By: Alex Chu
After getting attention from English Premier League Academy scouts, ten-year-old Michaela Togias will travel to Manchester United’s field for a tournament in January 2023 against big clubs to test her skills on a world stage.
Manchester City and Manchester United scouts were watching the girls at the Global Football Network showcase in Australia in April for hours and hours for 2 days. The training was held for girls aged 10-19 years old. “There were 60 girls at the showcase, and I was a little nervous because I was the youngest and smallest there, but I just gave it my all and had fun,” Michaela 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.” As a Tottenham Hotspur (premier league team) fan, it has been a dream for her to play with the Sydney southwest and now the premier league. She hopes to wear green and gold and to be a Matilda looking up to players like Harry Kane the captain of Hotspur.
“To think that in a few months I’ll be playing in the UK is like a dream come true,” Michaela said. “I hope to one day make my country proud, just like Sam Kerr 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.”
With the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and women’s soccer getting more popular she has become increasingly excited and hopeful about her future. She also mentioned that she loved the support from family, friends, showcase organizers, and her sprint coach. Director of Global Football Network Manchester UK said she was outstanding over the two days she got to show everything she is good at in Sydney.
“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,” he said. “I am looking forward to having Michaela over in Manchester in January working with our coaches, playing many games against some of the best players, and experiencing what pro-players experience during her stay. “
Her selection for the scholarship is well earned and deserved.” Her sprint coach said this was not the end of the twist for her career. “She always gives 100 percent effort during our speed sessions and at such a young age demonstrates so much talent and determination,” Butler said.