By RUSSELL BENNETT
BERWICK City Soccer Club held its second annual Berwick City Cup at Sweeney Reserve over the weekend with more than 30 teams taking part across a range of junior age groups.
The first Cup was held last year, providing an opportunity to keep junior players from up to a dozen local clubs together on the pitch for a few more weeks following the end of their season in September.
“The disappointing thing from Berwick’s perspective is that none of our teams over the two years have ever been able to make a final,” said Berwick City club president Joe DiIorio with a wry grin.
“It’s the same again today – as hosts none of our teams have made it through.
“It’s good though.
“We’ve had teams from Monbulk, Warragul, Chelsea, Waverley – those sorts of areas – come and compete and it’s a really diverse range of teams.”
Clubs from anywhere and everywhere between Monbulk and Warragul come to take part in the two-day showcase, with the rest within or neighbouring the City of Casey – such as Doveton, Endeavour, Riverplate (Rowville) and the Dandenong Warriors.
“We’ve got good support from council to use the facilities,” DiIorio said.
“They’ve held off on some work for the summer just so we can play the tournament.
“This is our second year of hosting the event and each year we improve.
“Last year we learnt a few things around scheduling games so we reduced the game times for some of the younger age groups.
“It’s not a league fixture – it’s more of a carnival atmosphere so we treat it more like a gala weekend… a showcase.
“There’s a lot more camaraderie you’ll see here with opposition teams than you’d normally see. The coaches are a lot happier to talk after the games and have a chat about how their teams are going for next season.”
The weekend also provides a valuable opportunity for clubs to scout potential players.
“We do get coaches from other teams come and have a look at the talent,” DiIorio said.
“There’re a couple of NPL (National Premier League) junior coaches out here just having a look at the talent and I think they’ve identified a couple of players who are trialing with them currently.
“These coaches have managed to see them in a game environment, as opposed to a trial environment where they’re probably not playing 11-on-11.
“It’s great for our kids – we’re pleased they can continue to play and train for as long as they possibly can.
“Players need development and the view is that we’d like to keep them playing for 10 months of the year.
“It’s pleasing from a club perspective that we’ve got a few young kids who’re almost there, about to break through with the Melbourne Victory youth team or the Melbourne City youth team. We’ve got about three in that position at the moment and hopefully a few more will make it in the next few years.”
