:
Westfields Sports Football China Tour 2006
Weifang Cup
Venue: Luneng Taishan Football High School, Shandong Provence
Dates: 5-10 August
Opponents: Wuhan Guanggu (0-0)
Nam Seoul (2-0) Goals: Alex Van Heerwaarden, Jacob Ott
Bayern Munich (0-4)
Shandong Yuanfeng (1-3) Goal: Alex Tomic
Shandong Luneng (1-3) Goal: Damian Jankovic
Venue Description:
The Luneng Taishan Football High School is situated about 10 min drive outside Weifang, a small city of 3-4 million. The
school caters for Football players (500) and Table Tennis players (300). On school campus is accommodation for all students
in twin share rooms, air conditioned. Many staff live on campus also. The school can seat 800 people simultaneously for
meals. There are 16 full size training pitches where the surface is equal to AIS training fields, as well as several small
training areas. There are 6 sand pitches for use in wet weather, a full size Astroturf, and a main stadium with seating for
5000.
Tournament synopsis:
This was the inaugural Weifang Cup and was supported by many sponsors and government agencies. Thanks must go to
Mr Rale Rasic for encouraging westfields to participate, and for supporting our application to the tournament
organisers.
The opening ceremony involved a march past, flag raising, and choreographed dancing by over 150 students, fireworks and
music. It was telecast live on two networks.
All matches had four officials, water supplied, and medical treatment available. Matches were 70 min, with 10 min half time.
Westfields were in a group of 6 teams and played a simple round robin. The age category was for players born 1991 or younger. We had only three players born in 1991, ten born in 1992 and one in 1993. In most matches we were the smaller team.
Matches were of a high standard. Fast, skilful, competitive and played with good spirit.
Two of our matches were played on the main stadium. Bayern Munich and Shandong Luneng. The latter, in front of more than
2000 people and televised on national TV.
Westfields players gained a great deal from the exposure to varied, unknown opponents, extreme humidity and heat, and
sometimes partisan officiating. Many players were interviewed on TV, radio and for newspapers.
Westfields Sports are keen to attend again in 2007. It was a great, affordable experience for young players who dream of
professional football and representing their country. The fact that we (Australia) must now qualify through Asia, makes a
tournament like this and invaluable developmental experience.
Team synopsis:
Squad
Captain Alex Mansueto
GKs - Matthew Ryan, Nikdoin Matic
Field players Damien Travis, Alex Tomic, Benjamin Jurman, Dean Zammit, Brendan Hamill, Jacob Ott, Hamad Chaalan,
Alex van Heerwaarden, Bernie Ibini-Isie, Damian Jankovic, Tomislav Cirjak
Staff
Mrs Helen Wilson Principal
Mr Trevor Morgan
Mr Oscar Gonzalez
Westfields were able to play possession based football in the back two thirds of the field against all opponents. We created
several opportunities to score in each game, but need to improve finishing. Due to our age disadvantage, we often lacked the
power and strength to beat opponents in the final third.
Players found the elements challenging and are aware of the need to improve fitness levels. Teams were allowed to bring
squads of 20. We took 14, and this caused fatigue problems late in the tournament. The better sides such as Shandong Luneng
(winners) and Bayern Munich were athletically superior, and had a small number of individuals who were technically excellent. Jacob Ott from Westfields was however, awarded the Most Technical Player from the 1991 age category, although he is born in 1992.
Players learned that they must be able to play at a far higher tempo, even in hot weather and how crucial good, efficient
defending is. All players had a great time and had a positive experience.
Sightseeing:
Upon arrival in Shanghai, the team were taken on a river cruise by night. Amazing development could be seen in a city that
boasts a population of 20+ million.
Two days were spare for cultural exchange. The first was arranged by the LT Football School. A visit to Weifang and the
National Kite museum. The boy's coach enjoyed a police escort to and from the city.
The second opportunity came the day after the tournament concluded. We travelled to Qindao venue for sailing at Beijing
2008. We visited a temple, shops and the harbour.
More photographs on the China Gallery page Here
Posted Thursday 7th September 2006
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