Two of Cowra’s best young soccer players will put their skills to the test at the 2017 National Youth Boys Championships at Coffs Harbour next week.
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Clayton Hayes and Bevan Foxall negotiated the selection process on their way to earning a NSW Country jumper in the under 13s and under 14s sides respectively.
Hayes, a tall centre back, is gearing up for his first national championships appearance while Foxall, a crafty defensive midfielder, will look to take advantage of the experience he gained representing NSW Country last season in the 13s.
Hayes said he’s looking forward to testing himself against the best in Australia for his age.
“I reckon it’ll be fun,” Clayton Hayes said.
“It’ll better football but in saying that you might get to have more time on the ball because people won’t rush on you.
“You’ll have that extra time when you’re in space. It’ll be tougher than Mariners though.”
Both Hayes and Foxall represented the Western Mariners and from there were selected in Western NSW teams which played at state titles.
They were then picked to line-up for NSW Country in the national championships. Hayes said he’s spoke to his coach about what role he’s expected to play.
“He tells me at training that I have to command the backline and do all the heading especially on corners and when we’re defending,” Hayes said.
Foxall took part in NSW Country under 14s side’s two trial matches in Sydney where his role was to direct play from the middle of the park. He expects to play the same role at Coffs Harbour.
“We had games in Sydney. Two trial matches. They were alright we won one and drew one,” Foxall said.
“In the trial games I sat as a defensive midfielder and just had to move the ball quickly.”
Foxall, having played at last year’s championships, described the week-long championships as “professional”.
His NSW Country side will face a tough task playing in Pool A this year after the 13s won Pool B in 2016.
“It’s more professional than Mariners. It’s good fun to meet new players, it’s good,” he said.
“This year we’re in Pool A so it’ll be harder. We’ll have to be better on the ball.”
The boys enter camp on Friday ahead of the championships in Coffs Harbour beginning on Monday.
This year represents the final year of the Championships being held in Coffs Harbour under the existing bid agreement. Under 13s NSW Country takes on Northern Territory in the opening round while the under 14s meet NSW Metro White.
Other teams involved include:
- Capital Football
- Northern NSW Country
- Northern NSW Metro
- NSW Metro Blue
- Queensland Metro
- South Australia
- Victoria Metro
- Northern Territory
- NSW Metro White
- Queensland Country
- Tasmania
- Football West