SOUTHPORT FC were the only Gold Coast Premier League team that did not get to play a trial match against Gold Coast United, so I was glad to hear that the GCU Youth Team are now training regularly at my kids' home ground.

I took the boys along to watch training yesterday, and we got a double treat as the full senior squad was also there for a practice match.

It was a good-hearted match but there was clearly plenty of intensity as everyone competes for a starting place in Round One.

Apparently eight players have already been signed up for the Youth Team, with many others still on trial. A local newspaper photographer was also there taking a Youth League team photo, so you can expect a more formal Youth Team squad announcement very soon.

Jason Culina had a light warm-up with his two-year-old son, dressed in full PSV kit, who already looks to have a strong right boot and a good eye for goal. But out on the paddock Culina was as intense as ever, running all over the park, marshalling his forces and venting his frustration when things didn't go as planned. Pim Verbeek would have been happy!

There was of course a clear difference in skill levels between the seniors and juniors, with seemingly safe balls sometimes being stolen with what seemed like ridiculous ease. Highlights included Giggles making three quick stops in a row from Andrew Barisic (who may have been giving him practice as he'd already been flagged offside), and a fine flowing passage of play that started on halfway with Culina, moved quickly down the right sideline, and ended with an easy headed goal to Joel Porter.

Culina is clearly looking to establish a telekinetic link with Smeltz and Porter, whose dangerous runs are still not quite in synch with his clever passes. At this stage the ESP between Culina and Traore looks better, with the Ivory Coast wing back always looking for a chance to drift forward and catch his captain's eye.

Unfortunately it wasn't a great time to have a chat with players or coaches, as everybody had their minds on the job. I did have a quick chat with a very intense Steve Lustica before the game, mistakenly thinking he was Richard Greer. Then I had a chat with the far more laid back Richard Greer, mistakenly thinking he was James Brown!

Greer was on the sidelines with Jefferson and Robson, all three nursing injuries, so it was a chance for me to practise my limited and very rusty Portuguese. Robson has a thick accent and pronounces the first letter of his name with such a deep, guttural sound that Bleiberg calls him "Hobson".

Miron was again refereeing, while fellow coaches Paul Okon, Mike Mulvey and Pat Hedges watched intently from the sidelines. Just another day at the office for all these guys, maybe, but a day to remember for my kids, who can now see a clear football career path right before their eyes.

So now I'm heading off to train my Southport Under 13 squad. Let's see if I can get them to show the same discipline and intensity at training as those Gold Coast United kids. But somehow I think it will be more of the silly shenanigans and nonsense! Ah, well. Maybe I'll bring them all along to watch the Youth Team train next week.