Christian Layland
Byron Bay FC capped off a successful debut year for its high-performance program by winning three division-one grandfinals last weekend.
All four teams operating under the program qualified for their grandfinal with the U/12s, U/14s and U/15s all claiming the league and grandfinal double, meaning the program has claimed six trophies this year.
The U/12s got the ball rolling on Friday night with a 2–1 win over local rivals Bangalow. It was a solid team effort with Valentino Lanzeni the star, with the 10-year-old scoring both goals and winning man of the match.
Saturday saw the U/15s continue Byron’s good form, defeating last season’s winners Eureka 3–2. Jack Crabtree scored one goal and won the man of the match award.
The U/14s wrapped up the successful weekend on Sunday, defeating Lennox Head 3–2 with Jack Wilson awarded man of the match.
It was almost four grandfinal wins as the U/13s were leading Alstonville 2–0 with 15 minutes to go before conceding late goals and losing 4–2.
There is the potential to add to the trophy cabinet as the 12s and 14s are travelling to Coffs Harbour next month to compete in the Northern NSW Champion of Champions tournament.