Quartet answer state call for national titles

Four players from the Moreton Bay Region have been selected by Queensland for the 2022 National Youth Championships (NYC) for girls.

Mia Green, Mia Afoa, Olivia Morris, from Moreton Bay United (MBU) and Katie Sherar, from Peninsula Power, will be going to Coffs Harbour next month with their state teams.

Mia Green, who has been a regular in Jets’ senior women’s NPL side this season, is in the state’s Under 16 Maroon squad.

Olivia Morris is in the Under 14 Maroon squad, with Mia Afoa named in the Shadow Players’ squad for the NYC.

Katie Sherar is in the shadow squad for the Under 16 Queensland Maroons.

Moreton Bay United’s Academy Director Matt Poole said: “I am extremely happy for all three girls on their selections in their respective NYC groups.

“The fact they have gained selection in teams dominated by current QAS players is testament to their performances this year. It’s also a glowing endorsement of female development at MBU.

“Despite her age, Mia (Green) has been a large part of the Senior NPLW team this season.

“We have seen Mia really progress through the year and given that a girl of her age has played week-in week-out in midfield against seasoned senior players outlines her obvious potential and ability as a player.

“Olivia is a tremendous young talent and it is no surprise that she has been selected in the U14 NYC team. Olivia is one of only two girls in Queensland who are playing in their own age-group in the U14 NPL Boys Academy League (highest level of junior boys competition).

“At an age where the physicality of the boys really increases, only extremely talented girls are able to continue to perform at this level. I’m excited to see what Olivia can do at NYC.

“Mia's (Afoa) selection as a shadow player for the U14 NYC team while still U13 is also a huge achievement. Mia played in the U12 Boys SAP team in 2021, and played in the U13 NPL Boys Academy team for half of this season before moving into our U16 girls group.

“Mia is a highly talented player with untapped potential and one of the best players in the state for her age-group."

Peninsula Power Under 23 coach Mick Gallo believes Katie Sherar will be "playing at the highest levels in the coming years".

"Katie is a highly technical and talented player that has worked extremely hard to achieve the goals she has been given this season," he said.

"This has seen Katie really take her game to the next level with fantastic performances in the Under 23s and being rewarded  with senior game time this season, including a late winner against Brisbane City."

Football Queensland State Technical Director Gabor Ganczer said: “The upcoming NYC tournament presents another great opportunity for our young Queenslanders to vie for selection in future national teams.”

The NYC for Girls will be at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour from September 19-23.