Michaela Togias scouted by Manchester United and City academies to play football in UK

A Macarthur schoolgirl will fly across the world to show off her football skills after impressing scouts from Manchester United and Manchester City Academy. Meet the 10-year-old who dreams of becoming a Matilda.

After catching the eyes of English Premier League Academy scouts, one Macarthur girl will fly to the UK to show off her football skills on the world stage.

Michaela Togias, 10, will travel to Manchester in January to take part in a tournament where she will play against some of the biggest clubs, putting her hard work and dedication to the sport on display.

Manchester United and Manchester City scouts watched her at the Global Football Network showcase in Sydney in April, which involved seven hours of training over two days.

Players aged 10 to 19 came together to flaunt their skills in the hope of being offered a sporting scholarship.

Michaela Togias will be flying to Manchester in January to showcase her footballing talent. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“There were 60 girls at the showcase and I was a little nervous because I was the youngest and smallest there but I just gave it my all and had fun,” Michaela said.

“At the end of the showcase the scouts asked to speak to my mum and told her that I have what it takes to play in the UK.

“Hearing that from them put a big smile on my face.”

Being a huge Tottenham Hotspurs fan, Michaela – who lives in Razorback – follows the English Premier League from afar and has always dreamt of playing abroad.

Michaela Togias. Picture: Jonathan Ng

She said that one day she hopes to wear the green and gold and represent her country as a Matilda and looks up to the likes of Sam Kerr and England Captain Harry Kane.

“To think that in a few months time I’ll be playing in the UK is like a dream come true,” Michaela said.

“I hope to one day make my country proud just like Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter.

“I have great coaches who push me to play at my best, I train hard every day and put my all into every training session and game.”

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil in 2023 and Women’s Football growing in popularity and participation around the world, Michaela said she was excited to see what the future holds for the sport.

She added that she was so grateful for the support of her family and friends, showcase organisers Global Football Network, her coaches at Macarthur Rams, Futboltec and her sprint coach, Australian Olympian Hayley Butler.

Michaela Togias. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Michaela Togias. Picture: Jonathan Ng

John Pladas, the director of Global Football Network Manchester UK, said Michaela was outstanding over the two days the footballers showcased themselves in Sydney.

“Michaela took in all the information provided by our EPL scouts Andy and Luke and although she was one of the youngest trialists, her maturity, attitude and ability certainly stood out,” she said.

“I am looking forward to having Michaela over in Manchester in January working with our coaches, playing many games against some of the best players and experience what pro-players experience during her stay.

“Her selection for the scholarship is well earned and deserved.”

Hayley Butler, sprint Coach and Australian Olympian, said she had no doubt that this was just the beginning of an incredible career for Michaela.

“She always gives 100 per cent effort during our speed sessions and at such a young age demonstrates so much talent and determination,” she said.