The 2013 Season saw West Torrens Birkalla finish just shy of the top 6 in the South Australian Premier League, a position that Birkalla Captain Ryan Veitch is looking to improve on in the 2014 Competition.

 

“We were quite disappointed on where we finished last season as we believe we should have been playing Finals. At times we played some really exciting football and for most of the season we were positioned in the top 4.

 

“It was exciting to see some of our younger players step up and really contribute, but at the end of the day everyone wants to win and top 6 is now a minimum expectation.”

 

The Goal Keeper, who will be playing his 11th season at the club, tells that in 2013 his side lacked the ruthlessness to finish teams off and put the game to bed on a few occasions, something that needs to be improved on in 2014.

 

“Sometimes we tried to play too much ‘pretty football’ and during the winter months you just can’t do it. The positive is that every single player we used last year have all learnt what we can do as a team to improve.”

 

Veitch notes that there are always areas for improvement with in a team and this year the side will be focusing on communication with each other on the park.

 

“With such a young team sometimes the guys feel they can’t speak up because they may think it is the wrong thing to say, but we have to keep reiterating to them just to say anything to start the process.

 

“The club is also pretty fortunate to have some experienced players within the group who can be called on to put their opinion across as well as leading on the pitch.”

 

With the opportunity to qualify for the FFA Cup on the line, Veitch and his squad are looking to improve on their strong performance in the 2013 Coca-Cola Federation Cup.

 

“We go in to every game wanting to win and we wanted to go all the way last year but we were knocked out by eventual winners Adelaide City.

 

“I think it is a fantastic idea that the concept of the FFA Cup has now evolved as it gives the club and players a platform to showcase their talent. Watch out for us in the Cup!”

 

Similar to many clubs in the SA NPL Competition, Veitch feels MetroStars, Adelaide City and Adelaide Blue Eagles will be the teams to beat, however as seen in the 2013 Season on game day, any side can find themselves with an unexpected loss.

 

“There has been quite a bit of movement player wise in the off-season so I think the league will be even tighter this year.

 

“We have been fortunate to secure a Japanese player who has played at an impressive level in his homeland. He has already made his mark on the team and look forward to him helping some of our younger players develop.

 

“The main objective at Birkalla is to promote from within and we have seen that recently with Scott Nagel, Ryan Kitto and Adam Le Cornu all being recognised at a higher level. However if the right person from outside is available and we know that they can help improve our group then we would be naïve not to pursue them.”

 

West Torrens Birkalla Chairman Amin Ayoubui supports Veitch’s comments on developing Juniors with in the club.

 

“There are 17 Junior Teams starting from Development (U4/5), through to U17’s which, in the 2013 season, competed in the South Australian Junior Premier League.

 

“We, as a club, are constantly developing our players within the FFSA pathway curriculum. This is a proven method given the results of teams from the U12’s through to U17’s. 

 

“Our mission at West Torrens Birkalla is to provide facilities, competitions, coaching and development pathways that meet the needs and expectations of our players and parents and offer participation opportunities for all, while being affordable and embracing the best practice at Birkalla.”

 

West Torrens Birkalla meet with State League side Adelaide Cobras in a trial match curtain raiser to the Round 11 Westfield W-League Lady Reds v Brisbane Roar, this coming Saturday 1 February at the Adelaide Shores Football Centre.

 

Kick-off is 5:30pm with gates open at 4:30pm. Early bird admission offer – 4:30pm-6:30pm $5 entry, 6:30pm onwards Adults $10, Concession $5, U16 Free.

 

West Torrens Birkalla play Para Hills Knights away in Round 1 of the SA National Premier League on Saturday 22 February at 3:00pm.