Hampden Park hosted home matches for all but one of the Rovers teams on Saturday, June 15.
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The day dawned with a blanket of fog which always adds a little awesomeness to the early morning field set up, but it burnt off quickly to give us a fresh, bright day of play.
It was the perfect opportunity for one of our new referees to experience his first match with the whistle. A group of young players in the U12s and U13s teams have taken up the chance to learn a new soccer skill - controlling the match as a referee.
They start off learning the basics of the modified U8/9s rules and when they're confident are offered a chance to officiate matches at that level when playing at home in Hampden Park.
Beau, supported by his instructor and coach Emma, lead the way confidently and competently. At this level it's mainly about educating the players on the basics rather than penalising them for not getting it technically correct and the whistle is blown to instruct them how to do it and give them another go. So a 'foul' throw in becomes a learning opportunity and the ball returned to the player with a few tips on how to improve their technique.
Other potential referees took the opportunity to watch on and gain a little confidence. The young players love to see their older club mates blowing the whistle for them and hopefully prompts them to think about following suit in years to come.
It's a reminder that soccer isn't just about players and that there are other skills and roles to be developed. Whilst we're savouring the efforts of our Matildas at the pinnacle of competition in the World Cup it's interesting to note we have other representatives at that elite level.
There are two Australian referees along with a video assistant referee that have also reached the ultimate level in their soccer careers having been invited to officiate at the highest level. Although not nearly as celebrated the World Cup, or any match at any level, would not proceed without the officials and their contributions are just as impressive as those of the players, if not so readily recognised.
So thank you to all those involved with officiating our sport. To those who blow the whistle, or support them as assistants from the sideline or teach them how, and especially to those who step in at the last minute to take on the role so that a match may proceed when a referee isn't available. Without you the rest of us wouldn't get to have a run.
Our U12s continued their good form after a mid-week win, following it up with a 5-3 win over Mittagong. The goals were shared one a piece between Natasha Hamilton, Eliza Rough, Charlotte Kent, Ryan Coulter and Riley Wallace.
The U13s team had a comfortable 6-0 win over Hill Top. Notably the Hill Top team shows great improvement since their previous match against us and as always displayed a wonderful sportsmanlike attitude with their coach leading by example.
They'll be a force to be reckoned with by season end and it's an absolute pleasure to watch them develop as a team. Duke Garske bagged yet another hat trick, Isabella Sola grabbing two and Beau Johansen kicking off the scoring with a perfectly executed 'no panic' shot to the back of the net.
The U15s team had a tough day on the park with a 6-0 loss to Exeter.
The Gold men were on the wrong end of a 7-1 loss with a consolation goal to Luiz Goncalves. Thanks to his mate who stepped up from spectator to referee at the last minute so the match could proceed.
The Maroon men travelled to Exeter coming home with a 4-0 win. Josh Zemljacenko hit a double, with youth grader Mason King and Captain Coach Danny Hol netting one each.
The Gold ladies worked hard to restrict the damage to a 5-0 loss to a much stronger Hill Top team. It's great to see the gold girls retaining their sense of humour and enjoyment of the match and finding pride in their small successes despite the result.
The Maroon ladies had a measured 3-0 win over Mittagong Green with Olivia Wann adding another to her tally and Emma Green two.
Next week sees us travel for north end matches followed by a day of Cup finals at David Wood on Saturday June 29.
Go Robbo!
