Wanderers junior striker scores top spot in squad

ISRAEL Ekundayo scored the most goals in the National Premier League and is now in the Western Sydney Wanderers first u13s team.

Appearing calm and with a focused gaze, skilled striker Israel Ekundayo takes a shot at the goal and scores.

This is a sight spectators often see when they watch the young forward on the field, who has earned a spot in the Western Sydney Wanderers’ first u13 boys team.

“Israel was selected based on his potential and also the achievements of the previous year,” head coach Stewart Montgomery said.

“He was the leading goal scorer (19 goals) in the u12s competition in the National Premier League,” he said.

Junior Sports Star nominee Israel Ekundayo of Emu Plains is known for his goal scoring precision. Picture: Matthew Sullivan

Respected by his coaches as a passionate and willing player, the 13-year-old of Emu Plains seems to have a bright future ahead.

Our latest Junior Sports Star nominee told the Penrith Press he joined a team when he was four and has had a growing love for the game ever since.

“Soccer is fun to play. I feel like when I have the ball I can do whatever I want with it, like score and play well,” Israel said.

His footwork, which took him to the 2015 World Finals in Morocco, has landed the Wanderers team eight goals early in the season.

The Wanderers junior trains up to nine hours a week in addition to playing a weekly game.

The fan of international football star Lionel Messi said he is putting in a solid effort to get far in the game.

“I am aiming to play for the Wanderers first team in the A-League,” he said.

Dad Akin Ekundayo said he is proud of Israel’s drive and ability.

“It is his character I admire ... he is very humble,” Mr Ekundayo said.

Junior Sports Star

■ Categories for the awards are Junior Sports Star, Young Sporting Spirit, Team Spirit and Service to sport

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■ Nominate someone now at juniorsportsstar.com.au