NextGen Royals: Stories from Cross Keys and Beyond
We are back with another edition of NextGen Royals, spotlighting the promising talents in our junior program and their inspiring stories. This installment brings to light three noteworthy tales that embody the spirit of community, diversity, and exceptional play. Here they are!
“Muddy Victory” – Under 9 Girls
Our Under 9 Girls had their first encounter with a wet and muddy field against Alphington, but they didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits. They took to the field with determination and grit, leading them to a resounding 5-2 victory. Despite the challenging conditions, their enthusiasm for the game shone through, reminding us all of the joy and resilience that comes with playing the beautiful game.
“Celebrating Female Football Week” – U12 Girls Black
In a show of solidarity for Female Football Week, our U12 Girls Black team donned their purple colours, symbolising their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the sport. Off the pitch, the girls displayed an inspiring sense of camaraderie, helping each other with hair styling and demonstrating the strong bonds they’ve formed. Their support for each other, both on and off the field, is a testament to the community spirit that we value so highly at our club.
“Four-Goal Hero” – Girls Under 9s Joey Green vs Alphington
On a rainy and muddy day, Frankie Divitto from our Under 9s Joey Green team, proved her mettle by scoring an astounding four goals in a single game against Alphington. Despite the challenging conditions, Frankie’s exceptional play stood out, demonstrating her dedication and skill on the field.
“A Momentous Victory” – State League 4 Women’s Team
In a thrilling top-of-the-table clash against Fawkner SC, our newly-formed State League 4 Women’s Team displayed an inspiring performance, securing a critical win. As a recent addition to the Royals family, this open-age women’s team is instrumental in bridging the gap between our juniors and VPLW Women’s teams.
Fawkner SC, sitting comfortably in the second position, provided a stern test for our girls. But, undeterred by the challenge, our team rose to the occasion, battling with heart and determination to seize the three points.
This momentous victory was even more special as it came in the absence of the team’s coach, Graham, who was overseas in New Zealand attending a team reunion from his playing days. Assistant Coach John, along with Team Manager Louis, stepped up to guide the team to this memorable win.
Following the victory, the team’s joy knew no bounds. Celebrating in the locker room, they belted out the team’s song with unbridled passion, a testament to their team spirit and unity. The video capturing this heartfelt moment, which can be found below, serves as a stirring reminder of what this win meant to the team.
This victory marks a significant milestone in the journey of our State League 4 Women’s Team, as they continue to make their mark and inspire the next generation of Royals.
From Around The Grounds! A Gallery
That’s all for this edition of NextGen Royals. We are continually inspired by the stories of our junior players and their dedication to the sport and each other. Stay tuned for future editions as we continue to celebrate the achievements of our junior program.
If you have a story to share about our junior players, don’t hesitate to submit it. We love to hear about and share the accomplishments of our NextGen Royals!