Friday, June 26, 2009

Tasmanian stars in Ho Chi Minh City tournament

Tasmanian Institute of Sport player Jessie Williams has been selected in the Australian Under-14 girls’ national team to compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under 14 Girls’ Festival of Football which began in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, today and which will run until 30 June 2009.

National coach Jeff Hopkins selected the squad following the National Junior Championships which were held in Canberra in April.

“This festival has a few objectives,” said Hopkins. “It will be good preparation and give the squad an insight for future competitions in Asia.

"The team will experience differences both on and off the field in Vietnam which will no doubt be a great learning experience when travelling back to compete for opportunities such as qualifying for the AFC Women's Asian Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup.

"This festival is not about winning but about developing as players and learning from the whole international travel experience.

“We are looking forward to the experience in the days ahead.”

Australia opened its campaign today with a 1-1 draw with China, and Williams scored the Australian goal.

“I am very impressed with her,” said TIS head coach, Vicki Linton. “She really impressed at the training camp prior to the selection of the squad.

“She is playing just behind the strikers in a 4-3-3 system, that is, as the number 10.”

* * * * *

Metro have officially responded to the news about the removal of Darrin Chaffey as their senior coach.

The club said that it and Chaffey had agreed when he was appointed that, should someone become available who was better qualified for the role of senior coach, then he could possibly be asked to step down.

The club also said that it wanted to give Chaffey "a chance to concentrate on playing for the remainder of the year and have a role with the exisiting staff in the senior group".

The statement went on to say that Chaffey has decided to take a break but that the club "wish to see him continue with the club as a player as we believe he has a lot to offer in [sic] current squad."

2 comments:

RED said...

Metro had the coach to take over from Chaffy since last year, so this waiting for a better person to turn up is a load of bull, the fact is that they new if they did not get Chaffy to coach they would not get people back to play this year, as people do not have respect for the president anymore but the do Chaffy, now that the club tranfers can't happen they did the dirty on Chaffy.
The funny thing is that if they make it to the Premier League they will not get the people back to play, WELL DONE JIMMY!!!

Shelbi said...

What a wonderful achievement by our little hero Jessie, not only by making the Australian Team, but kicking their first goal!! (and their second)we all are so proud of you and I am truly privileged to play with you...