YOUNG STARS MAKING MARK
Talented duo welcomes rep challenges
FOOTBALL/TOUCH: Chloe Hutton and Emily Ward are not the types of athletes to back down from a challenge.
Both are young stars on the rise eager to make their mark in their chosen sporting fields.
Ward, 16, has just returned from international duties with the Australian under-18 touch football team at the Youth World Cup in Malayasia.
Hutton, 16, on the other hand is hoping a star performance for the U19 Queensland team at the School Sport Australia Football Championships next week will earn her Australian representative honours.
“I was very nervous before my first game,” Ward said.
“It was exciting but there was still some nerves.
“The team environment was really good though and everyone got along.”
After battling the hot and humid conditions early in the tournament, Ward said the team adjusted quickly to the faster pace of the games they were involved in.
“We played South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand,” Ward said.
“The games were really fast especially the one against
‘‘ I’M JUST GOING TO PLAY MY NATURAL GAME AND HOPEFULLY I CAN SCORE A FEW GOALS. CHLOE HUTTON
New Zealand.
“But we played really well as a team, there were no selfish players, everyone played for each other and I think that was a big part of why we won.”
Ward was also relatively happy with her personal performance during the tournament.
“I was pretty happy with the way I played,” she said.
“I thought my defence was really good but I would’ve liked a bit more of an opportunity to attack.
“I’m happy I could do my part for the team though.”
Next on Ward’s calendar is the Nationals Youth Championships.
Lining up for Queensland, Ward is confident her side will be competitive.
“There is seven of us from the Australia team. I hope we can do well.”
Looking to the likes of Ward as inspiration – Chloe Hutton begins her quest for new football honours next week.
Heading to Shepparton, Victoria, Hutton will be hoping to continue her recent South West Queensland Thunder form with the Maroons.
Called into the Thunder women’s senior side, Hutton has scored two goals in her first two appearances.
“I’m very nervous but also excited,” Hutton said.
“I’m just going to play my natural game and hopefully I can score a few goals.”
The Thunder needed special permission to bring Hutton into their squad and the young student believes she is better for the experience.
“Being part of the Thunder has been really good,” she said.
“It’s a big step up but I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
“I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s made me a better player.”