TWO Beaudesert Soccer Club members will not forget their first time playing at Christian Football Federation Australia’s national titles.
Taliah Thomson and Kane Neuendorff joined players Jim Platell and Jessica Barnes in representing Queensland in the four-day event last week.
The Jimboomba resident earned herself an All Stars Team player title for being one of the best players in her age division.
Thomson and her under-16 girls team reached a 0-0 score at full time in the grand final and lost to a penalty shoot-out against New South Wales City.
Thomson said she was also proud her team fought hard during the last match.
“It was very disappointing to lose, especially to NSW, but we played well and we played hard and that’s all you can ask for,” she said.
Thomson said she was pleasantly surprised when the team received All Stars Team medals.
“I didn’t know it was happening until the closing ceremony so it was very unexpected,” she said.
“I’m quite proud of myself for what I achieved at nationals.”
Thomson said she nearly missed the opportunity play at the CFFA competition.
“Originally I was never going to nominate for nationals,” she said.
“When I went to the state competition, a Queensland selector walked up to my coach and then asked me to nominate.”
Thomson said she had a great experience playing, meeting new people and learning to become a better football player.
Another rising star was Neuendorff who also competed at nationals for the first time.
The talented football player was named Queensland’s under-14 boys team captain this year.
Neuendorff and his team were unbeatable every round as their winning streak never faltering.
The players won the grand final against NSW City after a penalty shoot-out when the teams tied at full time with a 0-0 score.
Neuendorff also received an All Stars Team title with at the closing ceremony.
The 14-year-old was awaiting results after trialing last month to be in a Brisbane Roar team.
Senior women’s player Barnes was successful in making the semi finals after all rounds but were beaten by New Zealand.
Seniors men’s player Platell played hard but they did not make the finals.
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
