Young star has the world at her feet

From the UK to Italy, futsal star Abbey Lemon has shown her global potential.

Abbey Lemon at The Centre in Dural. Pictures: Carmela Roche

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From the UK to Italy, futsal star Abbey Lemon has shown her global potential.

Abbey kicked off 2017 with a bang as co-captain for the 14 Girls NSW Metro team in January’s AFA Nationals, taking them through to the grand final.

“It was really fun, especially the girls I had because it was a great bunch of girls and they were great to play with,” she said.

The Dural teen also picked up the grand final 14 Girls Most Valuable Player award, which she said was “awesome”.

Abbey originally started fustal to improve her football skills.

“I wasn’t expecting it as much, especially as our team lost in the grand final — I expected the other team to get it,” she said.

Later this year, Abbey will travel to Italy as part of a futsal tour group at the invitation of Italian coach Nicoletta Sergiano.

“When we’re over there we get to train and play with Premier League Italian futsal players and you get coached by them as well and you also get to play in a few tournaments,” she said.

The trip comes on the back of a UK tour with the Australian 14s Futsal team last year.

Abbey, who has played football for six years, started futsal three years ago as a way to improve her ball skills.

“It’s the same as outdoor but with five players on the court and it’s indoor and it’s a lot faster and a lot more skilful,” she said.

Aged just 14, the Junior Sports Star nominee played for the Dural Warriors’ U15, U17 and Women’s teams in the National Premier League in the 2016-17 season.

“It’s the best football club,” she said.

Abbey said she hoped to go on to play for a W-League team and eventually play for the national side like her idol, Matildas co-captain Lisa De Vanna.

To nominate someone, visit localsportsstars.com.au