Suns want talent to shine

March 5 2014

Shepparton News

Acting head coach and adviser to the Goulburn Valley Suns Melvyn Wilkes has asked for the Goulburn Valley’s best soccer talent to come forward.

Trials for all eight of the GV Suns’ teams have been extended for another two weeks as Wilkes looks to ensure the best talent is made available to the Suns’ coaching staff — which should be finalised this week — as the Suns look to put forward the best representation of the region possible.

‘‘I was hoping that clubs might be a bit more forthcoming in pushing the better players to us,’’ Wilkes said.

‘‘I’m not disappointed in that, but from a player’s point of view, and as a parent myself, I’d want to be playing at the highest level possible.’’

Wilkes, who boasts a UEFA A licence, says he has been impressed with what he’s seen throughout the region and would like to see more of that talent represented at the trials.

The next trials are at McEwen Reserve tonight, with under-12s, 13s and 14s starting at 6 pm.

Under-15s and 16s start at 7 pm.

Tomorrow trials for the under-18s, 20s and senior men will be at McEwen Reserve at 7 pm.

Trials will continue on Labour Day, however, venues are yet to be finalised for under-12s to 16s, who could potentially have trials at Congupna Recreation Reserve.

Under-12s, 13s and 14s will start at 6 pm, with the 15s and 16s set to begin at 7 pm.

Under-18s, 20s and seniors will also train on Labour Day at McEwen Reserve at 7 pm, as well as the following night , also at McEwen Reserve from 7 pm.

Next Wednesday the under-12s, 13s and 14s will again trial at 6 pm and the 15s and 16s at 7 pm, all which should take place at Congupna.

The seniors, under-18s and 20s will be back at McEwen tomorrow week at McEwen Reserve from 7 pm.

With trial locations up in the air for some nights, Wilkes has invited anyone interested in trialling to phone him on 0439 363 980 for more information.

Trial locations should be confirmed by tomorrow night.

‘‘We’ve got great backing from the local community and Geoff Dobson and the directors are working tirelessly to piece this puzzle together — which we will — and I want to continue to work with the local community and be accessible to anyone who wants to talk to me,’’ Wilkes said.

Wilkes said preparations for the seniors were coming along nicely and the club hoped to announce some big-name signings during the next three-to-five days.

A host of GNEFA senior players were at training on Monday night, including Shepparton United’s Carl Lamb and Nick Kalafatis, Cobram Victory’s Adam Gatcum and Shepparton South’s Riley Hamilton and Tom Langman.