Alsop leads U-Mi Yet to city victory

By ISAAC LIRI
DIRECTOR of High Performance Sport PNG Aaron Alsop starred in U-Mi Yet’s 3-2 victory over Jamas in the National Capital District Amateur Volleyball Association A grade grand final on Saturday.
“It was a great game, we won the first two sets, they came back from behind but in the final set we stayed in control and won the game,” Alsop said.
The 36-year-old gave was happy with the grand final win and gave credit to the coaches and the management of the U-Mi Yet for giving him the opportunity to be involved with the club this year.
“A lot of credit goes to the coaching and management of the Umi Yet club. They gave me and my wife an opportunity to be involved in the club.”
When given approval to be part of the club this year, Alsop specifically asked to play in A grade division as he had the intention to help mentor the younger players.
Playing alongside young players in the association, Alsop realised that the association’s standard had improved and with further high performance training, more players from the association would be able to represent the country in international games.
Alsop, who retired from playing national league in Australia seven years ago, said he not only played to keep himself physically fit but also  to encourage and give direction to the young players who had hopes of one day representing the country.
“Just giving them encouragement with regards to approaching training professionally and having a strong mindset is important for them as athletes,” he said.
He also spoke highly of the relations between clubs in the competition.
“Teams learn from each other. Coaches share ideas and embrace youth,” Alsop said.