Victory tastes sweeter for Prospect’s Soccer “Underdogs”

The Prospect 7/8 Soccer Team B has finally enjoyed the hard-earned taste of victory, on a chilly afternoon at Prospect Park Sports Club. In the first match for Term 3, the team defeated the talented Queechy opponents in a resounding fashion!

But team sport is so much more than the bottom line on the scoresheet at the end of the game. Like school in general, what we remember is the experience. What we learn is the process. And that is sport more than “the beautiful game” and is at heart a true team game, a potential life lesson about the power of persistence, of team spirit, of shared resilience in the face of high challenges. Some fans of Aussie Rules may raise their eyebrows at putting the round-ball game ahead of the rest in this regard. But perhaps we can all relate to the first line of the Hawthorn Club song, “We’re a happy team at Hawthorn” … forged in its olden days where it was continually at the bottom of the ladder, season after season.

For many weeks, this happy Prospect soccer team had persevered through a tough season without a win. Despite overwhelming odds, the team has fronted up on a weekly basis against its opponents and cheerfully continued playing and gelling together. Despite setback after setback, including injuries, internal suspensions, the odd wild weather, double figure defeats and the struggle to field 11 players, the team this week broke through with a 5-0 win over Queechy. The taste of winning tasted all the sweeter.

Led by the indomitable spirit of Will (Yr.8), bolstered by four players from Mrs Hawkins’ A-Team, which had landed the bye for the week, the team was finally able to field a full team on the pitch – with a handy substitution bench too! Will’s passion has proven infectious for the team and an important ingredient in the successful result. Week after week he has put in the “hard yards” behind the scenes – magnet-board and all - and lent amazing encouragement to his team-mates. He has been ably assisted by Luca (Yr.8), who this week led the way with the needed discipline in defence which finally clicked in the first half, to set up the win. Luca has proven a wise assistant to Will’s leadership.

Special mention goes also to regulars Newen  (Yr.8), the agile rebounder; Donte  (Year 7) and his dashing midfield strength and speed; Camden  (Yr.8) whose carefree talents found their niche this week in a wonderful performance as Goalie; and Malcolm (Yr.7) who brings a sense of fun to the defence.

We also acknowledge the week-to-week roles of Bella Robertson (Yr.8) who despite being new to Prospect has brought great energy and no-fuss attitude to the team; Grace and Mia for having a good go every week and helping fill the gaps on the field; Glenn for his “smokey” on-field performances; and the unlucky Marco  and Caleb who were absent on the day of the game against Queechy.

Thanks also goes to the players from Mrs Hawkins’ side on the day, who gave great input and attitude to the team: Tyson, John, Jacob, and Aadyn. It was also great to see Jackson Walker play his first game after a long time out with injury, contributing dependably in the midfield on the day.

Finally, thanks go to Morgan (Yr.8) for being linesman, and the competent hands of Patrick (Yr.10) as referee.

The goals scored were all the genuine result of teamwork, which has grown in the weeks the team has been playing. Tyson scored two and assisted two others; Aadyn scored a pearler, while Will and Luca chimed in on the scoresheet as well.  

In the end, these goals were symbolic of the power of perseverance and true teamwork. The spirit of the plucky Prospect “Underdogs” won the day.