May 2017 | David Claridge

THE SOUTHERN Raiders Soccer Club are very positive going into the new season after their ten teams performed well in the recent seeding rounds.

Reporter David Claridge spoke to Southern Raiders President, Al Cutler, about the build up to the season for the Prospect based soccer club.

David: Could you please tell me how the Southern Raiders season is going so far?

Al: We are only in seeding rounds at the moment where it is confirmed that teams are playing in the correct divisions. All our teams have performed very well, with some great skills, teamwork and sportsmanship shown.

David: How many teams are there altogether?

Al: We have 10 teams competing in the Northern Tasmania Junior Soccer Association (NTJSA) competition.

David: How have the teams prepared for this season?

Al: We start training as soon as we get access to our training grounds, as the grounds are shared with other users of Prospect Vale Park.  Some coaches even locate other venues to get the kids started a bit earlier.

David: Are all of your players from the local area?

Al: Most players are from the local area, but we do have some players who come to play at our club from other areas around the greater northern region for different reasons, eg coaches, friends playing at our club.

David: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Al: We are a smaller club, which brings the benefits often seen in smaller communities, including inclusiveness, support for each other, lots of volunteers and a focus on all the children enjoying themselves in a safe and friendly environment. We have a large, helpful, friendly and player focussed committee. We are inclusive and aim to give all children access to soccer and playing a team sport in a supportive environment.

Editor: The Northern Tasmania Junior Soccer League got underway just prior to this story being published.