Fired up for their sport

Every weekend teenagers Kijah Stephenson and Bree Wallace travel hours away from the region to play the game they love.

SELECTION: Bundaberg's Kijah Stephenson and Gin Gin's Bree Wallace will play for Queensland. Picture: Mike Knott BUN070617SOCCER3

FOOTBALL: Every weekend teenagers Kijah Stephenson and Bree Wallace travel hours away from the region to play the game they love.

The talented Sunshine Coast Fire under-15 players travel almost three hours away to train and play.

Now both have been rewarded for their commitment and skills with selection for Queensland at the national titles in Coffs Harbour from July 10-14.

Gin Gin's Wallace has been picked in U14s and Bundaberg's Stephenson has been selected in the U15s.

It follows a recent camp where both girls impressed.

"We made it which was good,” Stephenson said.

"We had to wait a while for the email to come so it was a little bit nerve-wracking but worth it in the end.”

Wallace's selection was inspired by not making it last year.

"I got called back to trial again this year and made the team,” she said.

"The determination to try harder and push myself more paid off.”

Great friends on and off the field, the pair inspire each other to get better.

They both also play in the same position.

"We both play up front,” Stephenson said.

"We both get along really well together and help each other out on and off the field.”

"I definitely learn from watching Kijah play,” Wallace said.

"I'm often in the box for corners and like to score.”

Stephenson is now hoping this year can be her year to be selected for the young Matildas.

The Bundaberg State High School just missed out last year.

"Hopefully again I'll be able to go back to Canberra for the Australian camp and hopefully I'll make the team,” Stephenson said.

"Hopefully we play well and take the competition.”

Wallace, from Gin Gin High School, is also hoping for success.

"I want to thank my parents for giving up their weekends,” she said.

"I also want to thank Paul Ash and Phil Harrison, the United Park Eagles and the people at Sunshine Coast.”

Stephenson wanted to thank her parents and Brothers Aston Villa's David Smith for coaching and taking her places to play.