SEVEN of Griffith’s most promising young footballers will head off to the National Youth Championships next week but representative coordinator Anthony Vecchio thinks there should have been more.
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William Polkinghorne, 13, Jonathan Codemo, 13, Connor Sully, 13, Tyler Andreazza, 14, Elijah Brooker, 14, Tyson Ward, 13, and Massimo Forlico, 14, will represent NSW Country at the tournament from October 3-7 in Coffs Harbour.
Vecchio said having seven players selected – across the under 13s and under 14s sides – was a testament to the quality of players in the region.
“As an association – across the Riverina and in Griffith – it shows the talent we have here,” Vecchio said.
“It was a pity we didn't have any more in the sides but the seven that were selected – they thoroughly deserve their spots.”
The tournament is a culmination of months of training and playing.
Not only do the players have to work their way through the representative sides but they also have to attend training camps across the state before being selected.
“It’s a fairly intense process – the camps are quite hard so you've got to be switched on at every camp,” Vecchio said
“Its not just about playing football, a lot of other things attribute to making it.”
Elijah is one of the elder statesman of the group after attending last year’s event alongside Tyler and Massimo.
He was excited to be able to test himself again.
“We enjoyed the experience last year, it was pretty fun,” Elijah said.
“We should do alright, we’ve got a pretty good team and Massi and Tyler are pretty good.
“You get to play good competition and get to see how good you are compared to the best players around.”
Vecchio said the seven players had worked hard and expected great things from them.
“Each one of those boys all have an individual talent in their own right,” Vecchio said.
“They all play their respective positions very well.
“I’m very confident they will do well and I’m quietly confident Country NSW will do well overall.”