Football’s in blood for talented family

FORMER Leichhardt junior Quivi Fowler’s likely return to Europe could soon spark the interest of other clubs to consider his equally talented sisters for opportunities abroad.

The 19-year-old (pictured) is expected this week to sign with Dutch second-tier outfit FC Dordrecht, following a short stint back in Australia after spending three seasons in the youth leagues at another Dutch club, Vitesse.

The attacking midfielder grew up at Trinity Beach, before he and his family – parents Kevin and Nido, and siblings Ciara, Mary, Louise and Seamus – moved to the Netherlands in 2015.

Fowler said his son was well known in Holland and was being monitored by a number of clubs for first-team football, having put his skills into practice with NSW NPL side Wollongong Wolves this season.

Quivi could again be joined abroad in the future by his sisters Mary, 16, and Ciara, 15, who have also sparked significant interest in Holland.

The sisters played this season for the Illawarra Stingrays, and Mary made her Young Matildas debut in March against Thailand.

She is currently playing with the NSW Under 17 Girls NTC squad and stole the show earlier this week, scoring five goals in a 9-0 thumping of Capital Football in Canberra.

Mr Fowler said the family were relocating to Sydney and the girls would transfer to Bankstown NPL1, but train with the Future Matildas program, established earlier this year to provide a tailored training environment for some of Australia’s most talented female footballers aged 15 to 20.

“Last week Ciara and Mary played a game alongside Lisa De Vanna, Larissa Crummer and five other Matildas, something we hope will continue in the future,” their father said.

He added that Quivi was last week invited to Young Socceroos training, but could not attend due to timing issues.

Quivi has been capped at under-17 level for Ireland, but has previously indicated he would like to play for Australia.