Spectacular start to Football Margaret River junior comp

This year, we have seen our player numbers increase off the charts.

With 320 juniors, in 26 teams this year. It's the biggest numbers we have ever had.

Unfortunately our new kit did not arrive in time for the game, but it was great to see all the kids running around on the oval. Next week they will look even better in their new kit, with the Mini-Roos having a brand new sponsor!

Football Margaret River (FMR) is pleased to announce Elders Insurance Geographe/Elders Insurance Margaret River as our new major sponsor for our U6-U12 teams.

Elders Insurance Geographe offer personalised, supportive engagement with our customers to develop the insurance program and solutions that are right for them, their business, and their way of life. With Viv Tansley in Margaret River and Matthew Wright in Busselton, they are your primary point of contact.

With his own kids playing juniors for FMR, catch Viv at a game on the weekend or call our Margaret River office on 9759 3300 to see how Elders Insurance Geographe & Margaret River can help you.

Now back to the games - The sun was shining, and it was a great atmosphere at the home games. Our U6 teams travelled to Capel, home of the world famous Nachos, for the U6 Gala Day.

It's great to see these new players come in to our Club and the Leeuwin Naturalise Junior Soccer Association.

The U6 Ninjas kicked off their debut game at 8:30 AM with some spirited warm-ups, getting them rocking and ready for action at Capel. The new recruits-Vinnie, Evie, Marshall, Ashy, Mo, Charlie, and Leo-showed nerves of steel as they pulled up their socks and dove into the game.

In a stellar performance, Vinnie and Charlie emerged as the standout players of the day, showcasing skill, resilience and leadership. Supported by seasoned players Mack, Luke, and Lucas from last years Ninjas season, the team demonstrated remarkable camaraderie and teamwork.

The match concluded at 10 AM with both teams leaving it all on the field. A well-deserved treat awaited them-a victory ice cream celebration! With spirits high and anticipation building for the rest of the season, we look forward to seeing what these rising stars can achieve next.

The sun was shining for the U6 Warriors Gala Day at Capel FC. Our Team Coaches, John and Ian greeted us with big smiles, enthusiasm and team spirit!

The excitement built as the Warriors became united as a team, wearing their kits together for the very first time. After a warm welcome from the Capel FC, it was time for our Warriors to kick off against the GMAS Giants.

The kids were pumped and instantly gelled in their teams, showcasing some great defence moves, power runs and kicks towards our goals. Everyone got involved and everyone mastered some epic passes with smiles all round.

The teamwork and positivity from the pitch flowed over to the sidelines where all of our families were beaming with pride and cheering on the Warriors for our first game, the atmosphere was energetic!

Highlights included outstanding teamwork and sharing the ball, some awesome goals, half time oranges and most importantly, a special icecream treat from LNJSA to conclude and celebrate our success for Round 1.

A huge shout out to Burger Baby for our first Players of the Day awards! Congratulations and enjoy your burgers Owen Farmer and Mathew Nilsson-Linne! High Fives to all our U6 Warriors!

The U7 The Messi Kids kicked off their soccer year in Dunsborough on a beautiful, (unseasonably) warm day.

Their hotly anticipated first match, against the Dunsborough Stars, was full of energy and determination. From the start to the finish The Messi Kids were focused on getting and keeping the ball.

There was even strategy talk on the field which converted to some excellent passes.

Energetic support from the sidelines was provided by coaches Krista and Ben, team mates on the bench, and impressed parents.

At the end of the game, The Messi Kids shared what they thought they did well - passing, striking, shooting, defending, running fast - everything. And we all agreed with them.

Congratulations to Jack and Malakai for being our first PODs for their team work and good sportsmanship, and thank you to Squid Lips for their vouchers.

U8 Raptors started out the season with a fun, competitive game against MUSC Boomerangs. The boys all had a chance to try different positions and played so well as a team.

Players of the day were Bodhi for his awesome dribbling and Torin for some powerful striking. Big thanks to Squid Lips for POD vouchers.

The U8 Rovers reunited this year in amazing fashion hosting the Cornerstone Colts. It was the Rovers first time playing 6 aside with a goalie not that you could tell with their on point passing and offence.

The defence stood strong not letting any shots by the Colts into the back of the net.

PODs went to Ari for his strong skills as goalie and teamwork in the second half and Reef who played every position flawlessly showing a great understanding of the game.

Both boys also lead by example by showing great sportsmanship and respect for their teammates, opposition and coaches. With thanks to Eagles Heritage and Amaze'n.

U9 Dragons had a strong start to the 2024 season.

It is great to see the team back together, with most players joining us again and we have also welcomed a new teammate into the fold.

We kicked off with an away game in Dunsborough, meeting the Dunsborough Thunder.

From the start, both teams displayed impressive team work and showcased skills they must have been practising over the off season.

The Dragons settled straight into the game with many fast-paced runs down the field and excellent, accurate passing between teammates.

It was an exciting game, with everyone giving their best for their respective teams.

The excitement of all the kids to be back on the pitch was evident, and it is clear that the Dragons are set for a fantastic, fun season ahead.

Players of the day today were Finley, for his many cool, calm and confident saves in goals in the first half; and Leighton, who made a cracking debut for the Dragons, scoring a hat-trick! Big thanks to our sponsors Candy Cow & Scoops Farm.

