Top junior Sunshine Coast football stars uncovered
The next generation of Sunshine Coast’s rising football stars who could enter professional scene with a bang have been identified following their state squad selections.
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The Sunshine Coast has been proudly represented in the sport of football with 19 players being selected in various Queensland squads for the upcoming National Youth Championships.
For the girls tournament, an under 14 and under 16 squad will travel to participate in the national tournament from Monday, 9 October to Friday, 13 October in Wollongong.
Under 15 and Under 16 Boys squads will represent Queensland at the national tournament, to be held from Monday, 2 October to Friday, 6 October 2023, while an Under 14 boys side will compete against Victoria in the inaugural State of Origin Cup.
Football Queensland’s Central Coast Region General Manager Jordie Gerbes said she was proud of the growth and talent shown by the region in recent seasons.
“Our local junior divisions, which is our Under 12s to Under 18s is continuing to flourish year on year.
“We’re seeing exciting growth in the girl’s space, with more girls staying in the game longer as juniors before either transitioned to senior football or pursued other endeavours after school.
“We have a great pool of players here on the Sunshine Coast and we’re very proud to see so many progressing through the pathways, and as a result, being recognised for their hard work in these recent selections.”
Stretched from Noosa to Caloundra, players are ready to put their best foot forward against Australia’s best young talents as they hope to continue their on-field success.
“We wish all those players connected with the Sunshine Coast the very best for their matches, and a congratulations to all players, team and shadow, who have been identified for their exceptional hard work and abilities,” Gerbes said.
The Daily caught up with each junior star to find out how they were feeling, why they love the sport and their future aims.
All players/parents were contacted before the time of publishing.
U14 Girls
Olivia Harth-Vincent
Age: 14
Local Club/Academy and School: QAS and Kawana Waters State College
Position: Centre Back/Left Back
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I am very proud and grateful for the opportunity to represent my state at the Nationals comp in Sydney.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“Overall I just generally love the sport but the main factor is the competitiveness of the sport. I just love when you get on the field and everyone changes. Everyone becomes real focused and are all doing their best to win the game. Football is more than just a sport to me, it is my life. My whole life everything has been a competition, to either be just as good or better than my older brothers.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“In the next couple of years I hope to be given the opportunity to play as a junior Matilda and represent my country.”
Is there anything more you would like to add?
“The NYC is only my first step towards junior Matildas.”
Alexa Holroyd
Age: 14
Local Club/Academy and School: I currently play at Sunshine Coast Wanderers u15s and train with goalkeeping Australia, I go to Chancellor State College where I am apart of the futsal/football academy.
Position: Goalkeeper
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I am very proud of my accomplishment in making the NYC squad, I never thought that I would come so far.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I most enjoy playing with different people, being challenged and pushed, and just playing the game in general.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“In the next three to five years I would like to be playing at an even higher level, possibly in the Liberty A-League For with a scholarship in the US.”
Is there anything more you would like to add?
“I am very thankful for John Gorza at Goalkeeping Australia, the former Matildas goalkeeping coach, for pushing me to be the best I can be.”
Sophie Holbeck
Age: 14
Local Club/Academy and School: Queensland Academy Sport and Chancellor State College
Position: Mifielder
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I feel very proud and excited to be part of the team.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I enjoy competing, improving and being part of a team.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“My goal is to be in an A-league team and playing in a Matildas squad.”
U14 Boys
Manu Lewis
Age: 14
Local Club/Academy and School: Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC and Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Position: Goalkeeper
How proud are you following your selection in the State of Origin Championship (SOOC) Squad?
“I am very proud of my selection into the Queensland select sides competing in Melbourne, and excited to grow and compete beside some of the most talented football players from across the state.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I enjoy training and working towards goals I have set and being able to express my passion for what I do. I also enjoy the social aspect of the sport, meeting and learning with other talented players with similar aspirations and goals as I do.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“In the next three to five years I wish to be playing and training with the Joey‘s (u17 national team), and continuing to work with some amazing coaches such as John Gorza and his team. I also hope to join the many Queensland youth players playing for teams such as Brisbane Roar u23’s and various other academies around the world.”
Lennon Biggs
Age: 14
Local Club/Academy and School: Moreton Bay United Academy and Pacific Lutheran College
Position: Forward / Striker / Attacking Midfielder
How proud are you following your selection in the State of Origin Championship (SOOC) Squad?
“This is a very proud moment for me and my family. I am extremely proud to wear the Maroon shirt of Queensland.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I enjoy being able to play the sport I love with so many friends that I have made throughout playing and being able to develop more as a footballer each time I get to play and train.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“I hope to be playing in a Professional academy in a top league somewhere where I can have a chance of making it to the top level in that area.”
Luke Rychvalsky
Age: 14
Local Club/Academy and School: Queensland Lions Football Club Richlands, Football Queensland Academy and Immanuel Lutheran College
Position: Left Wing
How proud are you following your selection as a shadow player in the SOOC Squad?
“I was proud to be selected but very disappointed I didn't make the travelling team. I’ll keep working harder to make it next year.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I’ve always loved playing football as I’ve grown up watching my brother and sister playing. It’s such a skilful game and there’s always so much to learn which keeps it fun and interesting.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“Ultimately my goal is to play professionally but short term I hope to move into senior NPL at 16 and be picked up and travel overseas.”
