Lilli Pilli’s 13 Girls rejoice in Champion of Champions success

It was a spectacular moment and a memory that will last a lifetime for the players of the 13 Girls Lilli Pilli FC side who were crowned Champion of Champions on Sunday following their 1-0 win over Manly Allambie United.

It was made even more special as this was the first year Football NSW introduced the 13 Girls age category that will now go down in the history books as being won by the Sutherland Shire Football Association side.

It was a big team effort from a home-grown group of girls who had a stellar season going undefeated to secure the local Sutherland Shire FA Minor Premiership.

Coach Brad Penfold led the girls through the long rain interrupted pre-season and enjoyed the unique Champion of Champions challenge of playing unfamiliar teams from other districts.

“We didn’t do a lot of homework leading into each game.

“We focused on our own preparations and playing our best football.

“The girls were all excited and were a pleasure to coach this year”.

For two of the girls, it was their second Champion of Champions Final as they ‘played up’ in the 12 Girls Final three years ago which Lilli Pilli lost on penalties.

With their older sisters as ball girls for this visit to Valentine Sports Park, the first ever 13 Girls Final proved to be an exciting match with both sides playing entertaining competitive football.

President Greg Storey noted the Lilli Pilli club with its large number of junior players, has become a breeding ground for representative football, particularly for girls.

“We’re also proud to support our teams through Football NSW’s Champion of Champions.

“We have fond memories of our 14 Girls winning the tournament at Stadium Australia back in 2009.

“We’re sure these local girls will continue to be great ambassadors of the game, helping us encourage the hundreds of MiniRoos girls at the club to play competitive football.”