Unwavering passion for football

Isaac Comito has loved football since he was a baby — in fact, one of his very first words was “ball”.

12-year-old footballer and Young Sporting Spirit nominee Isaac Comito. Pictures: Carmela Roche

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Isaac Comito was always destined to play football - in fact, one of his very first words was “ball”.

The Kenthurst 12-year-old started playing football in the Under 7s with his dad Mark as coach.

“However, I have been obsessed with football right from my first birthday,” he said.

“One of my first words was ‘ball’.”

He currently plays Division 1 for the Rouse Hill Rams - joining them two season ago - and won the grand final last year.

“I enjoy the team spirit, their desire to achieve our best as a team,” he said.

“Craig is a great coach, (he) makes it fun and rewarding and the boys welcomed me to the club with open arms.”

A striker and leading goal scorer, Isaac averages about four goals per game.

Isaac, a Young Sporting Spirit nominee, wakes up at 6am each day to get extra practise in and always arrives early to training and leaving late.

He also began refereeing younger divisions this year, and said it had “opened my eyes to the other side of the whistle”.

Isaac lives and breathes football.

“I enjoy this opportunity to grow my own confidence and (have) a greater respect for the referee when I play,” he said.

“I also enjoy encouraging the younger players on the field to grow to love the game as I do.”

Isaac said one of his proudest moment in football so far was making the finals of the 2016 Kanga Cup in Canberra.

“We did not know until after the game if we made it through pending other results,” he said.

Isaac said he enjoyed keeping fit through football, playing with friends and competing as a team.

“I have a personal feeling of achievement when I am involved in a good play, set up or score a goal,” he said.

While his favourite football team to watch is Athletico Madrid, Isaac said he dreamed of playing for Manchester United in the EPL one day.

“I would also like to encourage other children to have a go at football, maybe by running an academy one day to help other kids achieve their dreams,” he said.

Nominations are now open for the Local Sports Stars program.

To nominate, visit localsportsstars.com.au