There was disappointment for the Gold Fields WA State U16s on day three of the 2024 National Youth Championships for Boys.
The WA side went into their final group match in Wollongong top of Group B and requiring a draw to advance to the quarter-finals.
However, despite a double from Max Naylor, they went down 5-2 to NSW Metro Navy. And with Queensland White beating Victoria Silver 1-0 later in the day, it meant the West Aussies finished third and out of contention.
The Gold Fields WA State U15s faced their NSW Metro Navy counterparts knowing they could not qualify for the last eight. They suffered a third straight defeat, going down 3-0.
Both WA teams continue their tournaments on Friday as they determine their final placings. The U15s face Tasmania at 8.25am WST with the U16s also taking on Tasmania at 12.40pm WST.
Meanwhile, Gold Fields WA State Boys U16s head coach Kenny Lowe said the experience for the players would be invaluable regardless of the results.
“It feels a bit like déjà vu for me being here and seeing these players come through,” said Lowe.
“Western Australian players like Josh Risdon (15 caps for the Subway Socceroos), Adam Taggart (19 caps for the Subway Socceroos), and Trent Sainsbury (58 caps for the Subway Socceroos) have been to World Cups and done it all.
"These boys are on the exact same pathway, so hopefully, they can continue on that path.”
Making the 4,000km trip to Wollongong from Western Australia is a new experience for most of the squad but the opportunity to get outside of their state and compete against the best of the best is worth its weight in gold according to Lowe.
“We’re a big fish in a little pond. When we come here and get exposed to this high standard of football, they're forced to raise the bar, which is super important,” Lowe said.
“Then some of the boys think, 'You know what? I'm actually pretty decent'. So it’s just a win, win all around.”
- Gold Fields Australia is the name sponsor of all of the Football West State teams