THE small Tamborine Mountain Eagles Soccer Club is justifiably proud of their Under 12 Kangaroo side as the team navigates a higher division in season ’24.
The Kangaroos are having a season to remember as they experience the ups and downs of youth football in an immensely competitive division.
Despite being one of the smallest local football clubs in Queensland, the courageous U12s made an opening statement in their first game of the season, defeating the mighty Gold Coast Knights in a 4-3 thriller.
Now halfway through the season, the Eagles U12s have experienced it all as they enjoy their final season of non-competitive football.
With dedicated coaches who prioritise development over results, the boys have been challenged to step out of their comfort zones while trying different positions and approaches that will prepare them for full-field football.
The boys have shown conviction through several difficult fixtures, continuing to build better attitudes while improving their effort, teamwork, accountability, and sportsmanship.
A bold 6-3 victory away against the fearsome Magic United showcased their team spirit, having fallen behind 2-0 in the opening minutes.
With three hard fought wins this season and a hard-fought draw at Long Road, the side has remained motivated and enthusiastic in the face of every challenge.
While it is often tempting to use results to measure a team’s performance, with junior football, it is important to separate the outcomes from the overall goal: the development of footballers.
Every loss is a lesson, and every week, the boys grow stronger.
Two broken arms, several illnesses, no goalkeepers, and a small squad going head-to-head against some of the Gold Coast’s finest.
The boys never give up, and they never stop trying. With seven games remaining before they step into competitive football next year, the U12 Eagles are far from finished.
By Chandler Milligan
