For young Sunshine Coast Fire player Henry Hore, football success is a family business.
The young midfielder has just been selected into the QAS, following in the footsteps of his older brother Mitch, 17, who has been signed to the Roar Youth Team.
Henry names his brother, who also went through the QAS pathway last year, as one of his biggest football influences.
“They are constantly kicking the ball and playing against each other,” Henry’s father, Ben, said.
Henry competed as part of the QLD Metro Squad at Nationals in September, and was invited to trial for the QAS afterwards.
He was named as part of the QAS squad after the final four day trial camp in Brisbane last week, during which he and the other trialists were placed through a variety of conditioned games against each other and the established 2013 QAS squad.
“I was excited for the opportunity but not overly confident as I thought I hadn’t played well enough at Nationals,” Henry said.
However, the youngster must have impressed selectors and was notified of his selection this week.
As an All-Stars player in 2012, Henry said he had some pressure on himself to excel again this year, and had been working on aspects of his game while he competed with the Fire Under 14 Team this year.
SCFC NPL Under 14 Boys Coach Ben Cahn said having worked with Henry for the past two year, he had seen Henry develop into a great footballer.
“Henry has been terrific for the last two year,” he said.
“He has had some wonderful achievements already, making the state team two years in a row, making the All-Stars and now of course his selection in the QAS. He is a very intelligent and composed footballer who goes about his business quietly. He is very modest but has been a huge part of our team for the last two years.”
“Henry is well liked and respected by his fellow players and by all the coaches at the club. I wish him all the best at the QAS and have no doubts that he will work hard and shine at that level.”
Technical Director Kevin A’herne – Evans said he was also delighted about Henry’s selection.
“We are delighted and very proud of Henry for this wonderful achievement. His selection into the QAS is testimony for his hard work and dedication striving to improve every aspect of his game,” A’herne-Evans said.
“Henry has a lot of hard work ahead, however under the guidance of the QAS coaches and of course the influence and experience his brother will provide, I am sure he will grasp the opportunity and continue to flourish.
“As a Club we are extremely proud of Henry’s achievement. To have two players selected for the QAS in our first operational year with juniors is nothing short of fantastic.”
“Well done Henry and good luck.”
Henry will now train three times per week with the QAS ahead of the NTC Challenge in Canberra in early December.
