Courtesy:
Mackay Daily MercuryUK campaign for Pioneer star duo2nd December 2009KRISTEN Predebon and Caitlyn Allen-McMahon will embark on a tour of the United Kingdom after being selected to represent Australia in futsal.
The duo is part of Pioneer State High School’s under-14 girls team that claimed third place at the Australasian Champion of Champions school tournament at the Gold Coast.
Invited to the tournament as North Queensland title-holders, Pioneer produced an inspiring effort against a host of teams forged from soccer schools of excellence.
It has been a rapid rise to the top of futsal for Pioneer High.
Though futsal was relatively unknown at the school, it has quickly gained support and momentum this year.
The under-14 girls’ side has gone from success to success, improving as individuals and as a team. After snaring victory in the North Queensland Regional Championship, the Bedford Road girls were invited to the Australasian Champion of Champions.
The competition in this age group was keenly contested by schools that were well experienced in futsal.
However, Pioneer’s team was not intimidated by reputations and after two days of intense competition, the girls placed third in the league stage.
Though suffering from injuries and fatigue, the girls gave their all in the play-off stage beginning the following day.
The girls’ steely attitude set them apart from the competition as the quality of play from all teams improved.
The semi-final was a tight contest against Palm Beach Currumbin. Palm Beach nabbed an early 4-1advantage but Pioneer snatched two goals within two minutes after halftime.
But a chance Palm Beach goal against the run of play confirmed Pioneer’s third place fate.
Next year, Pioneer High will introduce high performance testing and also high performance training.
Under-14 girls team members: Goalkeeper Jezebel Pinter, Sam Graham, Jennifer Stewart, Kristen Predebon, Jorja Lowry, captain/goalkeeper Caitlyn Allen-McMahon.
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com
