The AFS 2014 Youth Tournament wrapped up for another year on Sunday with South Melbourne’s six teams at reaching the Semi Final stage, with some age groups reaching their respective Grand Final.
It was a challenging tournament with three games on the Saturday and at least two or three games on the Sunday, some back-to-back. The weather conditions were perfect and the facilities in Shepparton were well set up to cater for eight consecutive matches at a time.
South Melbourne would like to recognise the efforts of all players taking part in this gala event, as well as parents and the coaching teams who supported them. The Australian Football Skool ran a very professional tournament and thanks must go to our friends at Shepparton United SC for their hospitality over the weekend.
Under 11 team
The Under 11 team were drawn in Under 12 Group A where they finished third. They defeated Goulburn Valley Suns 1-0, drew 1-1 with Adelaide Comets and were defeated 1-2 by Heidelberg.
In the Plate finals, the team defeated LPNK 5-0 and then Clifton Hill 5-0 to progress to the Plate Grand Final where they met Beaumaris. The team went down to a strong Beaumaris team 1-2.
Photos: http://on.fb.me/1uZpvCe
Under 12 team
The Under 12 team were drawn in Group C where they finished on top and undefeated. They recorded wins over Springvale White Eagles (6-0), Beaumaris Wolves (9-0) and Clifton Hill (7-0).
In the Cup Quarter Final, the Under 12 team defeated Essendon Royals 2-0 to play Heidelberg United. In the Semi Final it was a 1-0 win over Heidelberg to move into the Grand Final. They met the Springvale White Eagles and with the scores at 0-0 it headed to penalties. South Melbourne faced a penalty shootout and were defeated by the White Eagles 0(2)-0(4).
Photos: http://on.fb.me/1psqnyq
Under 13 team
The Under 13 team were drawn in Under 14 Group A where they finished third. They defeated Gippsland SL 6-0 however went down to Murray United 2-3 and Dandenong Thunder 1-3.
In the Plate finals, the Under 13s defeated the Ricki Herbert Football Academy from New Zealand 4-0 and then Goulburn Valley Suns 2-0 to progress to the Plate Grand Final where they met the Springvale White Eagles. South were successful in the Grand Final taking the win over the White Eagles.
Photos: http://on.fb.me/1rzON4J
Photos: http://on.fb.me/1FxpzdA
Under 14 team
The Under 14 team were drawn in Group C where they finished first and were undefeated. They recorded wins over the Goulburn Valley Suns (8-0), Shepparton United U16 Girls (15-0) and Dandenong City (6-0).
The Under 14s were defeated 0-1 by Dandenong Thunder in the Semi-Final. Dandenong Thunder went on to win the Grand Final 2-0 over Heidelberg United.
Photos: http://on.fb.me/15Egmp2
Under 15 team
The Under 15 team were drawn in the Under 16 Group A where they finished sixth. The team were defeated by the Ricki Herbert Football Academy from New Zealand (0-3), Springvale White Eagles (0-1) and Dandenong Thunder (0-3).
In the Semi Final, the Under 15s defeated LPNK 4-0 and progressed to the Plate Grand Final meeting the Goulburn Valley Suns. South Melbourne would win the Grand Final 2-0 to secure the Under 15 Plate trophy.
Photos: http://on.fb.me/1zA8fTa
Under 16 team
The Under 16 team were drawn in Group B where they finished on top and undefeated. They defeated Malvern City (2-0), Goulburn Valley Suns (7-0) and LPNK (4-0).
In the Quarter-Finals the team defeated Beaumaris 4-0 however they were defeated by Malvern City 1-3 in the Semi-Finals. Malvern City would go on to win the Grand Final 1(5)-1(4) in the penalty shoot-out with Dandenong Thunder.
Photos: http://on.fb.me/1uNjnYA