Cowra has produced another future women’s soccer star, with Cowra High student Ginger Oliver chosen to represent NSW in an international tournament in the US later this month.
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Ginger, who is in Year 10, will be competing in an Under 16s side at the 2017 San Diego Surf College Cup Showcase in California in late November.
The tournament is one of the largest soccer carnivals in the United States and is presented by Nike.
The midfielder said this will be the experience of a lifetime.
“I’m keen and very excited,” she said.
“I’ve been overseas before but not for sport.”
Ginger will be competing against teams from all over the world, including the UK, USA, Mexico and Guatemala across thirty soccer fields.
There will also be college coaches in attendance scouting for future talent on the field.
The Oliver family said they found out in August this year that Ginger had gained a spot on the team after two trial games.
“It was advised that two trial sessions where to be held.. during September. 35 girls from across NSW turned up,” they said.
“It was only weeks later where Ginger was sent an email, regarding how she was going to be representing NSW over in the USA at the Nike Surf College Cup 2017 in a team of 16.”
Following selection in the team, Ginger was required to attend two training sessions a week in Sydney, according to the family.
“One on a Monday night at 7pm and another Saturday at 9am, both going for an hour and a half,” they said.
“Ginger is the only girl selected from regional NSW, with most other girls living an hour maximum away.”
Ginger said she wouldn't have made it without the support of her family.
“Thanks for taking me everywhere, for transport and support,” she said.
Cowra High School Publicity Officer Joyanne Rowston said the school was very proud of Ginger's achievements.
“She is a very respectful and responsible student,” she said.
“Congratulations on her achievements and we hope she has a very enjoyable time.”
Starting at the age of five, Ginger has played Saturday soccer in Cowra before moving up to regional representative sides such as the youth league, where she has played for 12 years.
She has also spent the last three years playing for the Western Mariners representative side.
She said she hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cowra student Ellie Carpenter and become a professional football player, with dreams of playing in the W-League or representing Australia in the Matildas side.
“I would like to go on and play rep," she said.
“That’s the goal.”
