CFC Colts Coach Ross McQueen's Kimberley Experience

"The Kimberley Colts Championship – Fitzroy Crossing 31^st May & 1^st June 2014"

It's hard, its fast, its exciting, its Kimberley football.

Some of the best young footballers from the West Kimberley, the Central Kimberley, the East Kimberley and the Halls Creek/Kutjungka region, gathered in Fitzroy Crossing to compete for the John Jones Cup.

I had the honour to travel to Fitzroy for the first time to watch hopefully some of the future stars of Claremont Football Club. The games were played in a round robin format and there was no rest for the wicked. Two halves of 30 minutes played at breakneck speed to decide who would play in the Grand Final on Sunday afternoon.  The ball moved quickly by foot and there was plenty of freakish skill and commitment on display. I was privileged to see great goals, high marks and blistering speed but what struck me most was the respect all the players had for their teammates, opponents and officials. Pure football being played with Great Spirit and Respect. I loved it!!

There must be a winner and the final was an exciting and tough affair. The players from both the Central Kimberley’s and West Kimberley’s through themselves into the contest and despite having to get accustom to a “rookie” umpire (me), the football played was a great way to finish the Championship. West Kimberley’s won the encounter on Saturday but it was the defending Champions Central Kimberley’s who ran out winners in the final.

It was a wonderful championships and my first trip to the Kimberley is definitely something I will cherish forever. A swim at Cable Beach, great football, catching up with old friends and developing new friendships are just some of the reasons I would love to visit again.

Ross McQueen - Claremont Colts Coach