Courtesy: The Manly Daily


Futsal soccer trio heading abroad

by Andrew Prentice

KIRRA Bates, Sammy Grant and Ellie-May Asprey are jumping out of their skin now, so imagine their excitement come November.

The trio are heading to Malaysia on a futsal tour, after being handpicked from 100 girls to represent an Australian merit under-13s squad.

Bates comes from good soccer stock, with her sisters Bronte and Elyce former Manly United FC first grade players.

Her dad Larry also used to coach the top women’s squad at Cromer Park before shifting his focus to elite soccer coaching programs in Newcastle.

The youngest of the Bates clan is relishing her chance to represent her family name abroad.

``I can’t wait, it should be very fun,’’ Kirra, a student at Barrenjoey High and Avalon Soccer Club representative, said.

``I just went to the trials and did my best.

``Some of the girls were very good, we had to travel to Cambridge Park (near Penrith) over three days.

``When I found out I made the final team I was so excited.’‘

All three girls represent the Northern Beaches Breakers, with Sammy and Ellie-May also on the books of Manly United FC.

Sammy felt being two footed was a huge advantage.

``I have always worked on being good off both feet and it paid off,’’ she said.

``Travelling overseas to play in a soccer tournament is going to be such a fantastic experience.

``We have a squad of 15, my aim will be to play as many games as I can.’‘

Ellie-May is on the same page, hoping to avoid stints on the sideline.

``Opportunities like this don’t happen often, so you have to make the most of them,’’ she said.

``None of us are sure what to expect in terms of how good the opposition will be, we just have to make sure we are ready to go.

``Playing with the (Northern Beaches) Breakers is a definite advantage, all the girls work really hard in training and in games.’‘

The girls will train a couple of times a week in the lead up to their time in Asia.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com