It's one thing to dream of being selected to play soccer at a high level, but to have the drive, dedication and ability to do so, is another thing.
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Mudgee's Charlotte Roberts, Kasey Hayes and Ella-Rose Hawes have been selected to play for the NSW Country squads in the 2019 Westfield National Youth Championships for Girls.
The Championships are considered one of the prime platforms to get identified for various teams such as the Young Matildas, Western Sydney Wanderers, Central Coast Mariners, to name a few, and Ella-Rose says it would be 'really cool' to be selected.
"There's a lot of pathways you can follow, there's a lot of people watching and a lot of opportunity to trial for different teams," Ella-Rose told the Mudgee Guardian.
I think it would be really cool to be asked to trial for one of those teams.
- Ella-Rose Hawes
"This is one of the pathways to ultimately play for the Matildas if they have the desire, wish and skills," Clayton Roberts said.
Ella-Rose, who is playing for her third year in a row representing NSW Country at Nationals, is part of the under 15s team make up, while Charlotte, who is playing for her second year, is in the under 14s team alongside first timer, Kasey.
I think it's going to be really hard because I know what it's going to be like, but in saying that, I'm more prepared.
- Charlotte Roberts
"Honestly, I'm a bit nervous," Kasey admitted.
The opportunity is not only exciting for the three girls who are also a part of the Western NSW Mariners, but also for their parents.
"It's very exciting because you know the standard they have to play to, and it is a very big step but they always seem to lift and rise to the occasion," Clayton said.
"We're all just happy to see them achieving at a very high level. It's in their hands if they want a career, they're the ones who are going to make the decisions.
"However far they want to go, they will, and we will support them every step of the way," Louise Hayes said.
The five day event will first see the under 14s NSW Country side take on the Northern Territory on July 15 at Coffs Harbour, while the under 15s NSW Country will take on South Australia in their first clash on July 15.