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Whittlesea Ranges youth coach Nick Salis has heaped praise on his victorious squad after the club’s 16s won the NPL2 West division, continuing on from last year’s efforts when the then-15s also took out the title.
The team had the season wrapped up by 13 points in the end, enjoying a final day 3-0 victory over St Albans Saints to put the finishing touches on a convincing campaign.
The majority of the current crop of players have added to their silverware now, having taken out the NPL2 West U15s last year by 12 points.
“I am privileged to have coached the Whittlesea Ranges Under 16s. They are back-to-back champions having won it also in 2015,” Salis said.
“The depth of talent in this team is quite extraordinary.”
One of the most important factors for the success, Salis said, was the harmony in the changerooms.
With the majority of the squad having stuck together for numerous years and becoming a tight-knit unit in training and on match day, the understanding translated into results on the pitch.
“Most of the boys in this team have played together for the past five years and therefore the team structure, respect and discipline is at a high level,” he said.
“I believe that the attitude and character of these boys stems from the close knit family environment and parents should be commended for their commitment.”
With the obvious emphasis on the future in youth football and developing all aspects of the players’ game, Salis provided a brief insight into the key areas of focus driven by the coaching staff to instil into the players throughout the campaign.
“We have put a lot of time and effort in our training sessions to develop the boys for the future as senior footballers,” he said.
“Our sessions were designed to further develop their strengths and weaknesses with a huge emphasis on speed and technique.
“I wanted to give them an understanding on how specific drills and sessions are used in a game incorporating the FFA National Curriculum.”
The results and performances by the squad this year has seen lots of the homegrown talent recognised by older age groups and even overseas.
Coupled with the improved results of the senior side this year, Whittlesea Ranges are confident the environment fostered at Epping Stadium the club will hold the club in good stead for the short-to-long-term future.
Salis paid particular homage to his fellow coaching staff for a successful 2016.
“The future of the Whittlesea Ranges is very bright. Eight players in this team have already played for the Whittlesea Ranges U18s and the U20s squads throughout the year, so they are being recognised for their talents and the feedback from coaches have been positive.
“Some of the boys have been highlighted and recognised as they have been trialling for the NTC and Melbourne City squads. We also have a player who is in the US on a three-year football scholarship.
“Major recognition needs to go out to Mouha Mustedanagic who has coached these talented boys and taught them the fundamentals of football in the previous season of 2015. As any great team, there are also the people in the background who devoted their time for Whittlesea Ranges, such as U16s team assistant Kevin Carfora and team manager Frank Astuto, who deserve a big thank you.”