Footballer Peter Panagakis selected for state competition for a third year in a row

All-rounder Peter Panagakis is reaching state levels on the athletics field, in the water and on a football field. But it’s with a football at his feet, that the 14-year-old defence player feels most at home.

Peter Panagakis was selected to play for the Metro South team in the NSW state finals for a third consecutive year. Picture: Peter Kelly

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All-rounder Peter Panagakis is reaching state levels on the athletics field, in the water and on a football field.

But it’s with a football at his feet, that the 14-year-old defence player feels most at home.

“I like being in a team and playing with my friends,” the Revesby Heights player said.

In June, Peter was selected to play for the Metro South team in the NSW state finals for a third consecutive year.

He’s also part of the Bankstown Berries premier league team and has played up a year since he was in kindergarten.

Peter Panagakis, 13, was selected to play for the Metro South team in the NSW state finals for a third consecutive year. Picture: Peter Kelly

Peter is hoping to make it to A-League level, and his Metro South coach Christian Layland thinks he’s got a good shot.

“Peter is a quick fullback with great physical qualities for a defender and a good sense of defensive timing,” Layland said.

“He showed some good signs at state titles this year and had a real impact in the last few games of the tournament especially.

“With some technical development and the desire to improve further, Peter could find himself playing at higher levels in the future.”

Peter’s determination and hard work makes him this week’s Local Sports Star nominee for Junior Sports Star ­Individual.

LSS has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Stars Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

The finalists will be announced on September 18.