Berry trialled with the QAS from November 22 to 28, travelling down to Brisbane for five sessions in total. She was notified of her selection to the squad this week.
Berry’s selection comes after a stellar year with the Fire Under 14 Girls squad, which culminated in her being named Player of the Year. Berry was also selected into the Under 13 Girls State Metro Squad which competed at the National Youth Championships.
“We had a very successful season – starting off with good, hard pre-season training with Coach Tom White which continued throughout the year, and as a squad we had a strong work ethic in both training and games and great team spirit and friendships. Both Tom and Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans encouraged me and had belief in my abilities.”
The QAS High Performance Women’s Program is run by Roar W-League coach Belinda Wilson, who also oversaw the trials. The Fire was well represented in the QAS selection process, with Kirsty Clifford and 2014 Under 17 squad members Cortnee Vine, Gemma Hauck, and Grace Chalmers also selected to trial.
During the sessions the 14 trialists were put through their paces in fast moving drills and small-sided games with a focus on quick passing movements.
“It was a challenge for me being a younger player, as the girls were all extremely skilful and great footballers, but I enjoyed it,” Berry said.
Fire Technical Director, Kevin A’herne-Evans, said the players’ selection to trial showed the strength of the Fire’s female footballers.
“The Fire has been given good reports on a number of our female players following the trials, so the future looks promising for our girls’ teams,” Fire Technical Director Kevin A’herne-Evans said.
Vine and Chalmers were selected for the QAS Women’s Program and, along with Berry, will start training with the QAS in January 2014 in preparation for next years’ NPL competition.
“I am honoured to have been chosen and will continue to work hard, remain focused and strive to improve my game, but I will also feel sad at having to leave the Fire and my team mates.” Berry said.
