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Subscriber only WHEN you have a dedicated and skilful young team like coach Paul Waller has, it s a pleasure helping them improve their football. That s why well-travelled mentor Waller is enjoying working with the Springfield United under-13 side playing in this year s Brisbane Youth Premier League South competition. The Springfield team has won three of its first four games, including last weekend s 1-0 victory over Olympic. Captain and centre back Lorenzo Kalavite converted a penalty to seal an important win at the Springfield Central Sports Complex. For Waller, Lorenzo typifies the fine group of keen to learn juniors being developed at the progressive Springfield club.
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Subscriber only EVEN with all the weather disruptions, the Ipswich Eagles have trained the best they can for this weekend s season opener. That s the view of head coach Kym Mansell, who expects victory in Ipswich s QFA Division 2 North match against Gympie away on Saturday. I don t want to blame the preparation because of all the hurdles we ve had for the last six weeks with grounds being closed by Council and stuff like that, Mansell said. We ve prepared the best that we possibly can do considering those situations. After training - weather permitting - at Woodcrest College, the squad moved permanently back to its familiar Limestone Park base this week now the cricket season is over.
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Subscriber only ALWAYS reflecting on the game and looking for ways to improve, Kym Mansell was clearly disheartened with last season. Even with the disruptive COVID challenges, he expected more from his Ipswich Eagles side. The loyal clubman also questioned what he could have done better in the QFA Division 2 North competition where Eagles teams regularly make the playoffs. It was very disappointing that we didn t make the finals, Mansell said. If you have a look at the calibre of players we had in our team, and then the bar we set ourselves . . . we were probably the most underperformed team last year.