Back row Jesse Tilmouth, Cecil Kingsley, Mark Wakeling (coach), Jake Peters, Dylan Miller, Chris Myers (coach), Jordan Lane Robinson, Kynan Barnes and front row Adrian Shaw and Adrian McAdam are off to Townsville. Picture: JUSTIN BRIERTY
Soccer stars set to make history
Max Bennett
02Jul09
THE region's most promising talent will become part of soccer history in Townsville next week at the first Indigenous Football Festival.
Sporting a strong Centralian representation, the Southern Territory squad has players from the popular street soccer program, communities, the local FICA competition and the Arsenal development academy.Inaugural coach Mark Wakeling said the excitement among the players was reaching fever pitch and they were all keen to make an impact in Queensland.He said: "I think it's starting to hit home for the players that they will be playing in Townsville next week."Training has been fantastic, with all the players keen to be at their best."
In the first year of the competition, Wakeling said he expects a high standard of play in Townsville, believing the Red Centre youngsters will be up to the task.He said: "Being the first year of the festival it's difficult to gauge what sort of football will be played, but I'd expect a very high standard."I know our team looks very strong with some really skilful players in all positions."
Included in the squad will be Arsenal academy player Kynan Barnes who takes on a leadership role in the team for the tournament, a challenge Wakeling believes the youngster is up to.He said: "Kynan has been involved in the Arsenal academy side for the past two years, so he understands the expectations and can help guide the younger members of the squad."I expect him to be one of the stand-out players in Townsville."
One of the success stories of the street soccer program, Zeron Wayne, has been included in the squad after impressing Wakeling over the past six months.He said: "I first spotted Zeron as part of the street soccer program and to see him develop through the program and in regular FICA competition has been fantastic."He should turn heads."
Wakeling will be joined by assistant coach Chris Myers for the tournament, an experience that Wakeling sees as vital for developing young coaches in the region.He said: "This is a great opportunity for Chris to experience coaching in a tournament-style environment."
