Year 7 Murrumburrah High School student Sam Emms has been selected as the shadow goal keeper for NSW Country, in this year’s U14 side.
Sam doesn’t even turn 13 until after the competition and is playing up an age group at a high representative level.
She said, “I’m a bit speechless, its been great, all the extra training and it’s a great experience. I have been able to train with some of the Sydney FC players.”
Her favourite player is McKenzie Arnold and Sam says she trys to model her game on the Matildas star. She said, “She comes out of the goal and talks a lot to her team mates. I try and do the same. It gives them less time to aim and get a better shot. As a goal keeper you have to suck it up and take the hits.”
Sam has been in goal for the last 3 years and only found herself in the position when they didn’t have a keeper one game and she was ‘roped’ in. She hasn’t looked back.
If one of the goal keepers gets injured or sick Sam will be elevated to the starting squad for Country. “I have to be prepared no matter what and i’m still training at the moment.” she said.
Next year’s goal is to make the side again. Being a year older she will be a very good chance, however, she must make this year’s Riverina squad to qualify.
Sam is also an avid cross country runner and had cross country trials before heading to the Riverina trials.
She will travel to Temora this weekend and will play two matches in the 12/13s and the 14/15s for her local club.
Keep trying hard Sam and put Harden-Murrumburrah on the map.
