By Tara Murray
Craigieburn Falcons’ focus on youth has paid off, with six players selected in the North East Metro Red Devils squads for the Hockey Victoria Junior State Championships in July.
In just the club’s second season, the achievement is a big one for the growing club.
Falcons committee member Sikander Sharma said it was very exciting for the club.
“We’ve put so much focus on building the junior players,” he said.
“We encouraged them to trial and they want to compete at the next level.”
Avraj Johal, Harbariq Singh and Angad Singh Waraich have been named in the under-13 boys’ team while Karman and Manseer Singh have been named in the under-15 boys’ side.
Jasmine Singh has been named in the under-15 girls’ team.
Sharma said all six players had started their hockey careers at the Falcons in the Past couple of years.
He said other children at the club were taking note..
“The are other kids are inspired and are looking to trial next year,” he said.
Sharma said the six children who were selected were looking forward to meeting new friends while learning new skills.
He said they were hopeful that those skills would be brought back to the club.
“This is how the club is going to grow,” he said.
“Most of these kids are 12 or 13 and the next few years they will be playing in the senior teams.”
The selection of the children in the Devils’ teams continues the success the club has had in its short history.
Last season, the two men’s sides played each other in the men’s metro B north grand final.
The club’s top side earned promotion to Vic League 3, which it is currently leading.
The team’s start to the season will almost certainly assure it of a finals berth.
The club women’s team also sits on top of its ladder, while the 35-plus team is undefeated.
The club men’s pennant side is sitting in the top four of its competition.
