A GIRLS team from Blacktown has made the under-12 state cup grand final for the second year running.
After quarter final wins, Parklea and Glenwood clashed in the semi final at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, guaranteeing a Blacktown grand final berth.
The under-12 Redbacks made the grand final last year but it was Parklea’s turn this time round taking the semi final 2-nil.
Captain Reagan Mitchell, 11, predicted victory for her side when the Advocate caught up with the team captains last week.
Parklea President and under-12s coach Maurice Krenich said it was extremely important to develop girls football.
``We don’t do anything different with the girls. We offer the same opportunities as afforded to the boys,’’ he said.
``As everyone keeps saying, it’s the future growth of football, not only in NSW but Australia.
``They’re probably not as physically strong but they’re ability to learn and adapt is much quicker than boys.’’
Krenich put this year’s success down to a ``flow on from the last couple of years of development’’.
Most of the under-10s side who went through last season undefeated moved up to the 12s.
For the second year in a row the only team still standing in the last round of the Football NSW State Cup was a local girls’ team.
Parklea will meet Bossley Sports in the grand final on July 5.
The State Cup is awarded to the best NSW team in five age groups for women and seven for men from under-12s to all ages. The knockout tournaments are conducted by Community Football for Association based male and female teams and Country Association representative or club teams. Nearly 500 teams compete each season offering an opportunity for club teams to compete outside their own Association.