Match report

Match report

Round one of the 2025 AHJFA U12 season saw Woodside Warriors host FC Summit Black. And since it was the first Saturday of the football season, the weather gods decided to grace the Woodside faithful with cold misty rain – it figures. 

But despite the rain, the deck was firm, and conditions were prime for fast, open football, which is precisely what both sides delivered. As play commenced, there was no sign that this was the first week of the season. Any rust that accumulated over the warmer months had apparently been sand-blasted off during pre-season training, with the fans in attendance gifted to a display of the best junior football one could hope to see in the Hills. Summit were sharp, hard-working and disciplined throughout the contest, but it was Woodside who leaped out of the blocks, controlled the early running and never looked back. 

For the duration of the match, the young charges from the Summit stuck to their task under a persistent cannonade from the home side. But despite their efforts, the green and black could not hold back the tide. 

By half time, Woodside had kicked three goals to nil, with the home side resolute in defense, creative through the midfield and ruthless in front of goal. They won the ball through clean, dogged pressure and tackling. They maintained possession and transitioned the ball forward with precise passing and movement. And they built wave after wave of attacking raids on the Summit’s nest. But this wasn’t the case of a few brilliant individuals running amok on their own. Every action was designed to the good of the group. Team-mates who had worked themselves into a better position were never ignored. Balls were played back to safer space. Balls were given and gotten. There were one-twos and one-two-threes, through balls, crosses, and laced-out shots on goal. This was a team of Warriors putting the beautiful into the beautiful game. It was stunning! By full time, the young Warriors had generated 14 shots on goal from no less than seven players! They had hit the back of the net five times. And they’d kept a clean sheet. 

When such outstanding football is coupled with humility, kindness and genuine support for each and every team-mate, the hearts of football fans soar and parents and coaches are filled with pride. This was sport as sport was meant to be played.