PROMISING Nelson Bay FC juniors Elke Moltzen and Zoe Wild have been selected for the Newcastle Football Player Development Program.
The up-and-coming 10-year-olds impressed selectors with their natural ability and high-level skill in elite company at the two-day trials in Tarro recently.
Some of the finest boys and girls soccer juniors aged 10 to 16 years across the Hunter region assembled in a high-quality development environment built on skill, effort, learning and growth.
With the support of a committed coaching panel, Moltzen and Wild will get an opportunity to develop their technical ability, game understanding and confidence while representing their region.
Both played with the Nelson Bay under-10 Blizzards this season under first-year coach Shayne Foster and caught the eye of keen judges with skilful performances.
Moltzen is a midfield dynamo, Wild a gifted defender. Foster told News Of The Area he was not surprised the pair were chosen to participate in the prestigious Player Development Program.
“They have amazing talent and this opportunity to mix with Newcastle’s best young footballers will help them flourish,” said Foster, who is also a leading coach with the Port Stephens Athletics Centre.
“I’m super proud of them and happy to be a part of their development.”
The girls are currently training twice a week with the program and are already showing the benefits of the intensive skills and drills sessions.
In her third year of soccer, Moltzen’s dream is to become a professional player, as well as coach younger kids to develop their skills.
She enjoys the game because she gets to run around with her best friends and gain new skills along the way.
Wild gets her soccer passion from her best friend and described being a part of the Player Development Program as an ‘awesome’ experience.
“My favourite part is the game at the end of each training session where we can practice our moves and skills, and work together as a team,” she said.
Foster’s gifted 10-year-old daughter Malia also gained selection for the development program but declined the offer to focus on her dance and athletics commitments.
Malia Foster will represent St Michael’s Catholic School at this week’s NSW Primary Schools Sports Association Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
