Emma with team mate Alyssa Armstrong of Cootamundra

Emma Manwaring has become a National Youth Champion after her team the under 15 New South Wales Country side, took out the National Championship on Friday last week.

The competition took place over several days with the following results for Emma’s side: Monday, NSW Country defeated South Australia 4-2. Tuesday, cross over pool match against Northern NSW, NSW Country winning  2 nil. Wednesday, NSW Country defeated NSW Metro 3-1. Thursday, NSW Country had a 2 all draw with Victoria after being down 2 nil at half time, in an awesome comeback. On Friday NSW Country defeated Football West, 2 nil to claim the title.

Emma travelled to Sydney on Friday July 10 and took part in a 3 day camp where team management tested players skills and took statistics before finalising tactics for the matches. On Sunday morning they left Sydney and made their way to Coffs Harbour arriving at 4pm.
The tournament was played at the Coffs Harbour International Sports Ground which Emma said was a “Really nice ground to play on.”
Emma played as Right Forward and Centre Midfield during the matches and she was the instigator of many of the final passes for her side to score their goals.

Emma’s Coach Matthew Shepherd said ” The girls country spirit got them home” when they were down 2 nil in the final match with the championship on the line. If the girls had a draw on Friday it would have left 4 teams on the same points and a deadlock.
Emma said “I have only done school and Riverina soccer and this was a higher intensity with more nerves, if you stuff up you have to fix it for the team.” Emma was able to match it with her opponents and she highlighted the fact that each team had at least one stand out player of individual brilliance that her side had to be wary of.

Emma now has a chance to be identified for the Mini Matilda’s with 30 players to be chosen for a trial which would then select a side for the Youth World Cup.
Emma modestly said said that she didn’t know whether she would be selected for the trial but said she wouldn’t mind if she did make the side. “I hope to play for a Sydney team in the future”
Such is Emma’s skill and natural talent for sport, Soccer isn’t even Emma’s favourite past time. She loves touch football more and enjoys league tag. The year 9 student was grateful for her parents taking her to all of the training sessions. “Without Mum and Dad I couldn’t get to all of the trainings they have been great, my Coach Matt Shepherd has been really good for all of the girls.”

Emma’s favourite subjects are Physical Education and Agriculture. She said that women’s soccer is hard to make a living out of and with her love for the country flagged the possibility of working on the family farm.
Keep your eyes pealed for Emma when she makes her way back to league tag at the Hawks next home game or on the touch field in the Twin Town Times Light Horse Hotel side, come October.