Golden opportunities

September 27 2007

Shepparton News

Two of the Goulburn Valley's most promising soccer talents - Christian Georgopoulos and Cody Selwood - will compete for Victoria Country under-14s at the Qantas Australian National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour on Sunday.

The two were selected in June to represent Victoria Country after coming through gruelling trials and proving their skills, fitness and attitude to coach David Broadbent.

Broadbent said Selwood and Georgopoulos would both get a chance to show their wares to scouts at what is considered a major hunting ground for Australian talent.

"We have a rotation system in the squad, so both the boys will get game time, there's no doubt about that," Broadbent said.

"I'm confident that the boys will be able to handle the exposure and the pressure.

"We've challenged this squad in preparation by putting them up against the under-16s, they're ready for the national championships."

The Goulburn Valley duo is set to play an integral role for Victoria Country.

"We'll be using a player like Christian to try and get into scoring positions because he has a fantastic shot on him," Broadbent said.

"He's a strapping lad and not even one of the biggest ones in the team, but then we have shorter guys like Cody who have a lot of pace."

Selwood and Georgopoulos faced off in the under-15 North Eastern Soccer League Grand Final for Tatura and Shepparton United respectively at the weekend; both scoring goals as United won 3-2.

"It's good to hear that they both scored in the grand final, I was talking to both of them after the game and it was good to hear," Broadbent said.