Surf Coast FC to send 22 to returning Country Champs

The full list of Surf Coast FC representatives includes Elli O'Brien, Mabel Spencer, Rosie Maule, Amelia Joseph, Emily Doyle (U12 Girls), Clare Edmonds-Wilson, Joy Im, Aisha Molloy (U14 Girls), Lillian Costanzo, Mia McCoach-Cripps, Zara McCoach-Cripps, Olivia Tilley (U18 Girls), Finn Albien, Ben Rogers (U11 Boys), Benson Flanagan (U13 Boys), Billy Kirkwood, Charles Edmonds-Wilson, Tom Conway, Malik Craig (U14 Boys), Elias Betts, Max Craven, Kayden Quinlan (U16 Boys). Photo: SUPPLIED

SURF COAST FC will send 22 of their best junior players to represent the Geelong region at this weekend’s Country Championships.

Surf Coast FC’s director of junior development, Matt Betts, said he was extremely proud of all the players who attended the trials for the tournament, as well as being delighted that almost two dozen club players were selected for teams.

“They are representing not only the Geelong region, but our club, something we are very proud of,” Betts said.

Junior soccer players from all over the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast will get the chance to represent the Geelong region at the upcoming Country Championships.

Being hosted at Geelong Soccer Club’s Stead Park, Norlane and Geelong Rangers’ Myers Reserve, Bell Post Hill, the annual Regional soccer tournament is expected to feature more than 1,400 players.

The cancellation of the previous two Championships in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions had left thousands of players disappointed, but clubs from around the region are eager to get their selected players back out to the coveted regional tournament.

“To have the courage and the self-belief to put yourself out there to play football beyond the comfort of your home club, it’s character building and presents a fantastic opportunity to grow as a person as well as a player,” Betts said.

“I’m really excited for them, it’s something they will look back on when they’re older with fond memories and be really glad that they put their hand up to be involved.”

The regional football extravaganza, hosted by the Country League Football Association, will host an array of regionally-based soccer players from cities and towns such as Bendigo, Ballarat, Albury/Wodonga, Gippsland, La Trobe Valley, Mildura, Shepparton, and Warrnambool.

More than 4,000 players and visitors are estimated to make their way to the region.