Warwick’s Zara Kruger an A-league star in the making

The 16-year-old former Darlings Downs rep midfielder has already played against top of the table side Melbourne City and is making significant strides in the sport and is kicking some big goals for her future.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 23: Zara Kruger of the Roarwarming up prior to play during the round six A-League Women's match between Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City at No. 2 Sports Ground, on December 23, 2022, in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

A Southern Downs soccer star is making history developing her skills with a prominent A League side.

Zara Kruger has been on loan earning her stripes in the Liberty A League and now she has started with Brisbane Roar in a clash against Melbourne City FC.

The 16-year-old midfielder has made five appearances so far with the Brisbane side and averages about 70 per cent pass success rate.

Zara Kruger of the Roar warming up prior to play during the round six A-League Women's match in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo: Scott Gardiner)

Kruger, a student at Scots PGC in Warwick, previously played in the Darlings Down representative side, West Wanderers in Toowoomba and the Queensland Schoolgirls team.

Kruger said she first played football in Warwick with the under 7s, and is always trying to improve.

Zara Kruger of the Roar in action during the round eight A-League Women's match against Sydney FC (Photo: Albert Perez)

“It’s a great environment to play in, I like the intensity and there’s a lot more training, but it’s been something I’ve been working towards since I was young,” Kruger said.

“I’m adapting to it still and really enjoying it.”

Kruger said the games are a bit faster in the A League from playing in the NPL, which took a bit of adjusting but coming off the bench to play with Roar against Melbourne City was enjoyable for the midfielder.

The 16-year-old revealed her ultimate dream would be playing with the women’s national team, the Matildas, but for 2023, she’s hoping to maintain a full contract and just enjoy playing football.

Zara Kruger of the Roar and Bethany Gordon of the Wanderers in action during the round five A-League Women (Photo: Russell Freeman).

“It’s been crazy, I got the call up to the Young Matildas camp which I’m really excited about, playing with the Matildas would be a bit of a dream,” Kruger said.

“It’s so great to play with the Roar, there’s lots of experienced players which I can learn off while playing alongside them and training with them.

“Being surrounded by so many professional players is only going to make me better, and I really want to improve my football and being able to play and get minutes at the age I am is so incredible.

“I just want to be able to put my name out there, play my game and improve.”

Brisbane Roar will play Adelaide United on January 15 at home in the Liberty A League Womens.