A GRIFFITH teenager has taken part in a once-in-a-lifetime program to learn from one of Australia’s greatest ever footballers.
Joshua De Rossi was one of 24 junior footballers given the opportunity to spend five days in Melbourne with Tim Cahill as part of the Foxtel All-Stars Ambitions Tour.
From the pool of 24, he was selected as one of only two footballers to take part in the 2017 Tim Cahill Scholarship.
De Rossi said he was thrilled to be picked and found the camp was a great experience.
“I learnt a lot of things off the field like all the little things like you need sleep and to eat good food and other little things like that,” he said.
“We had an Everton coach helping out as well as some Melbourne City guys.
“Bruce Kamau their right winger, their keeper [Thomas Sorensen] and a couple of their coaches.”
As part of the scholarship, De Rossi now has an ongoing mentor program with Cahill and can ask the Socceroo for guidance as he makes his way through the year.
“He is a great bloke,” De Rossi said.
“He spent time with us pretty much the whole week from breakfast until dinner and played pool and stuff with us.
“I also get tickets to the A-League grand final and other little things to help me develop as a footballer.”
One of the highlights of the weekend was taking part in a curtain-raiser to the Melbourne City game against the Central Coast Mariners.
De Rossi played ten minute half game and then when half-time rolled around he took part along with two others in a penalty shoot-out.
“That was an exciting experience to take part in,” he said.
“It went well though and I converted my attempt.”
Currently, the former Griffith footballer is playing with Sydney United and hopes it can be a stepping stone to further his footballing career.
“I learnt a lot over the week that I hope can help me develop into a good footballer and allow me to follow my dream,” he said.
“At the moment I wouldn’t mind playing in the A-League or maybe trying to move overseas.
“I’m speaking to him [Tim] next week and we will keep in contact for me to ask any questions.”
The young footballer has already had a taste of top-class football when he trialled against Sydney FC.
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
