Young star proves her point, earns State berth

Emerging soccer talent Maddy Obal has proven a point to her sport and herself.

Obal will next week don the black and gold of WA at the State Schoolgirls Under-19s Championships in Canberra.

After being named as a reserve in the team last season, the 17-yearold said her selection for this year’s carnival was particularly sweet.

“It made me hungrier to get it and push myself in the South West league to prove I can get up there,” she said.

Obal is one of two girls from Bunbury to be selected in the team, alongside Amy Szeliga.

The Newton Moore Senior High School student plays for State league outfit Bunbury Forum Force Firebirds and South West Soccer Association team Hay Park.

She has never been selected in a State team before and said she was excited about the tournament, to be held at the Australian Institute of Sport from August 2-9.

“I just want to prove the country has got something to show,” she said.

“Perth teams don’t really think we’ve got much potential but we’ve got experience as well.”

The defender is one of the younger members of the team and will be eligible for selection for the next two seasons.

“The girls in the backline have had so much experience,” she said.

“I think I was the only girl not to play in a State team before.

“One of the girls has played for Australia and in the national league.

“I’m looking forward to challenging myself and trying to relate myself to each player and see if I can step up to their level.”

Obal said her idol was Australian Matildas star Collette McCallum, who overcame two knee reconstructions as a junior before rising to be a dominant force on the international stage.

After herself overcoming the disappointment of missing out on a place last year, Obal has some advice for aspiring players.

“Just keep your head up and keep pushing to prove you can get there,” she said.