BIG things are happening for Tea Gardens local soccer player Samuel Webb, who’s just been selected to play in the Australian Indigenous National Football Team.

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The 19 year old, was one of only 20 players chosen from the recent Australian Indigenous Football Championships held over three days in Brisbane earlier this month.

“I’m really thrilled,” Samuel said.

“There were over 300 male players in the tournament and selectors watched eight games over the week,” Samuel told News Of The Area.

Mum, Jan Webb, said “Samuel, a proud Worimi descendant, was part of this inaugural tournament held in Logan which showcased 14 Indigenous men’s and 12 Indigenous women’s teams from First Nations from around the country.”

“We’re just so excited,” Jan said.

“I’m a bit overwhelmed, it was a crazy experience but our team all performed so well,” Samuel added.

Samuel, who started his football with the Tea Gardens Soccer Club, has been playing football in Newcastle since he was in primary school and recently moved to Newcastle to be closer to football and continue his passion for fitness as qualified personal trainer.

“I really have to thank my family, as Mum drove me to Newcastle from the time I was 10 until I could get my driver’s licence.”

Samuel has played in the Northern NSW National Premier League for Broadmeadow Magic for the last four years.

Jan Webb said, “Playing left wing and left back position, Samuel represented the Newcastle All Stars men’s team where they reached the Grand Final against the Brisbane Warrigals, the game was 1-1 at full time and then progressed to penalty shootout, where they lost, but it was a great match.”

Next year, will see Samuel play First Grade for the NPL team Lake Macquarie City Football club, the Roosters, and he’s already in training.

“I’m really excited about the next 12 months,” Samuel said.

“I really want to keep improving my game and hopefully go onwards and upwards.”

Samuel along with two of his Newcastle teammates who were also picked for the Australian Indigenous Football Squad will compete at the Arafura Games in Darwin in April next year.

By: Margie TIERNEY