Hudson McDonald: Penrith soccer prodigy scores Italian Juventus program
The parents of a nine-year-old soccer player are still “in shock” after their son was selected for the Juventus Academy World Cup Tournament in Italy, which could kickstart a lifelong career.
Penrith
Don't miss out on the headlines from Penrith. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The parents of a Penrith nine-year-old soccer player are still “in shock” after their son was selected for a prestigious Italian bootcamp which could kickstart a lifelong career for him.
Hudson McDonald, 9, of South Penrith has always been crazy about the world game and has already built up an impressive resume.
“He’s always had a ball on him,” proud father Angus McDonald said.
“He started playing for Wilberforce United Soccer Club at the age of four and has been with Penrith RSL for the last four years.”
Knowing he had a knack for the sport, Mr McDonald didn’t hesitate to ask his son if he’d like to try out for a prestigious soccer program when an ad popped up on his Facebook page.
“We asked him if he wanted to have a try and he said yes,” he said.
Having put their son in soccer for the social aspect, the McDonald family wasn’t expecting what came next when he was accepted into the Juventus Academy Sydney.
Juventus Academy Sydney helps young footballers take their first steps by educating them with the ‘Juventus method’, which is followed in more than 80 countries.
The academy’s coaches have years of professional football experience in Italy and Europe.
“Then six weeks later, he had a trial for the Juventus program in Italy,” Mr McDonald said.
“We heard in January that he’d made it in for that too and we’re still in shock.”
The Juventus program in Italy will see the soccer young gun spending ten days training with other skilled players from across the globe before wrapping up the trip with the Juventus Academy World Cup.
The Juventus Academy World Cup is an annual tournament which brings thousands of people from all over the world to play and network and Italy.
The McDonald family is keen to see what the future holds for Hudson.
“With the way he’s talking he’s got the passion to make the most of it and he’s really enjoying himself at the moment,” Mr McDonald said.
His mum Skye McDonald said he was inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and he “wants to make big money to look after his family”.
Hudson McDonald is set to fly out to Italy in June.
Driver charged over death of high-ranking Bandido bikie
A man who was driving an allegedly stolen SUV when it collided with two motorbikes, killing a high-ranking Bandidos bikie, has been charged over the death. Read the latest.
Roofer to fight claims he touched teen on western Sydney train
A western Sydney roofer accused of inappropriately touching a teenage girl on a train in Sydney’s west has pleaded guilty to urinating on a train station, but will go to hearing on allegations he touched the girl.