Kirby makes the grade as a future NSW soccer star
Eight-year-old Kirby Litterick of Umina has been.selected as one of the few girls ever to take part in the NSW Soccer Federation Coerver Skill squad.
Based at Parklea in North West Sydney, the squad members meet two nights each week for training in the worldwide "new era" Coerver Coaching techniques.
The squad is made up of elite players selected from a state wide talent identification program run by the Federation.
The program consists of less than 20 players, who are asked to give up weekend competition matches so that they can concentrate on skills development.
Players who remain in the squad are expected to move on to playing for top clubs, State squads and eventually to enter an institute of sport for further skills development with the final aim being playing for their country.
It is rare for someone of Kirby's youth and gender to make the squad.
Kirby attends Woy Woy South Public School.
The school had another student in the squad four years ago.
Hewas Michael Payne, who now attends Umina High School and plays for the Central Coast Lakers 13-year age group in the State's strongest youth soccer competition.
Cec Bucello, February 17