IT seems it wasn’t all that long ago Moree soccer star Aden Bridge returned home from playing the round-ball game in Germany.
He’s now getting ready to do it all again next year – and heading to Europe with him will be fellow Moree soccer star, Sarsha Maas.
Both players, Moree junior soccer graduates, were selected to represent Australia after competing at the Rale Rasic Joeys Mini World Cup at Inverell in September.
Aden, 15, toured Germany in June with brother Liam and Josh Rigby after being selected at the Inverell carnival last year.
“We were all lucky enough to be selected for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the joeys U14s team,” Aden said.
“We played teams from all over Germany. It was a great experience – I loved every minute of it – and I made a lot of new friends, and bettered my skill levels.”
Aden has two goals in life – to play soccer professionally and to become a diesel mechanic.
With a second overseas tour next year now confirmed, a professional career in soccer is a scissor kick closer.
Aden’s dad, Adam, is a soccer diehard. He too went through the Moree junior soccer ranks in his younger days.
Adam excelled at the game and was awarded the Paul Philp Memorial trophy for most improved player in his division in 1998.
“Dad always had the dream of playing international soccer at a young age, and here I am living his dream for him,” Aden said.
“But none of this would be happening without the support from mum and dad.”
Aden has played soccer from a young age. However, this season was his last with Moree Junior Soccer Club.
“I have now progressed to playing seniors in reserves and A-grade with Namoi United,” he said.
Sarsha Maas was selected for Germany after playing pivotal roles with her team “Spain” at Inverell.
Also in the team were Lucy Ryan and Ainzlee Magarry from Moree, as well as players from the Coffs Harbour area, and Stanthorpe and Gladstone in Queensland.
Spain went through the Inverell carnival undefeated in the 13-14 years girls’ division.
“It was good fun, with some great memories, and I met new people and learned some new skills,” Sarsha said.
“Our coach was good and everyone got game time.”
Sarsha’s mum, Katrina, said her daughter was keen to play in Germany next year.
“Especially after the success of Aden, Liam and Josh,” Katrina said.
“Sarsha’s team was undefeated at Inverell, and played six games over three days.”
Sarsha said going to Germany next year was “scary, but really exciting”.
“I might need to get a job to help pay my way,” she smiled.
Aden and Sarsha both excelled at the Inverell carnival, which draws hundreds of players from across eastern Australia all looking for an invitation to Germany.
“The talent from all players this year was extremely strong and I knew it was going to be hard for the selectors with so much talent on the field,” Aden said.
Words: Bill Poulos
Images: Supplied
