Young soccer star to study abroad

A ST Patrick’s College student is to England next year for a soccer-playing opportunity of a lifetime.

Year 9 student Paddy Klain has been invited to take part in the West Ham United UK development tour in April, where he will train as part of a 40-player contingent.

The tour is scheduled to run for 11 days, and Klain said he’s excited to make the overseas journey.

“It’s pretty exciting, and I’m happy I’ve got that chance to go. I was pretty shocked I got in,” he said.

“The opportunities I’ll have will depend on who’s coming to watch the games we’re playing. The quality of players will be a lot better which is something I’m really looking forward to.

“I’m looking forward to getting to go to some Premier League games. I reckon that’ll be fun to watch them live.

“I’m really wanting to improve my confidence going into tackles. I’ve been doing training exercises at home to prepare.”

Klain took part in two West Ham soccer programs earlier this year. First was a two-day camp run in Ballarat hosted by the George Cowie Football Club.

Then Klain was one of 250 players that participated in a national four-day camp at Queensland’s Southport School in September, which led to being invited to the international tour.

The programs featured specialised fitness and training programs with coaches from the Australian Institute of Sport.

Klain’s trip to England includes six days in London and five in Manchester, as well as stadium tour and a soccer match between West Ham and Arsenal.

Having started playing when he was about two years old, Klain moved to futsal at St Patrick’s during grade prep before progressing to under 7s outdoor games.

Klain has been playing with Ballarat City Football Club since last year.

Paddy’s mother Cassandra said between his involvement in local, interstate and now international soccer programs, she couldn’t be happier for her son.

“[His father] Sean and I were just really proud of the effort he’s put in and him putting himself out there,” she said.

“Obviously, they see something in him and think he deserves this opportunity which is just amazing.”