Goalkeeper Turned Striker Makes Met South Squad
The natural left footer, who took the front role just six weeks ago due to extensive injuries throughout the team, was selected to represent Met South in Kiama. The tournament which ran from the 5th to the 9th of July acts as the springboard for future NSW teams.
Asked whether he preferred scoring goals or keeping clean sheets, the 15-year-old was quick to strike his answer.
?For me, playing up front is so much better since I am able to get more involved in the match,? he said.
?I get to see a totally different view of the game and even though it?s a lot harder than playing in goals because I have to run more, I still prefer it.
?I don?t think I will be returning to goals; hopefully I can continue my career on the field from now on,? he added.
The youngster is still coming to terms with his selection into the Met South squad describing his selection as a ?surprise? since he wasn?t selected in 2009.
?It?s strange that I wasn?t selected last year because I trialled as a goalkeeper in 2009 and didn?t make it, while this year I made it as a striker,? he joked.
Although Jack hasn?t found the back of the net for his Macarthur U/15?s yet, he has set up a few goals and actually managed to score for the Ram?s U/16 side when he filled in for one week.
U/15s coach, Jurgen Cyrulla, praised Jack?s goalkeeping abilities, highlighting his unique athleticism and comfort on the ball.
?As a goalkeeper he is fantastic and as a striker he has no fear; the kid is a work horse who can think on his feet,? said Cyrulla.
?We [Rams U/15s] have six games left and we will be relying on Jack?s prowess up front to help us make it into the playoffs.
?Should we reach the semi finals, I just know we can win it,? he added.
With Jack having started out as a striker at the age of six, the ?passionate? youngster – as his coach describes him ? moved between the posts at nine years of age before returning to his roots just over a month ago.
Now in the position he loves most, Jack, like many others, will await their selection from the Kiama tournament. With their fingers crossed, his Macarthur teammates hope their new striker can strike the right chord in the selector?s eyes.
– Caetano Lima
