TWO Mount Martha students have been selected to play in School Sport Victoria’s 12 years and under soccer teams in NSW next month.
Jack Barnet, who attends Mount Martha Primary, and Tilly Boadle, of Woodleigh School, will play in the Sydney International Cup at Cromer Park Sports Complex, Friday 3 December-Sunday 5 December.
Jack is goalie in the boys’ team while Tilly plays attacking midfield in the girls’ team.
Team Vic football’s Jeanetta Rodwell said Jack had performed well in a structured trial process before being selected.
“Jack plays for the Mornington Soccer Club in the under-12s and has been selected in the school sport team as the goalkeeper,” she said.
Tilly was introduced to the sport at Mount Martha Soccer Club when she was six and played with the boys for five years.
COVID-19 lockdowns meant she could not start training until this month, her mother Stef Boadle said. “We are all so pleased they finally get to play.”
After trials last week, Tilly was also selected in Football Victoria’s national training centre (NTC) under-15 team.
“This is a significant achievement for Tilly and the Mornington Peninsula,” Ms Boadle said. “A very big commitment lies ahead, with training three times a week in Melbourne and one NPL match every weekend.”
The extra commitment will no doubt inspire Tilly. “She is very active and loves mountain biking and surfing, just as much as soccer,” Ms Boadle said.
Ms Rodwell said many past School Sport Victoria players had gone on to compete at national and international competitions, including Olympic Games, world championships and Commonwealth Games.
“Here’s hoping Jack and Tilly and their Victorian teammates can achieve their personal goals and possibly represent Australia in the years to come,” Ms Rodwell said.
