A trio of Mandurah City Football Club’s young soccer stars will jet off to Sydney in September after being selected to WA’s state under 12s teams.
Harry Stonehouse and Jack Sparkes will both line up for the boys team as they take on every other state in a week filled with games, while Lucy O’Halloran will help WA’s girls strive for a national title after besting the field of more than 60 that tried out for the team.
The soccer-mad Mandurah young guns overcame six weeks worth of trials to be chosen for their respective teams, and now face a much tougher test when they square off against the best young talent from each state in New South Wales.
The trio will play two games a day across the action-packed week but Jack, a handy right winger, says they aren’t shying away from the task.
“I think you have to be confident because otherwise you’re just being negative,” he said.
“I think our team is going to go really well.”
A solid defender at right back, Lucy will take to the field in all-female team for the first time, and says she’s excited for the challenge.
“I’m really excited to get over there and play,” she said.
“It’s going to be different but I can’t wait.”
It’s the first time any of the youngsters have been of age to be picked for a state team, and the increased workload that comes with a spot on the side has them training six days a week while playing for Mandurah on weekends.
The three (who all share British backgrounds) have also been putting in late nights and early mornings cheering on the English as they make a bid for a phenomenal FIFA World Cup title.
But according to keen striker Harry, shouldering the load isn’t a problem.
“The training and playing is all really fun so you always look forward to it, and you can’t miss the England games,” he said.
“Hopefully they win – that would be awesome.”
The Mandurah City trio are currently fundraising to get to Sydney for the games in September.
Anyone interested in supporting Jack, Lucy and Harry can contact the club on 9581 2388.