Proctor Park Challenge 2025
The 2025 Proctor Park Challenge proved to be an exciting, challenging, and character-building weekend for the St George FC JDL and Girls Youth League teams. Despite facing tough competition, the teams demonstrated remarkable spirit and a positive attitude, leaving the tournament with valuable lessons and promising signs for the upcoming season.
The Proctor Park Challenge is a prestigious football tournament held annually in Bathurst, attracting teams from various regions to compete in a highly competitive environment. St George FC participated across 6 different age categories, with each of the 7 teams facing their own set of challenges and triumphs.
With no U10s or U11s Competition, the U11s fielded a team in the U12s and competed admirably winning 2 of their 5 games for a 3rd place finish.
The U12s scored a staggering 25 goals in 5 matches and finished 2nd in Pool B. Their attacking play was a sight to behold, and they narrowly missed out on topping the table, finishing a solitary point behind eventual winners Belconnen United.
The U13s acquitted themselves extremely well playing 11v11 on a full field, they finished 2nd behind Marconi Stallions and won 2 of their 4 matches. The girls played some lovely football and gained many plaudits for their performances over the weekend.
The U14s went undefeated in their Pool winning all 5 of their matches. They then overcame SD Raiders in a tense semi-final 1-0 before agonisingly losing to Northern Tigers on penalties in the Final. The game ended 0-0 after extra-time. Amazingly the girls didn’t concede a single goal the entire tournament.
The U15s played brilliantly and topped their Pool with 4 wins and a draw. They then recorded successive 1-0 victories in the Semi Final and the Final against Belconnen United and Gladesville Ravens respectively to take home the trophy. Across the 2 days, the girls embodied the St George spirit, and they fully deserved to be crowned the winners in the U15s competition for 2025.
The U16s competed well across the 5 games, particularly against eventual winners APIA Leichardt, they were unlucky to lose 1-0 in a close contest. Across the 5 matches they recorded 1 win and 2 draws and will take plenty of positives away from the weekend.
The U18s played in 4 very closely contested games that will stand them in good stead for the opening rounds of the season. The shortened halves and the more disciplined approach from the oldest age group at the tournament meant goals were at a premium (3 scored and 3 conceded) in the 4 games. 1 win, 2 draws and a defeat gives the girls’ plenty of hope for the inaugural U18s GYL2 competition.
The 2025 Proctor Park Challenge was a resounding success for St George FC, on the field the teams showcased their skills and showed great resilience and character. Off the field, they displayed a positive attitude and offered great support for all the other girls wearing the famous red, white and green. As all the teams head into the upcoming season, the lessons learned from this tournament will undoubtedly contribute to their growth and success on the field.
Article by: Steve Greenwood
