a family than a team- both figuratively and literally.

Five of the girls have been led by coach Jason Cooper since U/10s, with his daughters Olivia, Lily and Ruby all part of the close-knit unit.

The close bond shared by the team has been paying massive dividends for their on-field form as well.

In 2016, the girls claimed the North West Sydney Women’s premiership and championship in an undefeated season.

Not content with their success at the local level, they went on to also win titles in the elite State Cup and Champion of Champions competitions.

Head coach Jason Cooper and a core group of players have been with the team since U/10s.

Club spokeswoman Melissa Coward says the team’s achievements are a credit to how close the girls are away from the pitch.

“The girls work as a team and do so with a sense of selflessness,” she said.

“When the majority of club level football players are at home relaxing or out with friends or families these girls are together at training.

“They are committed to their team and committed to working with their fantastic and equally dedicated coach.”

The Gladesville Ravens U17/2 side, supported by the Bayview Hotel, 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.

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.