By Molly Magennis
A local student has been selected to represent the School Sport Victoria 12 years and under soccer state team.
Maribyrnong Sports Academy student Leyla Hussein will compete at the Sydney International Cup to be held in December.
Leyla said it will be her first time playing interstate and she can’t wait for the experience.
“I am more excited to play interstate against some of the best girls,” she said.
“I am so happy I made the team.”
Leyla was selected after a three stage selection process, where she went up against hundreds of other girls for a chance to represent team Vic.
She said she loves everything about soccer, from training and playing matches with all her teammates to scoring goals on the field.
Aussie Matilda stars Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter are among her favourite players.
“Everyone says I look and play like [Sam Kerr]. She is amazing on and off the field,” Leyla said.
Leyla’s ultimate dream is to play for England and to represent Australia on the world stage.
The young soccer star was also selected for the National Training Centre (NTC) squad for the upcoming 2022 season. The NTC is a full-time training program with the aim to help talented players progress through to achieve NPLW, W-league, National and International representation.
“[It’s] another step closer to achieving my goals of playing for the Matildas,” she said.
“I am also really excited about that.”
