Shepherd breeding success at NSW County
The Under 15’s Girls New South Wales Country team were recently named National Champions at the recent National Titles held in Coffs Harbour.
The NSW Country side finished ahead of NSW Metro and Victoria to claim the title which was their second consecutive piece of silverware after claiming the prize last year.
Head Coach Matt Shepherd put this recent success down to the hard work and sacrifices that each player put in.
“This win represents the sacrifice that players and their parents make.
“Participation in the program involves regular travel over long distances as well as camps, representing the hard work put in by the players and their families.
“It’s great work by the Country teams to put themselves into challenge for these titles.”
Making it two Championships in two years, Shepherd again reiterated the challenges that is faced by the players and their families.
“Results are just icing on the cake and it’s indicative of the hard work they put in.
“It shows development and shows national coaches that maybe sometimes regional talent is being overlooked.
“We’re also thankful to all the clubs that help develop these players.”
The former NSW Country player spoke of the meaning that comes with playing for the regional teams.
“Good players and coaches need to be acknowledged as well as feeling a sense of pride when they compete against areas with a lot of players.”
To get ahead and improve, the Country teams take on different methods for their development.
“Players find creative ways to train and stay competitive and to develop.
“Some of our best players play in boys competitions.”
On the road to lifting the national crown, Shepherd identified two key matches that saw them take out top spot.
“Emotionally, beating NSW Metro was big as we were under a lot of pressure but our girls defended well and took their chances when they came so it was pleasing.
“We saved our best performance till last in a must win match against Football West and the girls controlled the game well, keeping good possession of the ball.”
The Country team has a lot of talent across the pitch but Shepherd was able to recognize some future stars.
“Chelsea Blissett and Claire Mahoney from Albury were amongst our best individual players but it was a great group effort and there are lots of players with potential.
“Our goalkeeper Kiara Rochaix was also identified and will be going into a national goalkeeping camp.”
-By Nikola Pozder
