The young side are going head-to-head against Hanwood 14.1 – a side who is undefeated this season. 

However, the Leeton squad is taking that in their stride and will not only aim to push their favoured opponents, but also beat them in the process. 

Coach Darcy Single said the team had enjoyed a solid season. 

“I think we are the only team who has actually scored a goal against Hanwood 14.1, so that’s a positive, but they are a very competitive team,” Single said. 

“The first time we played them it was a 4-1 loss and the second time it was a 2-0 loss. 

“Hopefully we can give them a run for their money.”

RELATED

Single has been assisted by Jake Shelton in the coaching duties this season and the pair have been working to whip the team into shape. 

The under 14s have come a long way since the start of the year. 

“If you had seen them at the start of the year, you probably wouldn’t believe they were going into a  grand final this weekend,” Single said. 

“We’ve been working on a lot of endurance and fitness at training. That type of thing.”

This year isn’t the first time Single has coached a side to a grand final. 

In 2016 he was at the helm when the under 14s won the grand final. 

He was hopeful junior soccer in Leeton would continue to be strong. 

“We’ve definitely come a long way as a team since the start of the season,” Single said. 

“We’ve had a lot of new faces.

“I remember one of them saying heading into our first match ‘if we lose 3-0, we’ll be lucky’, but in the end we won. 

“I think they are all capable. It’s just a matter of playing as a team.”

With the grand final taking place in Griffith on Saturday, the Leeton United junior soccer competition held at the town ovals will have a slight time shuffle as a result so people can attend and cheer them on. 

 This means 10am games will move to 1pm and 11am games will move to 1.45pm.

A presentation will be held after each time slot and a barbecue and canteen will be available on the day. The 14s grand final will be held at Ted Scobie Oval at 10am on Saturday. 

****

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.