Wagga City Wanderers players Ava Tuksar, Samantha Emms and Piper Lockley.
Last Wednesday, Harden and Wagga City Wanderers first-choice goalkeeper Samantha Emms was part of a 29-player group invited to have a trial with the young Matildas group, played in Sydney. The Matildas is the Australian national team for women’s soccer. The program is designed to invite players that have been recom mended by their coaches, as well as anyone that has realised the player as a future potential fit for the Matildas side.
“‘Getting to play in this elite match was an experience like no other,” Samantha said. “The atmosphere and environment felt so professional, but enjoyable. I can definitely say the playing quality was an immense step-up that provided a challenge for myself which I handled and adapted to quite efficiently. “I was given the opportunity to compare myself as well as get an idea of where I am standing against others around the country, competing for the same position and assess what I need to do in order to beat the best, and be the best.” There were various goalkeeping coaches as well as national coaches present to watch on. Wagga City Wanderers Women’s Program Head Coach Sam Grey said 16-year-old Sam’s pick for the trial was a testament to her hard work in the past few seasons.
“Sammy was brought in because of her growth and the way she performed in the NPL last season with the Wanderers,” he said. “Playing first-grade at such a young age has its benefits for her and to get identified early on, things can only get better for Sammy. “She has improved a lot and is probably one of the best young goalkeepers in the competition, in my opinion.”
Last week young Emms featured for an impressive 70-minutes between the sticks and was the youngest between a total of three goalkeepers that were on trial.
