Rhys Williams takes major steps towards Australian football team dream

A rising Sunshine Coast football talent has made massive inroads into his professional dream after being selected in the Australian Joeys U17 team despite being two years younger.

Sunshine Coast football talent Rhys Williams. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Sunshine Coast rising football talent Rhys Williams has edged another step closer to his elite level dream after being selected in the Australian Joeys under-17 football side.

The promising midfielder will turn 16-years-old during his time away where he’ll take on the under-16 Switzerland side on April 11 and the under-17 Inter Milan academy on April 16.

Williams 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. 

Sunshine Coast football talent Rhys Williams. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The keen Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo fan said he was very proud of his selection.

“It was an honour when I found out, I was pretty shocked to be honest but I’m just happy to be in the squad with the boys,” he said.

“I love the game, as soon as I got the opportunity with the Brisbane Roar I hoped it could really go somewhere which it has.

“I can’t wait and I hope to do my country proud.”

In 2022 Williams captained his under-14 Queensland side to victory at the National Youth Football Championships.

Rising Sunshine Coast football talent Rhys Williams lifts the trophy after his Queensland under-14 side took out the 2022 National Youth Football Championships. Picture: Contributed.

He said he was eager to surround himself with quality players and coaches.

“I’m excited to be around the boys, play in a high quality team and get more exposure,” Williams said.

“To be picked in the Australian team means I’ve been seen so I’m excited for more and I want to at-least be playing in the A-League or overseas in the next few years.”

His father Andrew said it was nice to see him earn his selection.

“I’m very proud of him, all of the hard work and effort he puts in has certainly paid off,” he said.

“Getting these results, being picked up by Football Australia is obviously a big thing and a lot of that thanks goes to his mum for the travel.”

The 24-man squad will train at the Australian Institute of Sport European Training Centre in Varese from April 5-19.