As we have all been sheltering indoors from the unseasonable wet weather, our Maleny Ranger soccer players have been braving rain, hail and mud on soccer fields around the ‘not so sunny’ Coast, and training in anything from light sprinkles to pouring rain at the Maleny Showground sports-fields. The season so far has been an exciting one, and last weekend, a well-deserving player from each Maleny division was nominated for the McDonald’s player of the week competition, with the chance to win a prize pack valued at $150.00 to acknowledge an outstanding performance so far.

The outstanding nominees were singled out by their coaches, managers and peers as determined, effective and dedicated players and are honoured by their nominations for this award.

Bella Alexander from the Under 12 Girls is recognised for her outstanding effort and heart throughout each game all season, culminating in her best game ever on the last weekend before her nomination. In her own words, the reason for her extra application and success was “I watched the Matildas play last night and I wanted to play like them”.

From our Under 12 Boys’ division the star nominee was Matthew Newman, who, if the nomination was based on talent alone, would be named player of the week every week. ‘Matty’ has quite a remarkable natural ability, which is always backed up with 100% commitment and determination. Not least important is his sportsmanship and encouragement of his team mates who are yet to develop their skills to his level. Recently the U12 boys team voted Matty as team captain, which is a reflection of his standing among his peers.

Recognition goes to Manikya Alister of the Under 13 Boys for showing fairness to all players and encouraging his own team members to play with enthusiasm despite their different levels of experience. As a striker, he looks for opportunities to involve the wingers, passing regularly and sharing the play. His abilities also include top fitness and form, speed and focus. As a goalkeeper, his agility spreads confidence throughout defence.

Caitlin Ruddle of the Under 14 Girls is distinguished with this nomination for being ‘a top player in a top game against the top team’. Caitlin’s gutsy performance against the hard tackling Beegees, showed her tenacity in the face of very challenging play and she was fierce in her position. Her big saving kicks, fabulous reading of the game and excellent team play all show that she is a valuable asset to Maleny Under 14 Girls.

Sophie Mc Intyre of the Under 16 Girls is worthy of receiving the Player of the Week nomination because she has shown an outstanding attitude and determination during training and at all games. She refuses to give up and keeps on striving to be the best that she can be every week. This week she has demonstrated her courage under fire and has come out shining. She is a huge asset to her team and is valued by all.

In the Women’s division 3, Lisa Marsh is not only the team manager, to be seen running around pre-game organising the match paper work and players for the coach, but once on the field gives 100% to her team. Friday’s game saw Lisa’s domination in mid field set up and support many attacks for the forwards, and then, when needed she was dropping back to give the defence line full support. On occasions, as in previous games against other teams, Lisa was not afraid to put her body in the way of powerfully shot passes, flinching and then getting on with the game.

As always when so much talent, sportsmanship and heart is present among the nominations, decisions are tough. However, this season’s Player of the Week goes to Sophie McIntyre of the Under 16 Girls. Team manager, Sonya Lindley-Jones lauds Sophie’s efforts saying she has applied herself 100% to all training runs and says “believe me, with Coach Wolfgang these training sessions are gruelling”. Despite the gruelling nature of training, Sophie manages to complete all drills with a smile on her face. “Her courage under fire during our games is inspirational, she keeps going back in for that ball like a terrier the postie can’t shake. She has so much fun doing it too.” says Lindley-Jones.