Future Socceroos and Matildas: North Queensland’s elite junior footballers of 2024
Townsville’s aspiring Socceroos and Matildas are already developing their talent on football fields around the region. Read more about some of this year’s standout junior stars from North Queensland.
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Townsville’s aspiring Socceroos and Matildas are already developing their talent on football fields around the region.
Read more about 40 of North Queensland’s most promising junior players of 2024, from Zac Pearce and Hayden Novelli – a pair of 15-year-old youth team players at Townsville Warriors – to MA Olympic’s Sienna Sharkey, who represented Queensland in two different age groups this year.
CHASE ENGLART
Age: 15
Club/team: Saints Eagles Souths FC, U14/15’s Demons
Position: Central defender
Englart has impressed his coaches this season with his growing leadership skills. The young defender guided his team through the finals and is a supportive voice to his teammates. Englart’s development of his football skills has greatly improved throughout this season.
JACK HUBERT
Age: 15
Club/team: Saints Eagles Souths FC, U14/15’s Demons
Position: Defensive midfielder
Hubert has eagerly improved his skills throughout this year’s season. He sets himself challenges for each game and always displays great sportsmanship on the field.
A valued teammate for the 2024 grand final runners-up.
HAYDEN LARDI
Age: 12
Club/team: Saints Eagles Souths FC, U13 Redbacks
Position: Midfielder or wing
Lardi has had a big year on the football field, including being awarded the club’s best and fairest award for his team and making the NQ under-12 boys representative team for the Queensland state championship.
Lardi also represented his Jeremy Brockie football academy in Cairns, New Zealand and Gold Coast tournaments with some great team results.
RYDER FEGAN
Age: 12
Club/team: Saints Eagles Souths FC, U12s
Position: Centre midfielder
Fegan’s football IQ improved immensely over the season due to his ability to listen and internalise information.
The young midfielder has been able to read plays more effectively and stay one step ahead of his opposition.
AMON ALEXANDER
Age: 10
Club/team: Saints Eagles Souths FC, U10
Position: Right wing / midfielder
Alexander’s greatest strength is his sensational goalscoring ability and his drive to win.
The young winger or midfielder lives for football whether its at his club training sessions or training with his academy.
During 2024, Alexander competed in some great competitions for Saints Eagles Souths including a grand final win at the Filippo Mele Carnival.
He has also travelled overseas for a futsal tournament and has a Singapore trip coming up in October for football.
Alexander’s development and growth as a player on and off the field during the 2024 season has been great to see.
MADDISON PATTEL
Age: 14
Club/team: Rebels FC, U14/15 Girls Rubies
Position: Goalkeeper
Pattel is a commanding presence on the pitch, both with her fearless defence of the goal and through her positive play and communication with teammates.
As a goalkeeper, she is strong on the ball and provides excellent support to her teammates. This year saw Pattel’s hard work and dedication to her craft pay off, earning selection for Ryan Catholic College’s Bill Turner Cup team (finalists), as well as representative honours for Football NQ.
JACK JOHNSON
Age: 13
Club/team: Rebels FC, U13 Rifles
Position: Centre back / midfielder
Johnson took on greater responsibility in 2024, moving back into defence while also shouldering the captaincy.
He has the ability to read the game well, and is quick to adjust and shut down opposition attacks. A feature of his play is his ability to shift forward rapidly and support his teammates in attack.
Johnson led his team through the finals series, which culminated in winning the grand final in U13 Division 1.
CAITLIN MELITA
Age: 13
Club/team: Rebels FC, U12/13 Girls Roses
Position: Winger
Melita is a skilful and driven footballer who has a massive passion for the game. In 2024 she also played up an age group in the U14/15 Girls competition in Townsville.
The speedy winger has represented Football NQ as a representative player, Ryan Catholic College in the Bill Turner Cup (finalists), and has played high-level futsal for both Queensland at the National School Futsal Championship, which has resulted in selection in the U14 Australian Schools Futsal Team.
ALEXANDER SCIUTO
Age: 12
Club/team: Rebels FC, U12 Raiders
Position: midfielder
Sciuto is a confident and talented footballer who has great positional and ball awareness. In addition to playing U12s this year, he was also part of the grand final-winning U13s team.
MILLIE OLTVOLGYI
Age: 9
Club/team: Rebels FC, U8/9 Girls Rockers
Position: Midfielder
Oltvolgyi is an avid footballer who is confident in possession. She possesses a long-range shot that would frighten most goalkeepers.
The young midfielder is the ultimate team player, always encouraging her teammates and setting a good example for them to follow.
