SPORTS STAR: Soccer star on the riseJunior Sports Star 9 Oct 12 @ 12:00am by Troels Sommerville
CHRISTOPHER Williams is not one to take a backward step on or off the field, with the Yarraville Glory centre back desperate to pursue a career in soccer.

The 17-year-old from Tarneit played up front until he arrived in Melbourne six years ago, but has since thrived in defence.

He's now the one spoiling attacks and laying tackles, saying: "I like it that way".

He has just returned from a trip to China for the Great Wall Cup of Beijing international youth tournament, where his Bowen Soccer Academy team finished second in the under-18s.

Competing against teams from nations such as Brazil, Russia, England and Japan, he was named defender of the tournament and named in the tournament Dream Team.

"I was rapt, because it was the other international coaches saying that," Christopher said.

He trialled recently for Melbourne Victory's youth squad and is keenly awaiting word from the club.

Christopher is this week's Sportsmart junior Sports Star nominee.