Players have a choice to make

By Teo Pellizzeri

September 12 2007

Shepparton News

Shepparton will be a city divided in junior soccer as Shepparton Junior Soccer Association will now be allowed to enter teams at country level competitions separate to North Eastern Soccer League.

The issue of player eligibility will be the big question as youngsters must choose between their junior association school team and any North Eastern Soccer League team to which they are affiliated.

Junior association president Mick Italia was frustrated at the lack of progress towards one unified junior system for Shepparton soccer players.

"I don't see how the North Eastern can get involved with under-11s, 12s and 13s girls soccer when they don't field weekly teams and we do," Italia said.

"We would ask that any children who want to play with their North Eastern club not double up at junior association trials, we don't want people missing out."

But in some good news, St Mel's was cock-a-hoop after its under-12 boys won the Shepparton Junior Soccer Association title at the weekend by finishing top of its division.

Needing to win 4-0 in its final game St Mel's chalked up seven goals, winning the division and becoming the pride of the school.

St Mel's coach Ange Russo said it was his team's great attitude that made the difference in a season where it lost once.

"We had to win 4-0 in the last game and with the 7-0 win we got the title," Russo said.

"Ben Mammone has obviously had a great season for us and also been great on Sundays in the North Eastern Soccer League; he just can't get enough of the game.

"Wilson O'Meara has tried really hard for us too. I can say that about everyone in the team, they've all tried so hard.

"It was great to finish top of the table in the under12s only losing one game and drawing two."