Leichhardt Saints U11/1 Winners of the 2010 Fair Play Award

The Leichhardt U11/1?s have displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the entire season following their ethos of rotating positions and showing respect to each other and opposition teams win, lose or draw.  
Through the advice provided by their Head Coach Tony Reed, this team does not go onto the field with the goal of winning, but with the goal of developing their skills and enjoying the game and although this is the case, this year the team has still done well winning the Canterbury minor premiership and grand final for 2010.
They also travelled to Canberra to experience the Kanga Cup where they immediately bonded with other teams with the same ethos.  The Hobart Zebras was one team who openly complimented the Saints on their good sportsmanship, fair play and rotation of positions and players even in the semi-finals and the grand final, which they ultimately won.
An example of their fair play was also reflected recently when they were faced with spectators from the opposition loudly criticizing the junior referee.  With the teams support, their manager Howard protected the referee and supported him and then later took time to follow up with the association to ensure the referee hadn?t lost confidence and to encourage him to continue in his refereeing.
Football NSW wishes to congratulate the Leichhardt Saints Under 11/1 side on their fantastic achievement.