FOOTBALLERS PREPARE FOR MINI WORLD CUP

INTERNATIONAL borders are tough to navigate right now, but young Toowoomba footballers will have the opportunity to shape their shape their overseas dreams this month.

Hervey Bay will play host to the 12th Mini World Cup from September 26 with 70 teams from across Queensland competing.

While 30 “traditional” interstate teams will not be able to compete the cup will still be massive with Toowoomba Grammar alone sending more than 200 players across 14 teams.

“It’s the biggest regional football tournament in Australia,” TGS football coach Chris McLeod said.

“It’s a concept that’s been going for 13 years now – notwithstanding the disappointment because of Covid last year.

“We’ve had a really good tradition (of success) over that period particularly in the Open division.”

Along with team glory there are a number of major prizes rewarded to the top performing players during the tournament.

Germany football tours are awarded to the best U16 and U18 male players and the best female player.

“It’s called the friendship games at the younger levels, but there’s a little bit more at stake in the older divisions,” McLeod said.

“Unfortunately everything is on hold because of Covid, but when things open there is the chance for a young boy to go to Germany and pursue his dreams of football.”

Harrison Wells will be among the many boys chasing that Germany.

His older brother Frank was named best player of the tournament in 2019 when the cup was last held.

“My brother is definitely an inspiration for me – especially in football,” Harrison.

“A lot of boys from Grammar have won that award and earned the chance to go to Germany.”

Grammar won the competition in 2019 and Harrison believes his team is in with a shot again.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the school and our skills,” Harrison said.

“I think our strength lies in our chemistry. We’ve been playing together for a long time.

“Winning is important for a lot of people, but I think coming together as a group is also important especially in these times.”

Toowoomba Grammar footballers (from left) Luke Beutel, Harrison Mills and Bailey Brannelly are looking forward to the Mini World Cup to be played in Hervey Bay.