Local talent on show at Singa Cup

A strong Great Southern contingent attended the annual Singa Cup in Singapore playing in five different teams this month.

Thirteen players from the region made the trip with the WA outfit.

The under-16 boys’ team, which included locals Kyle Taylor, Cooper Gleeson, Deacon Houghton, and Parker Wingard came home with a silver medal.

Houghton had an outstanding tournament and was crowned the best and fairest player in the under-16 boys’ division.

Wingard, who plays locally for Polonia captained the under-16 boys’ side at the tournament.

The under-16 women’s side with Albany players Libby Morris and Tayah Dallimore went through the early stages of the competition undefeated but slipped to finish third following the finals.

Ella Marwick and Lumeah Masih were a part of the under-14 women’s side that came third.

Football West Great Southern development officer Sarthak Mishra coached the under-14 boys’ team that had local players Jordan White and Thomas Musk.

Mishra said he was proud of his team’s efforts.

“The team played well throughout the league and beat teams like Singapore and Darwin teams,” he said.

Gilligan Neunuebel represented the under-12 boys’ team.

Mishra said the big group of Great Southern players did their region proud.

“All of them had a great football experience, they also learned from the players from our regional counterparts,” he said.

“We do have a lot of local talent.

“All the Albany players performed amazing and stood out amongst others.”

To grow and support the talented players in the region, Football West is launching a training centre in Denmark next year.

A Talent Support Program has also started this year that provides a direct opportunity to get selected for the representative sides.