Rather than fear the prospect of stronger opposition, the Brantford Galaxy Youth Soccer Club team has relished the opportunity and already proved it is up for the challenge.

Now competing in the South Region Soccer League’s premier division, the under-14 boys proved their worth recently with a championship title at the Stratford Classic tournament.

“We have a very good team,” co-coach Sandy Kunej said. “That tournament showed the potential the team has. It’s still early in the season, but it’s coming together.”

The team advanced from the pool stage of the tournament with wins over Mississauga, 5-0, and Guelph, 2-0, and a loss to Woolwich, 2-1. They defeated Woolwich 2-1 in the final.

Brantford’s goals throughout the tournament were scored by Austin Sloot (3), Tayte Pasek (2), Tyler Feledi (2), Kevin Cann (2) and Michael Dhiliwayo.

The team has found some difficultly adjusting to league play in the premier division, with a record of one win and three losses, but co-coach Michael Fox said it was to be expected.

“League wins are proving hard to come by,” Fox said. “The better teams in the higher division have so far surprised the Galaxy.”

However, the team is also making waves in League Cup play, having defeated Bolton 7-0 in its first game to advance to the quarter-final round this weekend.

Kunej said the success was a result of the team’s willingness to compete and the addition of strong players, like last year’s leading scorer, Tyler Feledi of Cambridge.

“We have a fun, exciting team and people enjoy watching us,” Kunej said. “The kids are definitely not over their heads. They’re having fun and still taking on tough competition.”

The Galaxy under-14 boys resume competition in the League Cup this Saturday with a road game in Caledon at 3 p.m. A win would advance them to the semifinal, to be played in Flamborough next month.