They were one of 392 teams that participated in the tournament, billed as the largest youth tournament in the southern hemisphere. The opening ceremony this year took place at the AIS Athletics track on Sunday, July 2 and there was a large and enthusiastic crowd on hand to witness the teams march into the arena announced by local ABC Grandstand broadcaster, Tim Gavel.

Our girls were drawn in Pool B of the Plate competition against the Belconnen United Blue Devils. Belsouth, Palerang (Pinks) United FC, Mansfield State High School from Queensland, Balmain and District Jaguars, and the Townsville (Amazons) Warriors Football Club and needed a top two finish to feature in the finals. It was going to be a tough ask against some top level competition and the girls were without two of their regular players through injury and three new faces came aboard to bolster the team’s numbers.

The tournament is widely regarded as a demanding but enjoyable week of friendship and football and this year was no exception. The girls kicked off their campaign against Balmain on Monday morning and could well have walked away with a hard earned draw to the eventual semi finalists but a narrow loss resulted. Things did not improve after lunch with the girls seeming a little fatigued, going down to the Townsville Amazons.

A resounding 4-0 win against Belsouth on Tuesday morning was just the tonic the girls needed to get their campaign back on track and set the scene for their clash with favourites and eventual winners, Mansfield High School. This match was probably the toughest and best match played by the girls as they really made Mansfield work hard for their win.

At the halfway point, Tablelands were still an outside chance of figuring in the finals but a heartbreaking loss to Palerang on day three put paid to their aspirations. This was one that got away with Palerang converting their chances while the STFA squandered several chances in front of goal that if converted would have resulted in a convincing win.

Fourth place in their pool was on offer going into their final match against the Blue Devils of Belconnen United on Thursday. The girls were determined to finish a high and that is exactly what they did. A 2-0 win over one of the largest and strongest clubs in Canberra was just reward for the STFA who played some really enterprising football throughout the tournament.

A big thank you must go out to coach Graeme “Freddy” Eddy for his dedication and how far he has brought the team to date. Thanks also to the STFA Board and Representative Coordinator Rebecca Coppolino as well as the parents and supporters for their commitment to getting the girls there every day.

We now look forward to the Cowra Carnival in two weeks before closing out the season in September with the Champion of Champions tournament.