WITH the Socceroos’ dream run at this year’s World Cup coming to an abrupt end at the hands of Argentina last weekend, attention for some now turns to who will be donning the green and gold in the future.
There are two young locals looking forward – and dreaming of being a part of future success with our national team – after being recently selected to represent the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League next season.
Swan Hill Soccer League’s Bailey Johnson and Sonny Tucker have both been chosen to take part in the BASL’s Under 16 and Under 15 representative programs, following successful trials in Bendigo last month.
The pair became part of both the league’s academy and representative programs.
Their participation meant they would represent BASL at the Victorian Country Championships and the Boys and Girls FC event in Bendigo.
The boys Swan Hill Soccer League Under 16 joint coach Chris Lahy spoke to The Guardian this week after news of their selection.
Lahy described both Tucker and Johnson as extremely talented and gifted players.
“Sonny is the youngest of the pair and has a lot of natural ability, which will take him places, and if we can funnel him into a solid development program then he should be able to go a long way should he desire to,” Lahy said.
“Bailey maybe doesn’t have the same level of natural ability as Sonny and will have to try a little bit harder, but where his strengths lie is that he’s a great communicator and a great leader, his team mates listen to him and Bailey’s already demonstrated that on numerous occasions last season.
“He also works incredibly hard on his game and is extremely dedicated to improving which are great traits to have for any young player.”
Swan Hill Soccer League technical director Brett Farlie echoed Lahy’s thoughts, but was quick to acknowledge their achievement was born from hard work and dedication, along with good coaching and structure from their home club.
“We’re very proud of the boys, they’ve both worked extremely hard to get to this point and thoroughly deserve to be in the rep squad,” Farlie said.
“We’re trying to build a future of youth development here in Swan Hill and we’re trying to develop a lot of our juniors and bring them up through the ranks right up to senior soccer, be that men’s or women’s.
“From my perspective, it’s really pleasing to see the number of kids that are starting to not only play our great game locally, but also want to and desire to take their game to the next level.
“From what I can see, there’s quite a few talented players in the junior ranks at our club, both male and female, in the age groups below Bailey and Sonny, and with just a little bit of direction and the right guidance, they can really grow into extremely good footballers and potentially take their game to heights that maybe haven’t been seen from players in Swan Hill before.”
Johnson and Tucker join a growing list of Swan Hill soccer players to have gone on to higher honours, including current juniors Jacob Thompson and Cal Croskery, who were both a part of the BASL Under 16 representative program last season – with the club now starting earn due recognition for its ability to teach and develop our regions youth.
