FIVE footballers from the North Coast have been selected to represent Northern New South Wales at the National Youth Championships in July.

Charlotte Bunny and Phoebe Oliver have been chosen to play for the Under-15 girls’ team.

They will have the opportunity to play at the home of the Matildas at La Trobe University in Melbourne from July 3 to 8.

Charlotte and Phoebe are from Boambee FC and Northern Storm respectively, and represent the North Coast in the Premier Youth League (PYL).

Logan Sambrook and Anderson Haldon were selected for the Boys Under-16s team, alongside Dominic Omtha, who was chosen for the Boys Under-15s.

Football NSW will host the Boys Championships at WIN Stadium, JJ Kelly Park and Ian McLennan Park in Wollongong from July 16 to 21.

The three boys hail from Northern Storm, Gungahlin United, and Coffs City United, and represent the North Coast in the PYL.

North Coast head coach Greg Brown, a former Socceroo and Matildas coach, hailed this as a great opportunity.

“Playing in the Nationals is a fantastic chance to perform in front of national team coaches and selectors,” he said.

“It’s where the best players from around the country converge, so there will also be talent scouts from the A-League looking for the next generation of players.

“National selectors and scouts can benchmark the players to select ‘The Joeys’, and hopefully, some of our players will get a tap on the shoulder.

“It’s all about bringing your best performances to the table.

“Many of the players are from A-League academies, so we are delighted to have such a strong representation.

“Last year, only Logan Sambrook made the team, so we are thrilled he was selected again and that we have five players going to Nationals.

“It will be a fantastic opportunity,” Brown said.

By David WIGLEY