Jordan Jasnos and Tess Vaccari, both 13, will travel to Coffs Harbour for the National Youth Championships next week as part of the representative side.

A year older and a year wiser, the pair had an air of excitement about them leading into this year’s event.

“Last year, they were a bit reserved because they were younger but now that they are the senior members, they’re excited,” Tess’ dad Jason said.

“Being the two youngest members [last year], I think they surprised a few people with how well they went and were selected again this year.”

The preparation hasn’t been easy for Jordan, a tireless midfielder, and Tess, a pacey winger and striker.

Along with regular training with their local side Yoogali SC, the pair have travelled away for some extra sessions.

“They’ve been training pretty hard. They go to Wagga every Friday night and do special skills training,” Jason said. “Along with that, they do fitness camps in the school holidays.”

The championships run from July 4-8 and NSW Country will fight it out in group B alongside Capital Football, Football West, Northern Territory and Tasmania. 

Country will play once against the group sides and once against Queensland.

Griffith native Tegan Fattore will compete in the under 15s division whilst Wests’ player Lauren Zalunardo just missed out on selection in the NSW Country under 15s side.