Shoalhaven quartet shine in Fiji
Four of the Shoalhaven’s top young talents have just returned from Fiji, where they represented one of two Australian sides to compete in the Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup.
Jye Howard-Coney (Shoalhaven Heads), Matthew Page (Coolangatta), Cassidy Mar (Tomerong) and Jamie Beattie (Worrigee) all played for the International Football Group under 12s Cockatoos, coached by Southern Branch’s Randolph Mar from December 3-8.
“The selection process involves assessment during regular season competition games by the International Football Group tournament technical director, Bruce Tilt, who organises the Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup,” Renae Beattie, mother of Jamie, said.
“Bruce initiated this tournament in 2010 as a way of assisting the Fijian Soccer Association with its junior development programme and as a way of giving Australian players the opportunity to develop their skills and experience playing against teams from another country.”
This was the second time Howard-Coney, Page and Beattie have competed in the annual event, while Mar made his debut in this year’s competition.
“The boys played in a five-team tournament in Fiji against teams from Lautoka, Ba and Nadi as well as one other Australian team,” Randolph Mar said.
“The Fijian teams played a long ball game which suited their fast and physical style.
“Our team was encouraged to play a possession game based on passing and movement off the ball which they endeavoured to do much to the pleasure of myself and accompanying family spectators.
“The highlight was a convincing 7-2 win against Lautoka victory in extremely hot conditions at Ba.
“As the week progressed, our team improved and played some scintillating football with goals to match.”
In 2017, the eighth year of the Ultimate Fiji Soccer Cup, 10 Australian teams, spanning age group from 12-18 boys and girls, competed in the week long tournament.
“It was a fantastic experience for players, coach and accompanying families both on and off the field,” Beattie said.
“The five games of football were played with intensity and in good spirits in rain and heat, in a variety of settings – school grounds, golf courses to stadiums, with many new friendships sprouting from a great week together in Fiji.
“The squad not only played together but spent many hours relaxing in the resort pool, exploring a nearby coral island and visiting a local village.
“The cultural experience is sure to leave lasting impressions on this fine group of young footballers.
“The teams take donations of soccer balls, boots, and shin pads to assist the Fijian teams who at times have to exchange shin pads as they are subbing on and off the field.
“We left many gifts and our boys were very generous in giving their boots, playing strips and equipment to their new found Fijian friends as well as donations which were made to local orphanages and villages.
“Our Fijian opponents were excited and grateful to have us there to play against them.
“All the boys are all looking forward to returning next year.”
At club level, Howard-Coney (10) and Page (11) both play for Shoalhaven HeadsBerry FC, while Mar (11) and Beattie (12) play for Southern Branch FC SAP.