Six-time champions

Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
The Green Island 16th grade team after winning the South Island tournament in Timaru earlier this month. The side, which wore the colours of the Green Island club, has won the tournament six years in a row, going up through the age-groups.The winning sequence began in Nelson in 2013.

The side used to wear Otago colours but a change in policy this year led to clubs going to the tournament. Players got together and made a decision to field a team.

The team, made up of players from Green Island, Caversham, Mosgiel and Grants Braes, was coached by Mark Foster and Andrew Quigley, and managed by John Gardiner and Simon Greenall.

The side had its first loss in six tournaments this year when it was beaten by Christchurch club side FC Twenty11 in pool play.

But it still managed to get through to the final where it took on the same opposition.

The final was drawn 1-1, but Green Island won the penalty shootout 3-2. Kaleb de Groot-Green, who was the most valuable player for Green Island, won the tournament with his penalty kick.

It was a great way to finish for the team as the South Island tournaments do not go beyond 16th grade. 

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