East Coast Bays win U17 Nationals for the first time
Our U17s created history on the weekend being the first East Coast Bays team to win the U17 Nationals at Seddon Fields, Western Springs. Undefeated, our boys played a positive brand of football scoring 13 goals in total coupled with a rock solid defense conceding just the 3 goals over the 4 day tournament.
Click here for some photos across the 4 days.
A big thank you to head coach Mingi So for his leadership and to the support staff (Duane Sommerville, Mark Skeath – team managers and Logan Archer - physio)
As a club we are excited to see the players in our Talent Development Programme having the opportunity to show who they are in a competitive setting. Our coaching team focuses on helping players learn to prioritise growth and process ahead of anything else, with a positive attitude towards self-development, challenge, effort, and feedback. To see how the team dealt with adversity and success throughout this tournament is a testament to the approach of the coaches, parents, and volunteers that have supported their efforts throughout their journey at ECB. Above all, it’s hugely rewarding to see the players create memories and connections that they will carry with them for years to come.
Well done team!
Squad
Jack McEwan, Hamish Strong. Niko Elie, Jack Young, Damion Kim, Caleb Noel, Peter Harrison, Fletcher Purvis, Orlando Thorpe, Luke Stoupe (Petone FC guest player), Jacob Smith, Matthew Rodrigues, James Elder, Toby Coombe, Ray Ishihara, Ashtun Lake (Petone FC guest player), Vincent Caminos, Adam Atkinson.
A Summary of Tournament Results
East Coast Bays where one of the 24 men’s teams competing in the annual U17 Nationals at Seddon Fields, Western Springs. As preparation for the tournament, most of the squad headed down for a warmup weekend in Wellington playing friendlies vs Wellington Phoenix (2-1 win) and Ole Academy (3-0 loss).
Being drawn in Pool D of the 4 day competition the team started strong with 1-0 win vs Christchurch Utd FC (Fletcher Purvis 3’) and 2-0 win vs Ellerslie AFC (guest player from Petone FC Luke Stoupe 36’ 47’). Another strong day on day two with 3-0 win vs Western Springs Development (Luke Stoupe x2, Ray Ishihara x1) and 1-0 win vs one of the tournament favourites Eastern Suburbs (Luke Stoupe 38’). The boys continued their fine form on day three winning their final group game 2-1 vs Wellington Phoenix (Peter Harrison 20’, James Elder 36’). This meant they topped group D after 5 wins from 5 with maximum points.
Later that day the boys played another tournament favourite and previous champs Birkenhead United in the quarter final which was a physical and tight game. Bays fought hard and didn’t take a backward step and a Peter Harrison goal in 19th minute was the eventual decider and we progressed to the semifinals on day four against Nomads from Christchurch who were also unbeaten.
An early start on day four in the semifinals vs Nomads and an Orlando Thorpe screamer free kick from the edge of the box hitting the top right bars to give us the lead just as the half time whistle blew. Nomads equalised from just before the end which lead to penalties. Bays missed their first and it looked all over with Nomads needed to complete their set of 5 however missed their 5th and 6th penalty which gave Bays the dramatic win and a ticket to the big dance in the final vs Fencibles.
A bumper crowd was present to watch the championship final were the two teams that played the most positive brand of football were to meet in the grand final. A nervy first 10mins from both teams meant it took some time for the teams to settle into their patterns. A long ball from Niko Elie at the back, headed on from Fletcher Purvis was then pounced on by Caleb Noel to hit the volley past the keeper to put Bays ahead just before the half time break. In the second half Fencibles scored from a header by Kodi Nicol off a long range free kick into the box from the keeper. Both teams fought hard in what was a tense last 10mins. Just before the final whistle, Bays were awarded a free kick just outside the box. With a minute left, Damion Kim curled a fabulous shot around the defensive wall and into the net.
Congratulations to East Coast Bays for winning the U17 Nationals for the first time in their history. It was a pleasure to be apart of a fantastic 4 days.
Final
East Coast Bays 2 (Caleb Noel 24′, Damion Kim 48′)
Fencibles United 1 (Kodie Nicol 40′)
Semi-final
Nomads United 1 (Aidan Sandys)
East Coast Bays 1 (Orlando Thorpe)
*Bays won 5-4 on penalties
