SINCE her days at Wallerawang Primary School, Holly Beecroft was always destined for greater things in her sport of football.
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She put her hand up to go in goals for the Wang school side and since then has never looked back and now finds herself in the Australian under 14 Futsal side to tour the United Kingdom in October this year.
Her selection followed outstanding performances for the NSW Country West under 13 side at the Australian Futsal nationals held at Penrith.
Holly’s side went through undefeated to take out the Australian title after defeating NSW City North 2-nil, drawing with Queensland City 3-all; defeating Country 5-2 and Queensland West 10-nil.
Following the preliminary rounds, Holly’s team finished first in their pool and were into the semi finals.
They were up against the strong Queensland City who they had previously drawn with in the early rounds and after another close match won their way into the final with a hard fought 2-1 win with Holly making some great saves.
It was another cliff-hanger in the final when they took on Northern NSW and again it was only one goal difference with NSW Country West getting up 4-3 and taking out the gold medal as Australian champions.
Such are her talents, Holly was asked to step up and take on the goalie role for NSW Country under 15 in the next age group up.
After another hectic round of matches, Holly had a silver medal to go with her gold with the 15s finishing Australian runners-up.
They went down 5-4 in the grand final with Holly unable to play in the final match as her under 13 final was on at the same time.
Holly has a rare claim to fame as she was the only goalie to score a goal during the nationals after leaving her goals and going upfield to score.
Following the nationals a presentation was held at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club where Holly was named in the All Star team.
Only five girls, including one goalie, were all from the under 13 teams.
From the All Star selection, an international panel selected an under 14 Australian Futsal team to tour the United Kingdom in October this year.
Holly will have her own private cheer squad with her very proud parents Joe and Sloan Beecroft joining her on the tour.
Holly’s coaches said Holly is a real talent and has a great attitude for a goalie.
“It is a tough position and her agility and courage are exceptional.
“She can read a game really well and her positional play is why she stands above the rest of the goalies.
“Her game will really blossom from touring the UK as Futsal is really strong over there, but she will be able to handle the standard with ease.”
Holly thanks her parents and family for their support and to her coaches, teammates and to all those who have helped her on her journey to Australian representation.
