Omonia Youth FC Under 18 White are crowned champions
April 3, 2023
Community grassroots club Omonia Youth FC, sponsored Diamond Corp. Ltd had plenty to celebrate with the news that Michael Pieri and Harry Theodorou’s Under 18 White team were crowned champions. Going into the game, the boys knew that avoiding defeat against their nearest challengers would be enough. They started on the front foot, cheered on by a large number of supporters, and took an early lead thanks to a finely placed shot from Godwin Obeng. The Under 18 White dominated possession, created several goal scoring opportunities and positive situations but could not add to their lead. The half time team talk focused on keeping up the intensity, to continue to dominate possession and turn chances into goals…and they did just that. A stunning second half performance saw the Under 18 White score a further six unanswered goals as they took total control of the game and were enjoying their football. There were some beautiful goals scored and one moment in the match exemplified the camaraderie of these young men as regular penalty taker Noel Allen graciously allowed Igor Gomes-Matos to take the penalty to make up for a miss earlier in the game. The other goalscorers were Billy Cook (2), Viktor Borisov, Louie Socratous and Michael Mina. Yianni Sophocleous was named Man of the Match for an almost faultless display at right back. After the match, coach Michael said: “Harry and I are very proud of the boys and what they have achieved this season. To end their grassroots youth football careers as champions is a wonderful feat. They have worked hard this season, have improved as a group and play football the right way. The scenes at the end where the boys celebrated with parents and other supporters was beautiful to see. After the tour to Cyprus earlier in the season, today just added to the lovely memories of a superb season”. The club acknowledged the team’s success with club chairman Myri Demetriou saying: “Big congratulations to the Under 18 White, crowned champions in their last season of youth football. Well done to all the boys and their coaches Mike and Harry; a wonderful end to their youth football journey and well-deserved. Enjoy the celebrations.”
Elsewhere, Sophia Karanicholas’ Under 12 Green Girls endured a challenging first half as the girls struggled to stick to their assigned positions. After a good half time talk, the girls went into the second half much improved and with great confidence. They were brilliant and ended the game in good spirits as they played as a team. They lost 6-3 but there were many positives to take from the game. The players voted for Amelia as player of the match for the second week in a row. Goal scorers were Evi (2) and Melina. Evi’s brace were her first goals for the club.
Sadat Sayeed, Paul Lambrianidies and Peter Jordanou’s Under 10 Green put on an incredible performance at the WFL tournament. Their level of improvement over the season has been a joy to see. There is so much team spirit and the positivity they show, whether they are winning or losing is amazing! Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson was in attendance to cheer the team and his nephew on as the Under 10 Green played sensationally. At the end of the tournament, there were smiles all round.
Mary Tryphona and Christian Noble’s Under 12 Gold Tiger Girls came away with a 3-0 win thanks to an amazing performance. After last week’s heavy defeat, the girls put that behind them and went into the game with positivity and confidence. It was a brilliant first half performance with great communication and passing. A fantastic free kick from Gabe put her team in lead before some lovely one-two play saw Lara Alicja Zoss get into positions to score the second and third goal. Some great saves from Xenia and Beanie kept the clean sheet. Girl of the Game was awarded to captain Zoss who communicated and encouraged her team throughout.
Zeno Vryonides’ Under 15 Green were unfortunate in their match against the league leaders. They lost 4-1, but there were so many positives against a team that is on a long unbeaten run. The boys were fantastic in winning the ball back, in closing down fast and creating many chances. Unfortunately, it was one of those days and the ball simply wold not go in the back of the net. Injuries and absences did not help either.
Jack Markou’s Under 12 Green put on a great performance in their return to league action and won 6-1, putting behind them three consecutive cup defeats. The boys turned up with the correct attitude and commanded every area of the pitch straight from kick off. It was very pleasing to see that they are now taking the instructions and sessions from training and using them in actual games.
Ali Emir’s Under 10 Girls put on one of their best performances to date this week. Every girl on the pitch made a huge effort and kept chasing and never gave up. The girls are learning to trust their teammates and pass the ball around better and are learning to make runs off the ball. The girls are developing well, making their coach very proud of their progress.
Should you feel enthused and want to know more about Omonia Youth FC, you can contact the club at omoniayouthfootballclub@hotmail.com, via the contact page on the club’s website www.omoniayouthfc.com as well as following the club on twitter @OmoniaYouthFC and Instagram @omoniayouthfc1994.
