Rhys Williams selected in Australian under-16 Joeys team
A rising Sunshine Coast football talent is hoping to continue his hot run of form after earning his second national call-up in the span of just two months. Read what he had to say.
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Sunshine Coast rising football talent Rhys Williams has continued his impressive form on the national stage earning further selection in the under-16 Australian Joeys football team.
Williams represented the under-17 Joeys in Italy in April during their tour against Switzerland and the Inter Milan academy side.
He will now join the under-16s squad that will contest the 2024 ASEAN u16 Boys’ Championship held in Surakarta, Indonesia from June 21 to July 4.
Australia has been drawn in Group C for the tournament, alongside Malaysia, Thailand and Timor-Leste and will play all their Group Stage fixtures out of Sriwedari Stadium.
The current Brisbane Roar Academy player said he hoped to build on his performances.
“Italy was great, I loved the experience of being in a professional environment,” he said.
“It made me appreciate the little moments and how much of an honour it was to be there playing for my country.
“Getting called up the second time, I was so happy and proud of myself.”
The promising midfielder started his footballing journey with Kawana FC before transitioning to Caloundra FC, the Brisbane Roar Academy and now the men’s under-23 side.
Along with becoming the youngest ever player to be competing in the Queensland NPL, Williams has also shone for the Sunshine Coast and Queensland in futsal.
Williams said he was eager for the coming days.
“I’d like to make a name for myself by making the coaches and teammates happy with my performance,” he said.
“I would like to make it to the finals and show the Asian countries how talented the Aussies are.
“The boys at the last camp were amazing and we all want to win, it’s a matter of helping each other and building that friendship which then grows the team.”
The Joeys begin their campaign on Sunday, June 23 and all matches are free to watch via this link.
Thailand v Joeys
Sunday, 23 June 2024
Kick-off: 3.00pm local/ 6.00pm AEST
Sriwedari Stadium, Surakarta, Indonesia
Joeys v Malaysia
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
Kick-off: 3.00pm local/ 6.00pm AEST
Sriwedari Stadium, Surakarta, Indonesia
Timor-Leste v Joeys
Saturday, 29 June 2024
Kick-off: 3.00pm local/ 6.00pm AEST
Sriwedari Stadium, Surakarta, Indonesia
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