Jimboomba soccer star Zayde Smith has been chosen to participate in an overseas trip for a talented players squad.
The Player Pathways squad is for players in the under 11 and 12 age divisions and will play teams in the United Kingdom and Holland over two weeks in September.
Each tour participant is required to pay $6000, so the Smith’s are trying to get local backing to help Zayde to the tour.
Games will be played against Stoke City, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Ajax.
The very committed midfielder has pulled out of school futsal team to be available for the trip.
Zayde said he was very excited, albeit nervous to go on the trip.
“My ultimate goal is to be a professional player, for Manchester United,” he said.
Zayde was chosen for the squad after a three day clinic held in the school holidays.
Parents Madonna and Trent Smith said Zayde had just taken it all in his stride.
This is the chance of a lifetime and a massive experience for him.
- Trent Smith
“This will just expose him to so much,” Mr Smith said.
“He will learn from academy players and it will be good for him to see what it takes.
“I think it’ll make him hungry for it.
“This is the chance of a lifetime and a massive experience for him.”
Player Pathways Director Jamie Dixon said Zayde has exceptional one on one skills and has good balance with the ball.
“This trip with give them a better understanding of game play,” he said.
“It shows them what it takes and it’s good competition.
“We find it’s an eye opener to world football for them.”
Ms Smith said she would be looking for sponsors and raffle donations to help with the fundraising for the trip.
To help contact Ms Smith on 0409 498 302.
