Sunshine Coast’s Rhys Williams selected in Australian under-17 Joeys team for Asian Cup Qualifiers

A Sunshine Coast teenage football talent has reflected on his past 12 months of international success as he prepares to represent Australia in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Rising football talent Rhys Williams.

Sunshine Coast rising football talent Rhys Williams has continued to impress against the world's best earning a third-straight Australian call-up.

Williams, who first represented the under-17 Joeys in Italy in April later joined the under-16s squad for their successful ASEAN u16 Boys’ Championship victory.

The 16-year-old will now travel to Kuwait to compete in the Asian Cup 2025 qualifiers from October 23-27.

The past 12 months have been a whirlwind for the former Kawana and Caloundra FC junior, who recently helped the Brisbane Roar finish top of the Queensland NPL U23 table.

He was also part of the Queensland Maroon Under-16 side which competed at the Football Australia National Youth Championships in July.

Williams credited opportunity to work with the Roar’s A-league squad as the driving force behind his performances on the pitch.

Rising football talent Rhys Williams.

“Throughout my career I’ve always trained and played in ages up from my own so being only 16 and training with the A-league men helps a lot with taking care of myself,” Williams said.

“I would definitely say the main growth I’ve had has been my maturity and display.

“It’s not so football related when you say it but I think it’s the most important because I’m a big believer in ‘how you turn up is how you train’ and ‘how you act is how you play’.

“Scouts and coaches look for young footballers who are willing to be professional on and off the pitch so turning up with the right attitude and correct body language will take you very far.”

The Joeys have been drawn in Group G for their upcoming tournament alongside Indonesia, Kuwait and Northern Mariana Islands.

“I’m very proud to be called up again (for the Joeys side) and I’m buzzing really,” Williams said.

Rising football talent Rhys Williams.

“I try to be as professional as I can everyday and implement that on the field to be the best.

“I’m looking forward to being on the field in front of the atmosphere, the crowd against Indonesia last time we played them was amazing and I can’t wait for that again.”

Williams said he was eager for the coming days.

“As a team I want to qualify because the entire team all work so hard in training and off the pitch so I think we all would love to get a win,” he said.

“Individually I want to make a bigger name for myself, football is a lonely journey until you’re a big star player so that’s what I’m hoping to achieve, as well as making my family and friends proud.

“My parents play a big part in my football journey as they drive me to my games and training everyday and I really can’t thank them enough.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast’s Rhys Williams selected in Australian under-17 Joeys team for Asian Cup Qualifiers