The future of the Fire looks to be in good hands after 16 players from the Under 13 Boys, Under 14 Boys and Under 14 Girls’ squads were named in the Metro State teams for their age-groups.
The Under 14 Boys Metro State Team list was released yesterday, and midfielder Henry Hore, attacker Kobe Fuller and midfielder Josh Nisbet were named in the squad, while defender Mason Bell was named as a shadow player.
Meanwhile, midfielder Maisie Berry was selected in the Under 13s Metro Squad with fellow midfielder Amy Scott named as a shadow player, and striker Kirsty Clifford was selected in the Under 15 Girls Metro Squad. The Fire also had four players selected in the Under 13 Boys State Team and three players selected in the Under 12 Metro Team.
Under 14 Girls NPL Coach Tom White congratulated his players on their selection.
“Maisie is a technically wonderful player and her ability to beat players in 1v1s is fantastic. She is a mature player beyond her years,” he said.
“Kirsty is a goal-scoring predator; she has great power and is creative. She is also composed with her finishing and is good with both feet; a fantastic player for the future.
“Aimee is another technically gifted young player. She has great composure in possession, always eager to learn and adapts to game situations very well.”
Under 14 Boys NPL Coach Ben Cahn said having worked closely with his players for the past two years, he knew how much selection into the Metro squad meant to them.
He said Henry Hore had a lot of pressure on him after making the All Star team at the Nationals last year but handled it exceptionally well.
“He has continued to work hard and improve all year and is fully deserving of his spot in the Metro team. Henry is one of the most exiting prospects at the Club and has a great future ahead of him,” Cahn said.
Kobe Fuller and Josh Nisbet missed out on selection last year and Cahn said he knew how much it hurt both of them, however a big part of football development was learning how to handle defeats and knock backs.
“I can’t speak highly enough about how hard these two have worked to turn it around this year. They have set a great example of pursuing something with hard work and dedication.”
“Josh has been my captain this year and he never stops asking questions and wanting to learn. I’m so happy the work he has put in has paid off.”
“Kobe has been one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league this year and has worked exceptionally hard to improve on the weaknesses in his game. His versatility is a huge asset to him and I have no doubts he will score goals at the Nationals this year.”
Mason Bell missed out on a trial last year, however spent the off-season working hard on his speed and agility.
“His hard work earned him a trial and he made it through as a shadow player. He will continue to train with the State squad in the lead up to the Nationals and I have no doubt he will continue to show what a quality centre back he is,” Cahn said.
“I wish all of our players going to the Nationals luck and I’m sure they will do the Sunshine Coast proud.”
Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans said the selection of 16 players into the Metro teams was a great reflection on Sunshine Coast FC.
“For the Fire to have 16 players selected in the Metro teams is a great achievement and clear evidence that our youth training model to develop young players is, and will continue to produce players at state level and beyond.”
“Our coaches can take enormous pride in the dedication they have shown to their teams.”
“We have been very proud of how all our young, ambitious coaches have applied themselves this year. Their commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism have been outstanding.”
Sunshine Coast FC Managing Director Noel Woodall said the Club was excited for the opportunities this selection would give the players.
“We are really pleased to have been able to assist so many players in gaining selection into the Metro Teams in our first year with a youth licence,” he said.
“In my view it has been an excellent first year for the Fire.”
All the players will continue training with the State squads ahead of Nationals in September.
