Shores United’s focus on junior development at Summer Sixes

SHORES United Soccer Club is hosting its Summer Sixes youth competition, giving young players more time on the ball to develop skills ahead of the Far North Coast junior season.

The Friday-night competition is held at Shara Field and is open to players aged 10 to 13, who compete in six-a-side mixed teams.

Now in its second year, the Summer Sixes competition has attracted clubs from across the Byron Shire and beyond, offering a unique format not seen elsewhere in the region.

Teams are graded over the first five weeks before being split into new divisions, ensuring evenly matched contests heading into finals at the end of the school term.

Junior coordinator Dan Engel said the format was designed to keep games competitive and enjoyable.

“It’s the only real competition of its kind in the area that uses this kind of format,” Engel said.

“The last few weeks are a lot of fun, and the scores reflect how even and fair it is after a few weeks of grading.

“Kids lose interest if it’s not balanced, so we run it where if there’s a three-goal difference the trailing team can add an extra player or the opposition takes someone off.”

The competition is run by volunteers, with Shores United raising enough funds over the past two years to purchase the equipment needed to launch the Sixes format.

Up to 16 teams can take part, with sides already travelling from Pottsville and Uki to be involved.

“The Far North Coast junior competition doesn’t start until a bit later this year, so this is a good chance for kids to come out and have a kick in the pre-season,” Engel said.

“Everyone is welcome. We’ve got a pizza food truck there and it’s just a chilled-out night for the whole family.”