Spirited Coogee White Tigers U9s kicking above their age bracket

A TEAM of pint-sized football players have proven why being smaller than the opposition doesn’t always matter.

Coogee White Tigers Under 9's Football (soccer) team. They are a great side who have been playing at levels above their age group. Junior Sport star Team spirit. Picture: John Appleyard

A TEAM of pint-sized football players have proven why being smaller than the opposition doesn’t always matter.

Coogee White Tigers U9s, who train at Heffron Oval, ran away with a 6-4 victory against U11s last month.

The talented bunch is part of the club’s comprehensive football development plan, which runs for 40 weeks per year, rather than the conventional three-month season.

Coogee White Tigers Under 9s football team have been nominated for the Junior Sport Star Team Spirit category. Picture: John Appleyard

David Needham, 24, took over as coach three weeks ago and said he noticed a big difference in the team’s technique to other kids at their age.

Matthew Weaver, 9, said he liked being the team’s captain because he could cheer the other boys and girl up when they were down.

He said while being a leader was a “big responsibility” it was a mantle he was very happy to keep.

Nominate

■ To nominate someone you know for the Young Sporting Spirit, Junior Sport Star, Service to Sport or Team Spirit categories go to juniorsportsstar.com.au

■ Nominations close on October 23

■ To see our stories of other nominations visit southerncourier.com.au

■ The competition is run by NewsLocal

■ Rebel is back as the major sponsor and 7 News as the media partner

■ Fox Sports Pulse is the sponsor for the Team Spirit category

■ Southeast sprinting talent Jessica Thornton was awarded the 2014 Junior Sports Star of the Year at a ceremony in February