CHARLOTTE Bunny, Logan Sambrook and Anthony Omtha have been selected to represent Northern New South Wales at the National Youth Championships in September 2022 in Coffs Harbour.

The talented trio will get the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of Football Australia’s national team staff and technical staff.

North Coast Football (NCF) player and coach development manager Alex Nolan was impressed given the extra difficulty of competing against A-League juniors.

“In previous years, the A-League Academy teams have entered separate teams but this year they are all playing for Northern NSW,” he said.

“Competing for places against players in the Newcastle Jets Football Academy has raised the bar considerably, they have some of the best talent in the state.”

Charlotte Bunny is the youngest North Coast player to be selected but coach Nolan has no doubt in her ability.

“While Charlotte was competing against players a year older than her, there was no doubt in my mind that she would be selected.

“She’s come a long way over the last six months having to adapt to the game speed of the boys under 13s National Premier League (NPL) isn’t easy but she’s stood up to the challenge and been able to unlock most teams she’s played against.

“She’s a natural creator, very technical on the ball and able to break down a team with one pass, she’s got a very bright future ahead of her.

“We have some really strong females in our program and it was actually a bit disappointing not to see more called up to the squads,” said Nolan.

Golden boot winning striker Logan Sambrook was the second NCF player to be named for the eleven day tournament which starts on 19 September.

“The U14s boys team is a mix between some Newcastle Jets players and the most talented players in the state,” said Nolan.

“Logan’s a powerful striker who can be utilised in quite a few positions.

“While leading the season in the golden boot race, Logan’s also a competitor and will step-up in big moments.

“Our under 14s are very strong and there were one or two of our other boys who narrowly missed out.”

Anthony Omtha has bounced back from injury and proved his quality when it mattered most to gain selection.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” said Nolan.

“He has been playing some very good football recently and on his day he can be one of the best players in the league.

“He has had a disrupted last twelve months with sickness and injury so it’s great to see him fighting fit and being rewarded for his performances.

“I went to one of the under 15s elite games and it would have been a very tough decision for the coach of who to pick and who to leave out.”

By David WIGLEY