Shining soccer stars on the rise

THE stars of Ballarat and District Soccer Association have been celebrated at a recent best and fairest presentation.

Ballarat North United Soccer Club won the men’s division one open league, and the best and fairest was Vikings Football Club’s Kuanyjal Tuany, while the senior women’s league winner was Vikings FC, and best and fairest was Freya Niehus.

“North United won the league this year for the first time since 1985,” BDSA president Herman Bogers said.

In under-16s, league winners were Creswick Cougars Soccer Club maroon, best and fairest was Archie Haworth, and open top goal scorer was Leonard Goodison.

“We’ve got lots of talent coming through the juniors which is good for the future,” Bogers said. “The 12s and 13s are looking exceptional.”

The senior men’s and women’s golden boot awards were given to Nicholoas Johns on 21 goals, and Sali Mould on 31 goals.

Division two’s open league winner was Vikings FC, and best and fairest was Creswick Cougars SC’s Jordan Hayes on 25 votes.

Under-12 open top goal scorers were Liam O’Keefe and Elsie Nalder, and for under 13, Chase Brasser, while Ballarat SC red won the league, and O’Keefe was best and fairest.

McDonald’s Ballarat City FC won the under-12 girls comp, and Nalder was best and fairest, while under-13 league winners were Ballarat SC red, and best and fairest was Nicolas Mai.

Top junior and senior referees were Luke Hollingworth and Jason Hekka.

“We’ve had a slight increase in players this year, but after the Women’s World Cup, next year there should be a lot more interest,” Bogers said.