Undefeated and seeking revenge as Ku-ring-gai Under 12?s ready for battle

They are the current leaders of the Northern Conference Metro League with no losses, five clean sheets, a seven point lead over second place, and an unrivalled determined to not let success slip between their fingers once again.
Having lost the 2008 grand final 2-1 at the hands of St.George and recently 3-1 at this year?s  Centenary Cup to the same outfit, coach Lloyd Robson is hungry to settle the score once and for all.
?This year I would like to see our team win the grand final and show that we are the best team in the competition,? said Robson.
The U/12s, who are part of the Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association (KDSA), boasted six representatives in the Met North squad who were victorious in the 2008 State Titles competition. That same year the team secured the minor premiership, consequently over bitter rivals St.George, allowing Robson?s boys to claim the title with the points won in that match.
The secret to the Ku-ring-gai youngster?s success this season, according to Robson, is ?their attacking play.? The team is always pressing forward, with every player including defenders encouraged to attack and overlap midfielders to increase the team?s forward momentum.
Ryan O?Sullivan, 11, who is an attacking player by nature, but is this year playing left back, is constantly encouraged to get forward despite his defensive position.
?Lloyd [Robson] always wants me to go on the attack because he says I am good at running,? said Ryan.
The north Sydney youngsters are also under a heavy training load, ensuring they are prepared for next time they find themselves in a grand final situation.
?The boys are training three times a week with our accomplishments not occurring overnight but through hard honest work,? commented Robson.
?We do a lot on shape work and formation ensuring every player knows his role in the 4-3-3 system we play.?
?Our football is an attacking game and we are always creating opportunities to score and finishing plenty of our chances,? added Robson.
Striker, George Blackwood – who is known for his sharpness and athleticism – has found the back of the net 12 times after just the first nine rounds. Along with Anthony Kalic, nicknamed ?Ronaldo? by his peers for his quick footwork and step-overs, the two front men may just be the weapon in this year?s hunt for success.
?Kalic and Blackwood have been amazing for us this season, but every player has played a role in one way or another,? added Robson.
?Our goalkeeper, Fergus McKenna for example, is in my opinion the best goalkeeper in the league, displaying composure and leadership at all times,? said the U/12s boss.
The parents are also optimistic about their team?s chances this season, applauding Robson for his attitude towards football and his players.
?Their [U/12s] training focuses on skill and the players are never worn out despite the three day a week training schedule,? commented previous full time coach and parent, Peter O?Sullivan.
?The kids have a good time, the parents don?t bicker and the system employed for training is very user friendly,? added O?Sullivan.
With their current run of form, Ku-ring-gai?s U/12s may just have what it takes to taste grand final triumph this season; however, with St.George a constant threat, a focused attitude is always going to be required.
?It?s time we show them [St.George] that we are better,? said Ryan, it?s time we show them we want revenge.?
-By Caetano Lima