STATE SELECTION EXCITES STUDENT
Touch footballer eager to help Queensland at titles
Georgia Bartlett was always going to try her hand at touch football.
The 15-year-old’s parents and four older siblings all play the sport.
However, it’s not her genes but her team-first mentality and commitment to giving 100 per cent of herself that is helping Bartlett achieve great things.
The St Saviour’s College student was recently named in the Queensland under-15 touch team after lining up for Darling Downs at the Queensland School Sport Touch Football State Championships.
“We (Darling Downs) made the semi-finals,” Bartlett said.
“We were beating Metropolitan East 2-1 at half-time but they beat us 6-3.
“They were very strong in the second half.”
Despite missing out on a spot in the grand final, Bartlett was happy with her performance, but the thought of Queensland selection never crossed her mind.
“When you play middle you get to lead the team a bit more. I like that,” she said.
“I thought I played well but I wasn’t thinking about making the Queensland team.
“Some players feel that extra pressure and think it. I just focus on doing my best for my team, putting them first and then you wait for them to name the team later.”
Bartlett, who was named as shadow player in last year’s QLD U15 side, will now head to Hobart in October for the national championships.
“I’m excited to be going to Hobart in October,” she said. “I last played for Queensland in under-12s.
“I love playing touch football because it gives you the opportunity to make new friends and there are so many great experiences you can have when you’re travelling and playing.”
Bartlett, who will attend a number of training camps before the national championships, hopes she can make a difference.
“It’s a bit harder to step up and really make a difference when you have so many other great players around,” she said.
“But I will approach it like I do for all my games and just do whatever I can for the team.”
Bartlett will also line up for the school before the championships.
“The All Schools Cup is a pretty big tournament. I’m looking forward to it.