James Karvelas has notched up 100 games for Taylors Lakes. 67447
By Liam Twomey
AS the division five, under-16 Taylors Lakes football team charges towards finals, it does so with something every successful club needs, a strong leadership group.
At the forefront of the group is the team’s vice-captain, James Karvelas. The Melton teenager has all the attributes of an outstanding leader. He never misses training, attends team meetings with players and coaches and loves pulling on the Taylors Lakes jumper.
Last week, James notched up his 100th game for his beloved club and his team-mates made sure it would be a memorable milestone, beating Oak Park by 96 points.
To play 100 games in any sport is a fantastic achievement, but what makes James’ efforts special is that he is profoundly deaf. He has played each one of his 100 games with a cochlear implant placed in his ear, which improves his severely limited hearing.
James’ father Manny said his son had come a long way from when he first made his football debut.
“One of the coaches who gave a speech at his 100th game said he didn’t think he would see him at that stage.” Manny said.
“When he first started playing, his development was a little slower but he has really stuck to his footy.”
“He has done a lot of extra hard work and now he is a great part of the team.”
James is a player every coach loves to have. He can play any position and always gives his all on the field.
“He started off playing in the back line, he got to the point where the coaches were calling him ‘the wall’,” Manny said.
“He has now learnt to play centre, forward, wing and ruck. The coach can put him in any position and he will play it.”
Taylors Lakes currently sits in second position on the ladder. James is hopeful the team will finish the season strongly and build some momentum before finals.
“We are doing really well, we have only lost two games. I reckon we have a good chance of getting into the grand final. We have to play as team and not get cocky,” James said.
“The support from my mates and family is great for me, I’m very lucky that I get that sort of support. If I didn’t have them I would be really bad at footy.
“I really want to play well for the rest of the season and make the club proud.”
James has received great support from the Taylors Lakes Football Club. Manny said the way the club works on development of their young players is outstanding and something all junior clubs should look at.
He was particularly thankful for the work Noel Saudy, Bill Wood and Tyson Greenwood had done with James over his career.
“We couldn’t be happier with Taylor’s Lakes, they develop kids who don’t have much experience in footy,” Manny said.
“The club is in there to give a lot of kids a go, that’s what this club does.”
“It shows with both under-16 teams heading for finals. There isn’t one team performing better than the other.”
This will be James’ final year season in junior football. Next year he will move up to the under-18 division and will train for selection in one of the two Taylors Lakes teams.
“You have to be pretty good to make it to the under-18s,” Manny said.
“That’s his goal, he has the skill to get there and he has a good chance. There has been no favouritism and we don’t want it, if he is good enough he will make it.”
Regardless of what happens after this season, his family and friends could not be prouder of him.
“We are ecstatic at what he has achieved, we are very proud. It’s not just us but a lot of the dads at the club and coaches are so proud as well,” Manny said.
James has laid out some goals that will serve him well for the remainder of this season and the rest of his football career.
“My goals are to play my best football and to have fun and make more friends.”
