Pam Dillon, Barkly Region Sport Education Coordinator, Tennant & District Times

Two teams from several remote schools in the Barkly travelled to Darwin last week to participate in the NT 12 Years & Under Soccer Championships.

The competition in both the boys and girls competitions was strong and all of our students played well.

After two days of playing in the humid Darwin weather they got to cool off at Leanyer water park where they had a great time.

The students also enjoyed an educational trip to Crocodylus Park where they got to see crocodiles jumping out of the water for food, lots of different types of animals and they even were able to hold a baby crocodile.

A highlight for the girls, was meeting Borroloola born Australian player Shadeene “Shay” Evans, who dropped by and talked with all the girls.

Throughout the competition both teams displayed great teamwork and sportsmanship which was noticed by all other regions competing.

At the presentations, both Barkly teams received the Team Spirit award which is great credit to all students.

To celebrate, both teams went out to the “Jetty” restaurant which they all enjoyed eating as much as they wanted especially the desert bar.

Congratulations goes to Allana Thompson who was named as a reserve in the girls NT team.

A big thankyou goes out to our two team managers and the two coaches from John Moriarty Foundation, all did a fantastic job in making the trip a memorable one for all involved.

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 30 June 2023.