Good things really do come in threes – just ask the talented youngsters at Keilor Downs College.
Competing at the Victorian state futsal championships earlier this month, Keilor Downs dominated by claiming gold in the girls under-14 and under-16 divisions and the under-15 boys.
It was the second state title win in a row for the under-16 girls side.
The results continue the remarkable run Keilor Downs has enjoyed since launching a dedicated soccer program in 2014.
Program co-ordinator Josip Loncaric said it was a case of reward for hard work.
“We didn’t place any high expectations on the teams; they really set them for themselves,” he said.
“That girls team really wanted to go back to back. With the other two, they were more of a pleasant surprise. It’s a big pat on the back for the training they’ve been doing in this program.
“We’re not doing anything extraordinary – they’re just making sure they train and work hard. The results take care of themselves.”
There were plenty of tough moments on the road to the three titles.
The under-15 boys side was locked in a 2-2 battle with Balwyn in its semi-final only to find the back of the net in the game’s final seconds.
The under-16 girls were struggling against Doncaster East in the group stages, trailing 2-0. But two late goals gave them a draw. Taking on the same side in the championship match, Keilor Downs picked up where it left off, securing a 3-0 win.
The good news didn’t stop there for Keilor Downs, with the school’s under-13 girls finishing second in their group.
Loncaric said the main strength of the school’s teams was their players complementing each other.
“They have some players who really want to be a bit more flair-oriented, taking people on and creating,” he said.
“Then you have the ones that are disciplined and are happy to sit back and play their roles defensively. That’s a great balance to have.”
The three title-winning sides are turning their attention to the Australasian Champion of Champions tournament to be held in Queensland in November.
“It will be a tough challenge up there,” Loncaric said.
“Last year, we went for the first time with our [under-16] girls and they learnt a lot from it.
“They are already talking to the other girls and boys about how to prepare for it. That’s good in terms of team spirit.”