HARRY DAVIDSON
Age: 8
Club/team: Rebels FC, U8 Royals
Position: Striker
Davidson is a talented young footballer with a powerful shot, good accuracy and a natural feel for the game,
He has a lot of the qualities that make a strong striker, and the passion to continue to develop his skills.
LUCAS HEATHERINGTON
Age: 5
Club/team: Rebels FC, U5 Rumblers
Position: Forward
Heatherington is a team player who is always looking to bring his teammates into the game whether that’s with the ball or with his communication.
He is a strong dribbler with both feet and impresses with his clean striking of the ball, which saw him feature on the scoresheet more times than not this season
HAYDEN NOVELLI
Age: 15
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, Youth team
Position: Defender
Novelli is a quick and skilful young player who consistently works hard to achieve impressive results.
His exceptional vision, paired with a positive attitude, has an impact that goes beyond his own team. In addition to playing football, Novelli has successfully coached a junior team, guiding them to great results.
ZAC PEARCE
Age: 15
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, Youth team
Position: Midfielder / forward
Pearce is an exceptionally skilful player who demonstrates remarkable game awareness for his age.
His strength on the ball, combined with his positive attitude, makes him a standout both on and off the field. He is highly regarded by his teammates and the under-7s team he coaches on Saturdays
LUCY BALLINGER
Age: 14
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U14/15 Osmac Warriors Girls
Position: Midfielder
Ballinger has a positive energy and incredible skills. She is both kind and supportive to new players while uplifting the team during games with her enthusiasm.
BELLA ROSE NIELSON
Age: 14
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U14/15 Osmac Warriors Girls
Position: Midfielder
Nielson has an incredible work ethic and unwavering ‘never say die’ attitude that drives her to give 100 per cent in every situation, all while staying positive and encouraging to her teammates.
BEN DOUGLAS
Age: 14
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U14/15 Osmac Warriors
Position: Centre back
Douglas was the winner of his team’s best and fairest award in 2024. He is a real leader at the back with a strong presence.
Always wants the ball with an amazing work rate and overall a great team player.
LUCAS HALL
Age: 14
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U14/15 Osmac Warriors
Position: Midfielder
Hall worked tirelessly in the Warriors engine room all season and played at a high quality while doing it.
The skilful midfielder continued to develop and improve as the season went on, and was one of his team’s best over in 2024.
KEWELL TALORA
Age: 13
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U13 Donohues
Position: Centre midfielder
Talora was technically good with the ball, used his strength well and could win it back when out of possession.
COOPER CAMERON
Age: 13
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U13 Donohues
Position: Midfielder or striker
Cameron is a versatile player who played well whether at striker or in the midfield.
He has good movement on and off the ball, and he uses his skill and speed to bring great energy to the game.
Cameron and his under-13s teammate Kewell Talora have dedicated numerous years to developing their skills, and this season they have continued to excel showcasing the key elements of quality technical work and relentless effort.
TEAUTA COLE
Age: 13
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U13 Five Sticks Consulting
Position: Central defender
Cole has proven what hard work and commitment to the sport and his team can achieve. He has flourished under coach Gary Goding and with the support of his teammates.
He is a formidable force on the field as a defender and takes on all of the instructions and skills learnt at training to be the reliable and game-changing player that his team requires.
Cole’s strength is his impressive tenacity to run on the field and get straight into his position, to provide the support and defence that his team needs. He doesn’t shy away from the impressive defensive plays that he consistently produces every game.
Cole was one of the driving forces behind a successful season and is a player to watch for in the future.
ALEX MACKEE
Age: 13
Club/team: Townsville Warriors FC, U13 Five Sticks Consulting
Position: Left middle defender
Mackee played every game including finals this year for his team, which he has been a member of since the age of six.
Mackee’s position of left mid allows him to be an integral player on the field to which he thrives in. He heavily contributed to the team’s success in making it all the way to the preliminary finals.
In the semi-final game, Mackee scored an incredible header from a corner to put his team in front. His dedication and passion to his sport is admirable.
Mackee is a defender who adapts to the game, instinctively analysing the gameplay to ensure that he stops the opposing team’s attacking plays.
He will work gallantly to gain possession of the ball, bring the ball up and successfully cross under pressure for the precise spot that his team’s attackers need the ball to be.
Mackee also scores an impressive number of goals himself, which is a mark of an impressive left mid player who balances attack and defence.
EMMA JONES
Age: 13
Club/team: Burdekin FC
Position: Centre-mid
Jones’ physical presence on the field was outstanding this season.
She shows great energy and determination and is a force to be reckoned with. She also has natural leadership skills and is a great team player.
MIA WICKS
Age: 11
Club/team: Burdekin FC
Position: Defender
Wicks is a great utility player, whether she’s running wild in the middle of the park or chasing her opponents down in defence.
