Border Raiders FC is enjoying a successful season at the halfway mark of the under-14A campaign, sitting in second place.
And the key to their success lies in their tight-knit group that competes week in and week out. Because what separates them from their Central Victorian League rivals is the fact that more than half of the team consists of brothers.
Nate and Finn Murphy, Billy and Tommy Quirk, and Ethan and Ben Anthony, make up three sets of brothers who have contributed to the team's strong position after eight games.
Ryan Quirk, in his third year as coach, has witnessed his young players progress through the ranks since the beginning, including his own sons Billy and Tommy.
"They can bring their backyard rivalries on to the field during the weekend," Quirk said.
"They all support and encourage one another. It brings the team together, and they find joy in it."
Quirk, with a football background, acknowledges that his team may be smaller in size compared to the competition, but they make the most of their advantage.
"We employ a counter-attacking style of play," he said. "It's a fantastic experience to be a part of."
For Quirk, learning the game of soccer has been a journey of growth for both him and his players.
But it’s not the only area of growth at the Border Raiders, who are fielding two under-14 teams for the first time since 2018 in a positive up-tick for soccer numbers in the region.