The future Socceroos and Matildas stars putting talent on show at Premier Invitational
Meet the future Socceroos and Matildas stars ready to put on a show on the big stage. News Corp is livestreaming more than 150 games across six match days beginning Friday. SUBSCRIBE NOW TO WATCH
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Look for the Sam Kerr backflips and Tim Cahill boxing celebrations as the next generation of Matildas and Socceroos stars strut their stuff on the big stage at the Premier Invitational.
The Premier Invitational began in 2012 as the brainchild of Magic United TFA with the goal of bringing junior players together for a festival of football on the Gold Coast.
News Corp will bring its subscribers more than 150 grassroots football fixtures over two jam-packed weekends beginning Friday, September 24.
These are just a handful of the uber-talented young players on show over six massive match days of football:
Tobias de Kievit
Age: U11
Position: Midfielder / Striker
Team: Rochedale Rovers
Tobias has a well-rounded attacking game the envy of players more than twice his age. With a deft touch that can turn defenders in circles and quality one-on-one skills, the Rochedale Rovers midfielder is also deadly from long range when given half a chance.
Shelby McMahon
Age: U13
Position: Central Midfielder
Team: Gold Coast Knights
Shelby is a standout player who continues to make her mark on the Football Queensland NPL Academy Boys U13 competition. A gifted player with immense dedication to her team and the game, her athleticism and leadership make her the perfect teammate. Her willingness to learn, adapt and take on new roles and responsibilities within a team sets her apart from her peers.
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Lachlan Casperson
Age: 13
Position: Left back
Team: Magic United U13s
Lachlan has had a fantastic season with Magic, helping his team win the Junior Premier League while conceding only a handful of goals across the campaign. Lachlan shows great speed and energy going forward, assisting plenty of goals for his teammates and even chipping in for a few himself.
Amber Faherty
Age: 13
Position: Midfielder
Team: TKFA
Amber returns to the Premier Invitational after helping her TKFA team to first place in last year’s U12 Girls competition. Amber, 13, was named Player of the Tournament last year and that pedigree will be on full display again. She has since joined the U13 Queensland Academy of Sport and hers is one of the fastest rising stars in junior football.
Mia Afoa
Age: 12
Position: Forward
Team: TKFA
The Robin to Amber’s Batman, Mia, 12, was the 2020 Golden Boot winner for TKFA’s U12 Girls. The goalsneak returns with TKFA to help the team make it two wins from two outings at the Premier Invitational and again looms as one of the team’s key players. Mia currently plays at Moreton Bay United FC in the U12 Boys SAP.
Alana Hill
Age: U12s
Position: Midfielder
Team: Jamie Gosling Academy
With a great passing game and brilliant football brain, JGA’s pocket rocket midfielder is considered one of the best in Queensland in her age group. Alana’s prodigious talent is only bettered by her desire to learn and improve.
Gareth Edds Football Academy U12s
A champion team will always beat a team of champions, so says the old adage, and in the Gareth EDDS Football Academy that holds true. This U12s team recently won the Diamon League competition and is expected to be at the pointy end of the Premier Invitational this year.
Akira Booth
Age: U12s
Position: Striker
Team: Magic United
A rising star of Gold Coast football, Akira has the potential to one day play for the Matildas says Magic Group GM and Premier Invitational co-ordinator, Andrew Robinson. So talented is Akira that she will play for the Magic’s boys and girls’ U12s teams during the competition.
Remi Begovic and Levi Murphy
Age: U8s
Position: Midfielder (Remi) and Striker (Levi)
Team: Magic United
Two stars of Magic’s U8s team, both Remi and Levi are destined for the Gold Coast Knights’ SAP program next year. Products of the Magic Junior Program and Total Football Academy Schools Program, this talented pairing will be one to watch when Magic takes the field.
Xavi McGrath-Serramalera
Age: U11/12s
Position: Centre back
Team: Magic United
Sharing the first name of a former Barcelona great, young Xavi has a similar flair for playmaking though his best work is done on the defensive end. A two-year SAP member at Knights, Xavi has returned to Magic and flourished this year.
Harry Barnes
Age: 9
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Team: Centre of Development (COD) U10 Performance team
Watch out for the heart beat of the COD U10 Performance team, Harry Barnes. A talented, young passionate footballer who is always in the centre of the action, Harry has great close ball control with both feet and is a dead eye around goal.
Marcio Rodriguez
Age: 9
Position: Midfielder
Team: Gold Coast Knights U10s
Watch for the Edison Cavani celebration of young Marcio gets on the scoresheet for his Knights U10s at the Premier Invitational. The exciting attacking midfielder loves setting his teammates up to score but doesn’t mind finding the back of the net himself. Marcio is also a member of the Brisbane Roar Skills Academy and attends Merrimac Primary School.
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