The young defender is a very reliable and strong player. She plays at the bottom of her age group but she has shown admirable trength and ability rising to the challenge
MAICEY FERGUSON
Age: 12
Club/team: Burdekin FC
Position: Centre-back
Ferguson is a player that many would describe as a bulldog. She shows great determination and skill as she shuts down many attacking plays.
Her ability to read the ball and passages of play is beyond her years and she is definitely a player to watch. She is growing in confidence as a leader and is slowly finding her voice within the team.
SARI OAR
Age: 12
Club/team: Burdekin FC
Position: Attacker
Oar hasn’t been playing football for very long, but shows natural ability to read the ball and attack the goal.
Oar is a dangerous player in front of goal when she has the ball at her feet. She is a fantastic team player and an outstanding leader.
ISLA LIEBENBERG
Age: 12
Club/team: MA Olympic, U12/13 Girls FQPL / U12 Mixed
Position: Midfielder / striker
Liebenberg is a very balanced player who can use both of her feet.
She is very technically competent and comfortable on the ball, and she is able to beat players in one-on-one situations and create opportunities for others.
LACHLAN WILKIE
Age: 14
Club/team: MA Olympic, U15 FQPL
Position: Right back / right wing
Wilkie is a versatile player who can play in defence or in the midfield. He is a good technician allowing him to be comfortable on the ball.
He likes to join the attack from whatever position he plays.
SCARLETT HOLDEN
Age: 12
Club/team: MA Olympic, U12/13 Girls FQPL / U12 Mixed
Position: Midfielder
Holden is always a fierce competitor, with a clever first touch and a knack for striking the ball cleanly.
Her technical ability makes her a constant threat on the field.
ZAIDE BAUER
Age: 14
Club/team: MA Olympic, U14 FQPL
Position: Left wing, attacking midfielder
Bauer has a dominant left foot and is a clean striker of the ball.
He is very comfortable on the ball and able to bring players into the game with his intelligent passing.
JULIANA PAPAGEORGE
Age: 12
Club/team: MA Olympic, U12/13 Girls FQPL
Position: Striker
Papageorge has a keen eye for goal. She is a strong striker of the ball and she possesses good awareness and instinct in goalscoring areas.
CHARLIE MCCRYSTAL
Age: 13
Club/team: MA Olympic, U14 FQPL
Position: Right wing
The talented right winger is blessed with speed, comfortable on the ball and able to beat defenders and his clean striking of the ball.
ANYA HATCHARD
Age: 13
Club/team: MA Olympic, U14-16 Girls FQPL
Position: Right back
Hatchard was recently selected for an Australian futsal side, which makes perfect sense because she excels in one-on-one situations.
She is comfortable using her vision and technique to quickly find open players with first-time passes.
ELAN PARKER
Age: 13
Club/team: MA Olympic, U14 FQPL
Position: Central defender
Parker is technically proficient and he initiates a lot of this team’s attacks from the back.
Parker is often able to break up attacks with his good defensive understanding of the game.
SIENNA SHARKEY
Age: 14
Club/team: MA Olympic, U17 Youth Girls
Position: Winger / striker
Sharkey represented Queensland in both under-14s and under-15s this year.
She is known for her explosive attributes in evading defenders and creating or converting goalscoring opportunities.
BRAELYN COLE
Age: 14
Club/team: MA Olympic, U15 FQPL
Position: Centre-back / defensive midfielder
Cole is a gifted technical left footed player who creates lots of opportunities for his teammates with clever passing from his position in defence.
He breaks up a lot of attacks with his smart reading of the game. A very unassuming talent.
LOUIS JONES
Age: 13
Club/team: MA Olympic, U13 FQPL
Position: Striker
Jones has an excellent first touch and he is a great reader of the game.
Jones consistently assists his teammates multiple times per game with his incisive passing ability and vision.
NATE TYACK
Age: 13
Club/team: MA Olympic, U13 FQPL
Position: Attacking midfielder
Tyack is a talented dribbler who excels in one-on-one situations.
He combines well with teammates to create goalscoring situations where he is an excellent finisher.
MAX VAN AKKEREN
Age: 11
Club/team: MA Olympic, U12 Kangaroos
Position: Defender / midfielder
Van Akkeren is an extremely versatile player who can be used anywhere on the field.
He uses his body very well to win a lot of ball back and has great vision to create opportunities for his teammates.
AHMED ALI
Age: 11
Club/team: MA Olympic, U12 Kangaroos
Position: Goalkeeper
Ali is a no-fear goalkeeper who is excellent in one-on-one situations.
He is a great shot stopper who throws himself about to save even the best attempts on goal.
Originally published as Future Socceroos and Matildas: North Queensland’s elite junior footballers of 2024
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