Representative matches serve to inspire local soccer players

A range of age group teams from the Southern NSW and Western NSW Boys' training programs played against one another in order to test their skills.

Four age divisions played on the day, including the Under 13s, Under 14s, Under 15s, and Under 16s.

Southern Tablelands Football Association director, Craig Norris, said to have high-level junior football here was not only a boon to the association, but aspiring young players as well.

"It's good for our players to see that action," Norris said.

"They see what that skill level's like, because they see that they're up to that level. It's always good to host those sorts of games and bring people to town."

There was one Goulburn resident playing for the Under 13s Southern team, by the name of Caolan Hazell.

Sunday's games were rescheduled to take place in Goulburn at late notice, but Norris said it was likely the teams would have played at Cookbundoon regardless.

"We're pretty quick to stick our hand up for these types of things, but Southern and Western usually try to meet here because it's in the middle for them," he said.

"It wasn't scheduled, but we got a late call and they asked if we could host. We're always up for it."

As the STFA's reputation as a football hub continues to grow, Norris hopes the construction of the new changerooms will enable the association to host more high-level tournaments in future.

"Once we've got that facility, which will have a meeting room in it, they'll be able to run courses as well," he said.

"We're sticking our hands up for just about everything that comes our way. Our thought process is having it here allows our players to see that they're at that level and they can push themselves."

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