THE Gawler and District SAPSASA football team were victorious in claiming the Year 6/7 State Country Football Championships title last week, winning all nine games in Gawler’s first division one win in 20 years.
The team was coached by Gawler Central A-grade player and Gawler East Primary School teacher Jake Asher, with the 15-player side decided after three weeks of trials.
“12 of the 15 players also play for clubs in the Barosssa Light & Gawler Football Association – the team was captained by Xavier College and Barossa District’s Dyson Sharp, with Trinity College and Gawler Central’s Aidan Schubert taking the vice-captaincy,” he said.
“We went through the carnival undefeated, winning all nine games, so it was a really big achievement for all involved.
“The kids played some excellent team football and displayed a high skill level to take some big wins against some really strong and highly rated teams from the Riverland, lower Eyre Peninsula and Southern Fleurieu to name a few.”
While winning the championship was a great achievement in itself, it was also a platform for players to get their names out there to major decision makers.
“These carnivals do breed the next generation of elite footballers,” Asher said.
“SAPSASA football is used as a basis for selection in the under-12 state team squads as it showcases the best talent across all districts in South Australia.”