Other players selected: Mason Sanders
U15 Boys
Miles De Luca
Age: 15
Local Club/Academy and School: Sunshine Coast Wanderers and Chancellor State College
Position: Striker/Forward
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I’m extremely proud to make this QLD squad for the NYC and look forward to play in Sydney.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“Winning and pushing myself to be the best I can.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“Playing in a Pro Academy or Pro team.”
Rhys Williams
Age: 15
Local Club/Academy and School: Moreton Bay United and Sunshine Coast Wave
Position: 10, Winger, Striker.
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I am very proud and excited to go out there and play my best and show my talent to all the coaches and players. Hopefully we can bring back the gold again.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“Football makes me happy and keeps me fit, I especially like the group of national players I play with. I enjoy pushing myself to get the results and showing my hard work and talent on the field and later my dad telling me ‘they’re the coaches and players that were talking about you’.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“Playing for Australia or playing in the premier league for Manchester United.”
Jackson O’Reilly
Age: 15
Local Club/Academy and School: Moreton Bay United and St Joseph’s Nudgee College
Position: Defensive Midfielder/Centre Back
How proud are you following your selection as a shadow player in the NYC Squad?
“I’m pretty happy with the achievement after coming back from a long term injury last season.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“The trainings, creating memories with my teammates, opportunities to travel and play each week, working hard to better myself – pretty much everything.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“I would love to be playing football overseas.”
Other players selected: Luca Holder
U16 Girls
Amber Faherty
Age: 15
Local Club/Academy and School: QAS, Kawana Waters State College
Position: Defensive Midfielder
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I am very proud to have made the NYC 2023 u16 girls team. I’m super excited to play against the best u16 girls in the country. I hope to play some of my best football and be a helpful contributor to the teams overall performance.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“What I enjoy most about football is that it is fun and competitive. I like the friendships I’ve made and it’s also great for my health and wellbeing.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“In the next few years I hope that I’ll be playing in an A-League women’s team and playing for the young/future Matildas.”
Kasey Peters
Age: 16
Local Club/Academy and School: Queensland Academy of Sport and Kawana Waters State College
Position: Left back and Centre back
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“Very proud, it is one of the goals I have been working towards all year.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“Making new friends, challenging myself and staying active.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“I hope to cement my position in the NPLW team. I was recently selected into the Australian Junior Matildas U17 Squad and attended a training camp in Sydney. My aim is to keep improving and to be a permanent member of the squad and play internationals for Australia.”
Rosie McMahon
Age: 15
Local Club/Academy and School: QAS, Sunshine Coast Goannas and Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Position: Attacking Midfield (10)
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been selected for the U16 Queensland NYC squad. It’s not just a personal achievement but also an exciting opportunity for me to take on leadership roles playing against the best U16 girls in the nation.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I love the team aspect and competing together. It’s such an amazing sport where we get to meet new people and have fun both on and off the field.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“I hope to be studying at uni and playing high level football whether this is overseas or in Australia.”
Is there anything more you would like to add?
“I think football is such as powerful game that inspires young boys and girls across the world. The FIFA Women's World Cup and all the big tournaments inspire so many young players to play football and their contribution to the sporting community is enormous. I hope to make an impact on the younger generation as I begin my football career and follow in the current football legends footsteps.”
Charlie Shanahan
Age: 16
Local Academy and School: Sunshine Coast Wanderers and St Andrew’s Anglican College
Position: Striker and right winger
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“Extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity. Not only does it reward my hard work over the past few years, but it also shows the effort and dedication my club and coach have put into developing me and my game.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I love having something I am passionate about and want to work hard at to get better every day. I love the active and social lifestyle that comes with it where I am surrounded by like-minded people.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“My aim in the next three to five years would be to continuously develop and improve my game, and hopefully get opportunities either in the liberty A-league or overseas following this improvement.”
Marli Danger
Age: 16
Local Club/Academy and School: Sunshine Coast Wanderers and Maroochydore State High School
Position: Midfield
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I’m proud and grateful to have been selected in the U16 NYC team, I’m looking forward to the experience and playing against the other states.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I get to play the sport I love with my friends.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“I hope to be playing in the Liberty A-league and hope one day I’ll be playing for the Matildas.”
Millie Meredith
Age: 16
Local Club/Academy: Sunshine Coast Wanderers U23 and Women’s Teams
Position: Winger/Striker/Attacking Midfielder
How proud are you following your selection as a shadow player in the NYC Squad?
“I’m really proud to have come back from injury earlier in the year to have a successful season playing NPLW and being selected is a great opportunity to be recognised as an upcoming player.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“Meeting new people who also share a love of football, I do love working as a team and scoring goals. I also like challenging myself physically and mentally to be the best player I can be.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“I‘d like to continue playing in the NPLW, then transition into a Women’s A League team.”
Other players selected: Ciara Evans
U16 Boys
Riley Shortland
Age: 16
Local Club/Academy and School: Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC, Football QLD Metro and Pacific Lutheran College
Position: Goalkeeper
How proud are you following your selection in the NYC Squad?
“I am very proud to have been selected again in the 2023 Queensland state team. I sustained a fracture in my hand that required surgery, had a 12-week recovery and I was not able to play for a significant part of the 2023 season.”
What do you enjoy most about football?
“I love the game, the competitive nature of it and being part of a team.”
Where do you hope to be in the next three to five years?
“Playing my best football and achieving at the highest level possible.”
Is there anything more you would like to add?
“This will be the second year in a row that I will attend National Youth Championships representing QLD. I have been training with the Goalkeeping Australia Academy and coach John Gorza who was previous Matildas goalkeeping Coach for the last 6 years.”
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