This weekend, some of the best young soccer players from around the state will gather in Goulburn to play in NSW Regional Talent Support Program matches.
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The program aims to find and help develop promising young players from rural areas by giving them access to high-level coaches, equipment, and training.
The players practice at regional centres once a week, and have match days once per month to track their development. This weekend will see eight teams travel to Goulburn, with nine local players so far named in the Southern squad.
They are:
- Lilly Skelly
- Holly Doggett
- Evelyn Yeadon
- Aislinn Wilson
- Lachlan Scott
- Caolan Hazell
- Bailey Marshall
- Brianna Norris
- Meg Rees
These nine youngsters will take to the field against teams from Riverina, Western/Griffith, and Wagga/Albury. Out of eight teams total, there will be four Under 14 Boys sides, two Under 16s Boys sides, and two Under 15s Girls sides.
Southern Tablelands Football Association director, Craig Norris, said to have nine locals named in such important development squads confirmed that the STFA was making good strides with its junior football programs.
"It's a chance for the kids to test themselves against like minded players from the other regions," Norris said. "It shows that what we've been doing is starting to pay dividends.
"Just to get picked in these sorts of squads and have that chance to be in front of some of the regional coaches is a big deal for them."
While Goulburn has previously hosted some similar events on a smaller scale, a gala of this size is a huge boon for local soccer.
"Being a regional country program, they look for areas that are nice and central," Norris said.
"Hosting these things is always important, We're always looking for upgrades and more facilities and what we bring to the town.
"But it's more about creating lots of opportunities for our juniors to show people what they can do. And it lets other know there's a way forward."
The NSW Regional TSP matches will begin from 9am on Sunday, December 6, at Cookbundoon. Three rounds will be played, with the final games scheduled to begin at 2pm.
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