What a beautiful morning for the U10 Roos to kickoff the season and no better way than a derby vs Storm.

We certainly have an abundance of talent in our u10 age group, as shown off in an excellent game with both sides scoring and saving plenty of goals, a new challenge on a bigger pitch than last year, with more players on the field too.

The U11 Stars had such a great game, but it was a bit warm.

The Stars clicked quickly and played a fantastic passing game. So great to see the smiles and enjoyment for their first game back. PODs were Olive and Chloe.

A great first match for the U12 Stingrays today against GMAS Storm. The team started strong, keeping in formation and putting pressure on the Storm defence.

The team supported each other throughout the game and their attacking game paid off with new player Austin taking advantage of scoring opportunities.

POD thanks to Candy Cow went to Austin for his fantastic debut game. Congratulations to all the boys, it was a team effort and special thanks to Steve for coaching and Will for doing a great job as Ref.

The U13 Rockets had a cracking start to the season in their first FIFA match with a 7-0 win over the FMR Warriors. Darcy was our POD who scored a well deserved hattrick. Thanks to Candy Cow for his voucher.

Other goals were scored by Hayden (including a well hit ball from his left foot), Monty our new Rockets player and Tex found the back of the net too.

New coach Jason was impressed by the Rockets passing which has been drilled into them from Matt who has done an amazing job of coaching for the last 7 years.

The U14 Sharks were forced to shut down some of the Tiger's early attacking chances, taking a while to get themselves swimming before settling into the match.

This rusty start soon transformed into a smooth demonstration of team work, passing and moving into space, as the Sharks proved why they are the ultimate apex predators!

Kai Hillier, in brilliant form, opened the scoring for the Sharks, followed by goals from Nico Fischer and Felix Gibbs.

Kelani Taylor also on the score card just before half time, with a truly beautiful long-range strike, that was no less than total perfection - as it curled and dipped into the back of the net.

Newcomer, Benji Willing also shone in attack, working hard and showcasing his skills.

Strong defensive performances were also seen by Ava Yee Wilson, who had some impressive tackles, and Laura Dimopoulos coming through under pressure, with some critical clearances of the ball.

The player of the day went to the Rainer de Vries, who worked tirelessly in the midfield with some beautiful passes and assists, along with strong, and consistent defence.

Despite the Tigers striking back with a goal late in the second half, the sharks proved too strong for their opponents, the final score 7 goals to 1. Great start to the season, thanks to Burger Baby for the POD voucher.

Oh what a night! The FMR U15s took our new "Away" kit for a run as last years Glory and Wyverns teams merged to form The Blaze for the 2024 season. They sure did burn bright in their first game last night taking on the Development Squad (DS) under lights!

It started well with the team working well together. There was lots of brilliant passing and runs at goal even if we didn't quite get there. Our defence was working hard, applying pressure, and Jarrah saved a goal and it's rebound before the DS drew first blood.

Archie was leading from the back and Oliver L was on the hunt for the ball. Scarlett, Charlotte and Lisa made their presence known with some good passing and keeping the ball forward. Stirling had a lovely run at goal to even the score.

Oliver M applied good pressure to thwart a DS goal attempt, and this led to another goal from Stirling. Charlie came on to the pitch and got right down to business. Jay was calling the the shots down the line running rings around his opponent but his shot was caught by the keeper.

Ethan was making some great passes to get us back in our forward half. The ball came off Williams back, DS had a shot that hit the bar. Archie got it out with Charlie and William giving an assist.

Charlie was applying great pressure and Jarrah made another save. Ethan's run forward was foiled, but so was the next DS run. They got past Archie, but Jarrah was ready and made another great save.

A Charlie pass to Archie then Stirling gave us a good chance, but it wasn't meant to be and the half time whistle blew with the score 2-1.

Both teams were raring to go as the whistle blew. Archie used his long legs to cover the ground, but the DS defence was giving it their all and keeping us out. William and Archie applied good pressure and the DS shot went wide.

Asha, List and Charlotte were making a good combination in keeping the ball in our forward half. DS keeper made some great saves, until a brilliant pass from Archie to Stirling gave him his hat-trick.

Our defence plied on the pressure and the DS shots were going wide or hitting the post. Oliver L had a chance with an awesome free kick, but it was saved by the goalie.

DS had another great run up but Jarrah ran out and saved the first attempt. They got it back and got their second goal. They weren't so lucky on their next attempt with Jarrah making another great catch. A Stirling, Matty combo got Ethan his first goal. William and Digby covered the pitch and applied great pressure and made things very difficult for the DS attack and the final whistle blew with the score 4-2 in our favour.

Great first game with the team working well together. POD went to Archie who showed great leadership and played a very good game of football.

On a hot afternoon, FMR Wanderers Youth League lost to BCFC 3-1 in a hard-fought game that could have gone either way.

Highlights included a great team goal, originating from a determined Caspian McAuliffe who desperately kept the ball in play, made a nice pass back inside to enable an impressively composed finish from Fynn Lange.

Lucas Lawrey was dangerous up forward and was unlucky not to score from a brilliant free kick that was saved by BCFC's diving keeper.

Overall, the team had a strong first game together and showed great intent putting in many second effort chases and tackles winning back the ball.

Our player of the day was Caspian McAuliffe who will enjoy some awesome fish and chips from our fantastic local sponsor Squid Lips.