Chasing the Socceroos dream

A YOUNG Torquay soccer player is set to represent Australia on the international stage after earning selection in the nation’s under-10 squad for the Youth World Challenge Cup.

Charlie Nikolovski will travel to New York next month to compete against teams from 48 countries.

The 10-year-old has developed through the Surf Coast FC program since the age of five and has also received specialist coaching through Coerver Geelong under former Melbourne Victory captain Adrian Leijer.

Known for his composure on the ball and ability to read the game, Charlie said he enjoys playing in defence and helping create opportunities for his teammates.

“I love defending and scanning the field for my teammates,” he said. “I play defender most of the time and I am always trying to kick it ahead to kick goals.”

Charlie said the opportunity to test himself against some of the world’s best young players was one he was eagerly anticipating.

“This is the first time this tournament has ever been run and I am super excited,” he said.

“I’ve been working hard at this for a few years.

“We have been training for the last eight weeks in Melbourne, and now I am doing some sessions [in the United States] to prepare.”

Charlie and his family are already in the United States and recently had the opportunity to watch the Socceroos in action at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

“It was so loud at the stadium and the atmosphere was incredible,” he said. “There was so many supporters there.”

Charlie hopes to one day pull on the green and gold for Australia and already has a couple of Socceroos he looks up to.

“I love watching Nestory Irankunda,” Charlie said. “He is fast, speedy and scores goals.

“Being a defender, I also love Harry Souttar. He is pretty big and tough. I’d like to play like him too.”