Jeremy Galabadaarachchi will represent under-13 Victoria Metro later this month at the National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour. 87352 Picture: JARROD POTTER
By JARROD POTTER
GALABADAARACHCHI is quickly becoming a name synonymous with junior soccer success in Pakenham with the announcement that Jeremy will head to Coffs Harbour later this month to represent Victoria Metro under-13 boys in the National Youth Championships.
Jeremy, 13, from Pakenham, impressed selectors in his time with the Southern BlueTongues and qualified for a training group spot on the list, before earning his call up to the final squad earlier this month.
“I was very happy to make the team,” Jeremy said.
“I’ve done this before, but in Futsal, but I’m very excited to go.
“We’ve got a pretty good team – some aren’t as good as the others, but we play really good soccer and have a good chance of winning quite a few games.
“I’m not sure if we’ll win the whole thing, but we have a very good team and can win.
The hard-working midfielder already has an impressive résumé – having travelled to England last September with the World Football Group to play teams from Manchester City, Blackpool, Everton and Aston Villa.
After initially playing most of his soccer on the wings, Jeremy was moved into the centre and has enjoyed the experience, but also enjoys his time at either end of the ground doing whatever job is asked of him.
“I started as a winger, but one of the coaches decided I’d be better in midfield and I’ve enjoyed playing there ever since,” Jeremy said.
“I like playing midfield, but I get to play a bit of each position – I get to go to the wing, defence and forward – and I enjoy passing and moving and enjoy scoring goals, but I also like going to the defence and helping out and being everywhere on the field.”
He switches zones for summer competition this season, now a South East Cougar as opposed to a BlueTongue and if fortune falls his way, he could be in line for a call up to the National Training Centre squad, but for the time being he’s focused on the task at hand – giving his all for Victoria.
