United face battle as Army steps up
NORTH Queensland United has a battle on its hands as it prepares to take on the Army this Anzac Day weekend.
NQU’s men’s under- 20 and women’s teams will take on the armed forces in a curtain- raising double- header before Townsville’s NPL side takes on Brisbane City FC.
Sunday’s games will raise funds for the Legacy Foundation, a charity helping Australian families suffering after the injury or death of a family member during or after their time in the armed forces.
Army women’s captain, Private Sarah Parkins, said it was good to give back to the community and support Legacy.
She said it had been tough to balance work and football but her team had included it in PT sessions.
“We’ve been training in the afternoons when everybody can get there. Playing in the brigade comp helps. We’re confident to get out there and give it a go,” Parkins said.
Parkins hoped her team’s maturity would prove the winner against the more youthful NQU side.
Army men’s coach Gunner PhoyxMartin Smith said his side had been preparing for the game over the past month.
“It’s been hard with commitments and work,” he said.
“But building up to the game we are very excited to play to try and start something yearly, traditionally,” Smith said.
“It’s all good and deep in our hearts, we all want to play for our mates and remember those who have fallen but play hard as well, get a win.”
NQU men’s U20 captain Jared Mitchell expected it to be one of the season’s toughest games.
“We know they’ll probably come out strong and a bit physical, but if we play the ball quick on the ground, just keep it to ourselves, try not get involved in all the physical side, we should come out on top,” Mitchell said.
NQU women’s captain Monika Anderson said the Army always put up a good fight against her side, having played a handful of times before.
With a fairly even record against the Army, Anderson also expected another physical match.
The women’s Army v NQU kicks off at 11am at Brolga Park, Sunday, followed by the men’s game at 1pm. The NPL NQU v Brisbane City FC starts at 3pm. Entry costs $ 4.