Two Healesville soccer prospects will represent Australia in the UK in September through a sport they love.
Gordon Koel and William Watson are excited to play against pro academies in England during the trip.
At the showcase in January, both youngsters proved their potential and were selected for the U16s squad.
Koel said he felt extremely proud of himself.
“Before the trials, I trained more than I’d ever had before. I really wanted to give it my best shot. So I’m extremely proud that I’ve managed to grab this opportunity,” he said.
Koel has played for the Healesville Soccer Club for about five years, and he is well-known by his teammates and coaches for his consistent hard work and passion for improving his skills.
Thanks to his effort, Koel was able to get an opportunity to represent Victoria at the Christian Football Federation Australia National Titles last year where he succeeded in collecting a gold medal.
He took another challenge at the beginning of this year, moving up his position from defender to centre midfielder.
“It was definitely difficult at first but I found I enjoyed it a lot more. I enjoy getting the ball on my feet a lot more and being able to be part of the play for most of the time,” Koel said.
“I feel like it gives me more independence and a way to control the ball how I want it.”
Koel has supported Manchester United for three years because he looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary No.7 for the club.
He is hoping he could play against his favourite soccer club’s U16s team on the trip.
“If possible, I’m definitely the most excited to play against Manchester United,” Koel said.
The Australian squad doesn’t have any organised training before they fly to the UK.
“But we’re expected to improve a lot individually and then hopefully just bring it all together in England,” the centre midfielder said.
Watson heard about this opportunity from his cousin who’d previously participated in the program.
Watson plays for any positions at the front line, striker, winger or central attacking midfielder.
“Those were the positions where I have been thrown in since I was really young,” he said.
Watson was born to be a Chelsea Football Club supporter which is his family tradition.
“The first gift I was given was a Chelsea soccer ball,” Watson said.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure who we’re going to verse yet but it would be really nice if we could play against Chelsea (in September).”
Asked about the role model, the 15-year-old prospect said “his grandfather on his mum’s side” without hesitation.
“He got me into the sport and it has stuck with me ever since,” Watson said.
“I’m super grateful that my family is connected to the sport because of my granda.
“He has given lots of advice on the game, considering he played years ago at a good level. All that advice made me the player I am today.”
Watson has pursued his dream of reaching the professional level through two local soccer clubs, Healesville and Mooroolbark registered in the different leagues.
He is now looking forward to the upcoming experience.
“We’re training individually or with our local clubs. I go to team training for the Mooroolbark team and train with Healesville on Wednesday nights,” Watson said.
“I might be doing a pickup game or some ball work on the other off days.”
Star Mail contacted Global Football Network UK.
