Teenager Jeremy Boyce hoping to make debut in Australia v Canada match at Cromer Oval
The match between Australian and Canada at Cromer Oval this weekend is much, much more than just a football game to teenager Jeremy Boyce.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Emily’s Giant AFLW shock
- What keeps NRL gun Luke Keary grounded
- Footballer puts heartbreak behind her
If Jeremy Boyce makes it onto the pitch at Cromer Oval for his Australian football debut this weekend he won’t be there just to play. He alway wants to inspire.
The 15-year-old is the youngest player in a Pararoos squad to tackle Canada in a long awaited international at the northern beaches ground.
“I’ve always played soccer. I’ve always loved soccer,’’ said the Central Coast teenager who suffered a blow earlier this year when ruled out of contention for the World Cup when the minimum age requirement was lifted from 14 to 15.
PUMPED: Teen excited for Pararoos clash
FIGHTBACK: Rugby comeback inspired by NRL brother
“When the rules changed I was that annoyed and then sad I didn’t see a point in training.
“My birthday is January 23 so I pretty much got ruled out by three weeks.”
But Boyce’s love of the sport prevailed and returned to training with the Pararoos.
The decision led to him being named in the squad for the first Pararoos Test match on home soil since the 2000 Olympic Games.
Boyce first heard of the Pararoos via a Facebook invitation to a Come and Try day at North Turramurra with the match between Australia and Canada to be contested by players with cerebral palsy or an acquired brain injury.
“It (cerebral palsy) affects my left arm and a bit in my leg when I am fatigued but compared to everyone else I am pretty lucky,’’ said the Budgewoi footballer.
“For me the Pararoos is more than just football. It feels a lot bigger.
“It’s a way of showing young kids what can be done.
“For me this is moving past football and expanding myself.
“It important to show other kids like me they can do things as well.
“We are giving them something to aspire to.’’
MORE SPORT
Pararoos v Canada
November 30
Kick-off: 5.30pm
Cromer Park (South Creek Road, Cromer)
Tickets are on sale now at pararoos.com.au.