Kawana Waters State College’s football program of excellence stars revealed

A Sunshine Coast high school is continuing to provide elite level footballing pathways with a number of students revealed as some of the region’s brightest rising stars.

Some of the Kawana Waters State College stars of the future.

A growing high school soccer program is developing a future generation of round ball stars on the Sunshine Coast.

Kawana Waters State College’s football program of excellence has now entered its 23rd year.

The program has served as an opportunity for players to further develop their football and futsal skills while working through theory elements of skill acquisition and game training based on the Australian Curriculum.

With more than 145 senior and 70 junior students involved, program coordinator Adam Walker said it had been a success which continued to grow.

“Students are involved in the program through a trial and selection process and then take part in the program both before and after school,” he said.

“From there we compete in the Queensland Schools Premier League which is made up of 13 schools with junior, intermediate and senior boys and girls divisions.

“Being a part of that competition is where the relationship with the Brisbane Roar and the Queensland Academy of Sport comes into play.

“It gives our coaches and players access to coaching clinics and talent identification which serves as a pathway for future footballing opportunities.”

Kawana Waters State College student athletes Mitchell Keys (left), Ashlee Hummels (middle) and Deegan Brook (right). Photo: Patrick Woods.

Mr Walker said the program was a joy to be a part of.

“The numbers we have coming through the door is getting bigger and bigger and our largest growth in recent years has been through our girls which is really exciting to see.

“We have already had players come to us that were just playing locally and after some time with us they were identified and went on to play for the Brisbane Roar women's team,” he said.

In no particular order all three coaches of Mr Walker, Stuart Michaels and Trent Williams have named the program’s next generation of stars to keep an eye on for years to come.

Kawana Waters State College’s ‘next generation’ stars

Jett Wouters has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Jett Wouters

“Jett is in our year 12 squad and has been with us since grade 7,” the coaches said.

“He is currently playing in the Kawana men’s premier grade side and has represented Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast Fire in recent years.

“He’s had a position shift to where he is now playing in the backline and has earned himself a trial with Fleetwood Town Football Club over in the UK.

“It’s a credit to his hard work and he will depart after he finishes his year 12 studies to a training camp in Dubai.

“He’s very calm and composed on the ball and pairs that with his big left boot and high-level game sense.”

Amber Faherty has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Amber Faherty

“Amber currently plays for the QAS under-14s and was recently picked in the Queensland schoolgirls squad following the state titles in Cairns,” the coaches said.

“She plays as a defensive midfielder and arguably has the silkiest touch we’ve ever seen from a rising player.

“She’s very composed and confident on the ball, has good creativity and a solid level of football knowledge.”

Libby Larimer has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Libby Larimer

“Libby is a part of the QAS under-15s team and plays as a centre midfielder,” the coaches said.

“She has very good awareness on the ball and great distribution skills to pick out the best scenario possible.”

Deegan Brook has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Deegan Brook

“Deegan has arrived this year from Townsville and is currently playing in the under-23s for the Sunshine Coast Fire,” the coaches said.

“He plays across the front three and in the midfield as he is a prolific scorer and has an eye for finding the back of the net.”

Kasey Peters has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Kasey Peters

“Kasey was picked in the under-15s Queensland schoolgirls team and plays as a centre back,” the coaches said.

“She is a very mature player in the way that she plays and reads the game.

“She's great at breaking down play as a defender and is very humble as she doesn't mind using her ability to make other players look good.”

Ashlee Hummels has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ashlee Hummels

“Ashlee is in grade 11 and apart of our senior girls team,” the coaches said.

“She plays for the Brisbane Strikers women’s team and is a very dedicated trainer and player.

“She plays as a striker and her biggest strengths is her explosive pace and ability to find the ball in open play.

Mitchell Keys has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mitchell Keys

“Mitchell has recently joined us from Townsville and made the commitment to try and find better footballing opportunities,” the coaches said.

“He plays in the Sunshine Coast Fire under-16s team as a box-to-box midfielder.

“He can influence and impact the game massively as he’s got a brilliant work rate, a very good deception of the game and uses those players around him to the best of his ability.”

Zach Roulston has been named as a player to watch from the Kawana Waters State College football program of excellence. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Zach Roulston

“Zach has been with us since grade 8 and currently plays as a striker for the Sunshine Coast Fire under-16s team,” the coaches said.

“He has ability to play in that number 10 role and really float in and out of the play to wherever he is required.

“He is very strong on the ball, a technical thinker and excels at moving off the ball and creating space for himself and players around him.”

Luca Skoullos

“Luca is in our grade 9 program and currently plays for the Brisbane Roar under-14s Academy team,” the coaches said.

“He plays in our intermediate team as an attacking midfielder and a lot of our build up play goes through Luca.

“His creativity is his strong point and he is a very explosive player as well.”

Originally published as Kawana Waters State College’s football program of excellence stars revealed