Hume City’s Matthew Farrugia is doing all the right things to achieve his dream of playing in the A-league.
The 16-year-old has made the move from state league to the National Premier League and recently joined a prestigious soccer college.
The next step is travelling to China with his Melbourne City College of Football teammates to compete at the International School Soccer Tournament in Shanghai.
The college, which is based at John Fawkner College, will represent Australia at the tournament in July.
Involving 16 teams, the tournament is being hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Shanghai City Government.
Melbourne City College of Football was picked after it finished runners-up at the School Sport Victoria state finals.
Farrugia said he was thrilled to get the opportunity to travel to China.
“I’m really excited and looking forward to it,” he said. “They selected 21 students and five staff to go. There was a selection process and it was based on education, work ethic and performance. I definitely thought I was a chance of being picked.”
The Rockbank resident, who bases his game on Socceroo Mathew Leckie (who grew up in Melton), says he expects the tournament to be another level above what he plays in Australia
He said the communication barrier was something else that would test the group.
It’s been a big couple of years for Farrugia who not only changed schools but clubs to follow his sporting dream.
“I moved schools from Melton this year,” he said. “We had to trial to attend the [John Fawkner] school and try to get in one of three different programs.
“There are the community, development and elite programs. It was a hard selection with over 200 students applying. I got in the elite program.”
Farrugia, who normally plays on the right or left wing, started his soccer at state league side Spring Hills, and now plays for National Premier League club, Hume City.
- Hume City players heading to China include Esad Saglam, Samual Butcher, Eden Brandon, Miguel Caceras, Tom Harris and Matthew Farrugia. Picture Damjan Janevski.
Five of his Hume City teammates are part of the team which will travel to China.
“State league was a bit easier than the NPL, which is a harder competition,” he said
. “It’s a lot more challenging and I’m always looking for a challenge.”
Long term, Farrugia wants to progress through the age groups at Hume City before hopefully playing in the top competition in Australia.
“Hopefully I’ll make an A-League side, it’s the dream,” he said.
Anyone wanting to donate or sponsor the trip can contact: mcdowell.kieran.j@edumail.vic.gov.au or call 93591166
