State representative goalkeeper Ayana Aoyagi has capped off a strong showing by Queensland sides at the recent FFA National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour by being named Under 13 Goalkeeper of the Championship.

The FNQ FC Heat shot-stopper was acknowledged as the most outstanding goalkeeper in her age division following a series of impressive displays at the week long tournament that featured representative sides from across Australia.

Aoyagi’s fellow Under 13 representative Abby Douglas also made an impressive showing at the championships, scoring nine goals including a hat-trick against Victoria Metro in the final game. Teammate Tara O’Keefe also netted a hat-trick in the same match.

Not to be outdone, the Under 15’s shared the scoring spoils in a 13 goal defeat of Northern Territory – young talents Laura Sevil and Kirsty Clifford scoring a hat trick apiece, while teammate Elsie Franco netted a personal haul of four in the impressive win.

The Under 13's claimed fourth spot in their group at the tournament, while the Under 15's finished fifth.

Lyn Aoyagi, mother of Ayana, described the FFA National Youth Championships as a “great experience”.

“I could not get over the level of player ability that I saw. I was also very impressed with how well run the entire event was,” Aoyagi said.

“The Queensland team staff were amazing - professional, great coaching knowledge and skill, friendly and fun.”

“I was impressed that (Football Queensland Technical Director) Gary Phillips was there offering advice to the girls and making sure everyone was okay.”

“We are certainly very proud of our daughter and are glad she continues to love the game.”

Queensland fielded representative sides in both the Under 13 and Under 15 age divisions at the championships. The younger side won one and drew two from their five games, whilst the Under 15’s won twice and drew once in their fixtures.

Watch Ayana Aoyagi discuss her award in the video below (courtesy of Heat TV) then scroll down for detailed results from both the Under 13 and Under 15 teams at the championships.

 

Queensland Under 13’s FFA National Youth Championships Results

Day One:
Queensland 5 (Chloe PRIEDITIS 10’ 62’, Abby DOUGLAS 23’ 45’, Kaitlyn TORPEY 68’)
Northern New South Wales 8

Day Two:
Queensland 2 (Abby DOUGLAS 10’ 51’)
New South Wales Metro 4

Day Three:
Queensland 2 (Abby DOUGLAS 73’ 75’)
New South Wales Country 2

Day Four:
Queensland 2 (Leah DAVIDSON 23’, Maisie BERRY 28’)
South Australia 2

Day Five:
Queensland 9 (Paige RONCATO 18’, Leah DAVIDSON 20’, Tara O’KEEFFE 33’ 41’58’, Abby DOUGLAS 35’ 56’ 75’)
Victoria Metro 2

Queensland Under 15’s FFA National Youth Championships Results

Day One:
Queensland 0
New South Wales Metro 3

Day Two:
Queensland 1 (Mikayla RALPH 65’)
Victoria 0

Day Three:
Queensland 13 (Elise FRANCO 2’ 6’ 10’ 29’, Demi ROBINS 19’ 46’, Laura SEVIL 20’ 23’ 37’, Kirsty CLIFFORD 34’ 53’ 65’ Ambrosia MALONE 58’)
Northern Territory 0

Day Four:
Queensland 2 (Rita MARSHALL 20’, Laura SEVIL 79’)
Northern New South Wales 2

Day Five:
Queensland 0
New South Wales Country 2

 

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: FNQ FC Heat
Video: FNQ FC Heat