Coaches take positives from State team games with Glory

The Gold Fields Boys State Under 14 and Under 15s played their first matches of 2020 on Wednesday with a double-header against Perth Glory junior sides at Murdoch University.

The State 14s took on Glory’s U15s, whose players were born in 2006, while the State 15s faced the Glory U16s (born 2005).

Glory’s youngsters chalked up two victories on the synthetic surface against teams having their first run-outs.

2020 Gold FIelds State Squads

Football West Youth Development Officer Gareth Naven, who coached the State 14s, said there was plenty to work on with the squad.

“I know the boys were disappointed to lose 6-0, what I was interested in was how the players performed and coped with certain situations,” he said.

“I was particularly encouraged with the boys’ attitude and willingness to learn. Glory were more polished, that’s no surprise. They train four or five days a week and play together.

“In saying that, there were good signs from our players and we encourage them to do it more often. The next step is to continue the players’ development and to build on our performance.”

The Gold Fields Boys

State Under 15s coach Garry Church took the positives from his team’s 6-1 loss, with Louis Hadfield from Perth SC scoring WA’s goal

“Glory are obviously the benchmark in WA and they showed the talent they have in their ranks,” Church sad.

“We was under no illusion going into this game that we were going be playing against a well-organised side but it was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to see where the benchmark is in WA.

“Despite the result there were some positive moments during the game where the boys did shine.

“This gives the boys plenty to work on but having said that two or three of our boys definitely made an impression.”

Wednesday’s two games were played across three 25-minute thirds.

With the National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour cancelled this year, the Gold Fields State teams will play a series of matches against Glory.

The next Gold Fields State Team in action are the Girls U15s against Perth Glory Under 14 boys (born 2007) at Celebration Park, Balga, on Wednesday, September 16 (kick-off 6pm).

  • Mining giant Gold Fields is the name sponsor of all of Football West’s State teams.


Filed Under: Boys State Under 14 trailBoys State Under 15 trail