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<\/p>\n
Henry said he could not be more excited.<\/p>\n
“I just want to play well in Thailand and maybe get noticed,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It’s my first time playing for Australia \u2026 it’s pretty special.<\/p>\n
“(Playing for Australia) is something I never really thought of, my goal has just been to just try out for clubs and get better as I go.<\/p>\n
“It feels like I’m getting there.”<\/p>\n
In just four years as a player, Henry has packed plenty of highlights into his fledgling career.<\/p>\n
He expects his trip to Spain to long remain as a high point.<\/p>\n
“Spain was fun. I got to meet new friends and my soccer got a lot better being around all those good players,” said Henry, who will turn 13 in March next year, and played as a striker at the country championships.<\/p>\n
He says his passion for soccer was shaped by his uncle Dave in Melbourne and his experiences at school.<\/p>\n
The pair often do training sessions together in Melbourne on weekends, while his lunchtime and recess activities at Darley Primary School are dominated by soccer pursuits.<\/p>\n
“There are way more kids playing soccer at school than AFL or cricket,” said proud mum Emma McRae.<\/p>\n
“There are significantly more children interested in soccer than AFL or basketball even. It is fascinating.<\/p>\n
“Soccer has exploded down here, heaps more kids are getting into teams and the facilities are improving.”<\/p>\n
While Henry’s own start in soccer was incredibly modest, it’s a classic case of from humble beginnings come great things.<\/p>\n
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