OVER the long weekend the Gippsland Soccer League Representative Squads made their way up to Albury Wodonga to participate in the annual Country Championships. 

This event brings together all the regional soccer associations with 100 teams and over 1500 players competing for three days full of soccer. 

This year the GSL submitted a record six teams into the tournament, U12s, U14s and U16s in both gender competitions. 

Following a selection process earlier in the year the teams have been diligently training with their coaches in preparation for the weekend. 

Despite being the second smallest association in attendance and facing some incredibly strong competition, every team notched up at least one win and multiple draws. 

With the U12 Girls team and U16 Boys teams making it into the semi-finals. Though they both went down to the ladder leaders and eventual winners of their competitions, they played strong, competitive games. 

The Gippsland Soccer League was also honoured to be awarded the Corrie Koppen Fair Play award for the region that best embodies the values of sportsmanship, respect and integrity throughout the tournament.

This was a great acknowledgement of the character of our players and coaches across the weekend. 

The GSL would like to thank the coaches and team managers for their tireless efforts in the lead-up and during the tournament. Their enthusiasm and passion is greatly appreciated. The GSL would also like to commend their representative squads for their quality play and conduct across the weekend.