Skilful lot have state goals

May 31 2014

Shepparton News

There is nothing Josh Rachele, Stefan Pigatto and Olivia Saron love doing more than bending a soccer ball like Beckham.

The talented trio is part-way through the selection process for the Victorian school teams.

‘‘If we make it, we’ll go to Bendigo and play New South Wales and the other states,’’ Josh, 11, said.

Stefan, 12, said they had two stages left to go and they would train with the other metro and regional players on June 11 for selection.

Olivia, 10, said she had also made it through to the selection for the girls state team.

Josh and Stefan play in the Goulburn Valley Suns under-12 National Premier Leagues team, while Josh also plays for Shepparton United and Stefan plays for Shepparton in Goulburn North East Football Association.

Olivia also plays for Shepparton United .

Josh said he enjoyed playing soccer because of the way the game was structured.

‘‘I like that you can’t really get badly hurt and it’s a fun sport to play. I like scoring goals and playing with my teammates,’’ he said.

Josh said he played as a forward and had scored five goals this season.

‘‘I’m fourth in the leading goal scorers in my division in the league,’’ he said.

Stefan said he had been playing the sport for six years.

‘‘I just love to kick the ball and that it’s a competitive sport and I like working as a team,’’ he said.

‘‘You get to play with your friends and have fun.’’

Olivia said it was a little tough playing against some of the top players from across the state.

‘‘It’s a little bit nervous at first, but then you get used to playing with good people,’’ she said.