Valley of Champions

Inaugural Season delivers KV their inaugural Championship

Published 1st October 2024 By Paul Bevis
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Season 2024 has brought Kangaroo Valley Football Club players, families and fans many highlights throughout their first season in the Shoalhaven District Football Association. The club boasts six teams competing each week, with players learning about discipline, determination, resilience and teamwork. Together with the leadership of Head of Football, Dean Mackechnie, KVFC was able to deliver the club’s first piece of silverware. 

 

On Saturday 7th September, the Kangaroo Valley Under 10’s team found themselves lining up against Shoalhaven Heads in the Grand Final. Under the guidance of Manager Aaron Cooke, the team were considered outsiders, due to 2024 being their rookie season as a club. Both teams were evenly matched, with scoring threats in every position. 

 

The first half was an arm-wrestle with each team creating goal scoring chances, defending strongly and pushing each other with their fitness. It was evident that KVFC were playing with some nerves, which allowed Shoalhaven Heads to get the ball in the back of the net against the run of play and take a 1-0 lead at halftime.

 

Coach Aaron Cooke took this moment to remind the players of the fundamentals of their game play: work together, look for your teammate and attack. This was when the Club turned the Grand Final on its head. The tackling was fierce, with Artie stopping any chances for Shoalhaven Heads. Ball movement was incredible with Claudia, Logan and Daisy all playing crucial roles in setting up plays and defending their goal. 

 

The crowd erupted when Zach was able to equalise from a corner kick, bringing KVFC back into contention for the Championship. Hearts were in mouths as time was slipping by, with the possibility of a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner inching closer and closer.

 

With five minutes remaining, the ball spat out in the attacking half for Kangaroo Valley and found its way before Will’s feet. Here was the moment, a one-on-one scenario between striker and goalkeeper. Will dribbled closer, sensed the moment, settled himself and kicked the ball with all of his might. The Shoalhaven Heads goalie leapt for the save, but alas it was all in vain, as Will’s kick sailed past the goalie and into the back of the net. Kangaroo Valley Football Club had won the Grand Final! Those in attendance went wild in the crowd as the team celebrated their victory. “What a fairy tale finish to win a Grand Final and go undefeated in our inaugural year!”, cited Team Coach, Aaron Cooke, beaming with pride.

 

 Huge congratulations go out to the entire team consisting of Daisy, Elijah, Bruno, Ben, Claudia, Will, Zach, Logan, Lawson and Artie. However, this team would not be the force of nature that it was without the direction of Aaron Cooke (Coach) and Heidi Smart (Manager). What an incredible way to usher in the birth of this new historic Club with an undefeated season and a Championship Trophy!

 

Holiday Practice Clinic

KVFC are excited to announce that they will be holding a Spring Holiday Soccer Practice Clinic for the kids of Kangaroo Valley (aged 5 – 12 years old) on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd of October. Each Clinic will be held at the Kangaroo Valley Showground from 9am – 12pm. 

 

The Club is fortunate again to have George Fallah (‘A’ Level Licensed Coach), who has experience in the A-League Australia. George will be leading this Practice Clinic and coaching the players. George has been a wonderful advocate for KVFC with his time spent coaching not only the young stars of the Valley, but also mentoring the Managers and Coaches of our Club.

 

Like previous Practice Clinics, players will have the opportunity to further develop their skills and learn new ones whilst making new friends in a fun and engaging environment. 

 

The cost is $50 per child for the two-day clinic, or $30 per child for single days.  Payment can be made on the day at registration which includes an attendance certificate and a sausage sizzle at the end. If you are interested in registering your child, please contact committee@kvfc.com.au directly.

 

Summer Training

For those young Valley players who want to ignore the off-season and continue to learn new skills and improve their fitness, George Fallah will also be offering  a Summer Training Session during October through to December. These sessions are available for players aged 5-12, with George being supported by some of the KVFC Managers and Coaches. All sessions will be held at Osborne Oval, every Monday from 4:40 pm-5:30pm. Cost is $100 for the Term 4 Training Sessions. For more information, contact the Kangaroo Valley Football Club.

 

KVFC for Adults

Surely, the kids can’t have all the fun – Kangaroo Valley Football Club is looking at launching a mixed adults Summer Soccer competition, open to men and women, 16 years and older. Summer Soccer involves small-sided games (six-a-side), played at the same location each week. It will be a fun and friendly competition, open to all abilities. Whether you’ve played for years, or have never kicked a ball (but your inner Matilda is calling), you are more than welcome!

 

We will play Mondays from 5:30-6:15 pm throughout Term 4 (Oct 14th – Dec 16th). Cost will be $65 per player for the season. If you are interested, please contact the Club through committee@kvfc.com.au. Perhaps the kids can bring the oranges out at halftime.

 

Thank you to the wonderful sponsors and the wider community of Kangaroo Valley for your support this season. Next month we will have a Season 2024 wrap up. 

 

Paul Bevis

KVFC Sports Reporter

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