Losses fail to dampen NT spirits

JESS WEBSTER

April 6th, 2010

THE National Youth Soccer Championships are under way in Canberra this week with two NT teams taking to the field.

The under-13 boys and girls teams are competing in their first national competition.

On the scoreboard the girls have not started strongly with an 8-0 loss against NSW Country and a 4-0 loss to Tasmania in their opening games yesterday.

But coach Michelle Friend says that hasn't deterred the girls from trying their best.

"When they come off the field you wouldn't even know they have lost," she said.

"They don't get down, they're Territory tough these kids.

"The scores don't tell the true story of the games, the girls have done really well and are slowly coming together as a team and I'm proud of them."

The girls side takes on WA and NSW Metro today while the boys team will fly to Canberra tomorrow to start their campaign against NSW Country and Tasmania on Thursday.

Coach Kevin Burton believes the tournament is about improving the young players' ability.

"We're not going over there to win at all costs we are going over there to play football and to see how we can develop as a team," he said.

"Some of these guys have never played a competitive game on an 11-a-side full pitch so this is a big change for them."

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/04/06/137071_ntsport.html