Chloe, 12, on cusp of career in women’s soccer

28 Apr 10 @ 05:08pm by Joe Barton

BROOKVALE youngster Chloe O’Brien is living proof that women’s soccer on the northern beaches is going from strength to strength.

A 12-year-old, whose maturity belies her age, O’Brien’s future in the game is not in question as she embarks on a long career for Manly United and beyond.

She has been picked in the Australian under-13 train-on squad for June’s Festival of Football tournament to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The squad will meet in Canberra on May 13, where it will be reduced from 30 to 22 for the trip to Vietnam.

The defender is already playing above her weight as one of the leaders for Manly United’s under-14 team but this achievement is more than just another feather in her cap.

It’s her chance to represent Australia and a reward for her great efforts in the National Junior championships held in Canberra.

``That tournament was a lot of fun because you got to play against people from all over Australia, and we (NSW Metropolitan 1) finished top of our group,’’ she said.

``I am pretty excited (about getting picked in this training squad). We go next month for four days we go and prove ourselves to hopefully get (a call-up to the next level). It would be fun to play for Australia.

``I’ve never been off to a camp like this and actually stayed somewhere for a few days. It’s going to be a new experience. Going to the (Australian Institute of Sport) will definitely be exciting.’’
Manly United women’s captain Gill Foster was far from surprised to hear the bright talent had been picked in the training squad.

``No, not (surprised) at all,’’ Foster said.

``She’s always been a solid player ever since she came to Manly.

``She works hard and she’s talented, and that combination of hard work and talent is exactly what you need.

``You don’t often find that. It’s usually one or the other. She can play in defence or midfield, she does a bit of both. She’s pretty versatile which is also a good asset.

``But she’s a great talent. She’s motivated, talented, a fantastic and dynamic little player.’’

http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/chloe-12-on-cusp-of-career-in-womens-soccer/