Benalla's Meagan Webster has taken her silky smooth soccer skills interstate, helping Victoria claim a second place finish in the School Sport Australia championships in Brisbane last month.
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Selected in the 18-and-under girls’ soccer squad in August, Webster, who recently turned 16, said the week-long tournament was an incredible experience.
“It was really good, though the heat was brutal for anyone not from Queensland,” Webster said with a laugh.
“It was a top league, high intensity and quality. The professionalism was incredible, just to be in that environment was amazing.”
With the competition played at Moreton Central Sports Complex in Burpengary, each state played five games for the week.
Facing off against teams from Queensland, NSW, ACT, South Australia and Western Australia, Victoria claimed three out of five victories.
But in the end it finished behind its biggest rival, NSW, for the gold medal.
Webster, who played in defence, as well as moving up on the wing, said there had been a steep learning curve at the beginning of the week, but ultimately she was happy with how she performed.
“I struggled in the first two games with the heat and intensity,” Webster said.
“But in my third game, against Western Australia, I think I really showed myself there.”
The teen also received a special mention from the Australian coaches, who applauded her sportsmanship.
After her Western Australia opponent went down with an injured ankle, Webster helped get the attention of the trainers before staying beside the player to help out.
With the soccer season wrapped up for another year, Webster has her eyes set on a big 2020.
And it could include moving to a higher league, with Webster set to try out for a number of Melbourne clubs.
“I received invitations to a few big clubs, so I’m looking forward to that,” Webster said.
