The world game can be a difficult enough game to win with a full strength squad.
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And this Highland soccer team have done the unthinkable and reached the final with an undermanned side.
Highlands FC (East Bowral), under 16 team who compete in the Football South Coast League have against all odds reached the final of the IMB Bank 16, Division 2.
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The final is set to take place on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at University home ground in Keiraville.
Most of the team are 15 years of age. There is an under 14 player also competing with the team.
Due to injury and reduced players, the squad only have 11 players and on one occasion just 10.
Currently placed third in the league and considering this year's circumstances they have excelled all expectations.
Highlands F.C Club Technical Director, Nick D' Amore said the club is extremely proud of the team.
"We asked the 15's team if they were willing to play in the 16's competition due to reduced numbers and they took that challenge head on," D' Amore said.
"We didn't have enough numbers at the start of the year. I talked with the squad at the start of the season and asked "do you still want to play?"
"I told them it's going to be tough. And they still wanted to play. The objective of the team was to make the top four. When they were asked to deliver, most of the time they have.
"They've done really well. They have made top four and now they get to play finals.
"We're really proud of them as a club. This is what we want to see from players. Taking on a challenge. A lot of players in that age group would be thinking 'it's too high of a challenge'.
"They took it on and have done really well."
Sunday, October 4 the team played a double-header game against Coledale FC.
Highland FC did not have any subs and still won both games; 5-2 and 3-1.
An excellent confidence-boosting win heading into the final on Sunday, October 11 against University.
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