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A soccerhead

Jessica Clement

15May08

Jordan Atkins is a real soccerhead

MEET Jordan Atkins, 11, local superboot and self-confessed "soccerhead" who in four months will tour Japan with Football NSW.

Jordan, of Kilaben Bay, is part of an elite squad of under-10 and under-11 footballers selected to represent NSW in a series of matches this September.

The Hunter Valley Grammar School Year 5 student is an affable youngster more likely to be found kicking the ball in the back yard than glued to the television.

He said he was most comfortable on the park as a striker or on the wing for his club, the Morisset United Strikers.

"My short-term goal is to make the Metropolitan Cup Central Coast Lightning side," Jordan said.

"I haven't trialled for them before but I'm hopeful of making the side."

His trial with the Football NSW squad was something Jordan said had happened by chance.

He made the trip to the Sydney trial "just to have a try".

"I must have impressed them because they called the day after the trial to invite me back," he said.

Jordan also plays indoor soccer to complement his outdoor skills at the Warners Bay indoor sports centre.

BE IN THE RUNNING for our Junior Sports Star award.

Two awards: Our Junior Sports Star of the year will receive a medal and $1000, with all other nominees considered for our new Young Achiever Award (medal and $500)

Eligibility: Sportspeople aged between 10 and 16 at the time of nomination who live in the local area

Our sponsor: Toronto RSL Club

Nomination form on this site