By: Jingwei Zhao

Ten-year-old Michaela Togias has caught the eyes of English Premier League Academy scouts and they have offered her a chance to play in the UK. There were around 60 people from 10 to 19 years old at the tryouts and Togias was one of the youngest. She said, “At the end of the showcase the scouts asked to speak to my mum and told her that I have what it takes to play in the UK. Hearing that from them put a big smile on my face.” Togias wants to make her country proud, just like her idols Harry Kane and Ellie Carpenter. “I have great coaches who push me to play at my best, I train hard every day and put my all into every training session and game,” she said.

Togias is super grateful for her family’s and friends’ support, as well as the immense support from her coaches. Her coaches consist of members at Macarthur Rams, Futboltec, and Olympic runner Hayley Butler. John Pladas, the Director of Global Football Network Manchester UK, said that Togias was outstanding during the two days she performed in Sydney. He said that “Michaela took in all the information provided by our EPL scouts Andy and Luke and although she was one of the youngest trialists, her maturity, attitude and ability certainly stood out.” Hayley Butler said that “She always gives 100 percent effort during our speed sessions and at such a young age demonstrates so much talent and determination.”