By Dejan Kalinic
JAMIE Magro has high hopes of taking his soccer talents to even greater levels.
The 14-year-old Sanctuary Lakes resident has played in back-to-back seasons with the Western Wolves in the Victorian Champions League, pitting the state’s best juniors against each other.
After being one of 70 to trial, he was in the under 14s squad of 20 that claimed the title with a 2-1 win against the North East Diamonds.
But his club coach, Keilor Park’s Lino Grech, had even better news when he arrived at training one afternoon, informing him he had been selected in the Victorian state training squad of 35.
“I was really happy. I didn’t really expect it. I knew I had a pretty good season, especially in the finals,” Magro said.
“It is a big achievement. There are so many kids that play and there are a lot of good kids, especially in Victoria. It’s probably the best state for the boys.”
Magro’s hard work is beginning to pay dividends. Along with training at Keilor Park under Grech, he is coached by Michael Pitchner at the Emmanuel College Soccer Academy at his school in Altona North.
The centre-back said he was comfortable playing in any defensive position and is keen to stand out from other players.
“I’m pretty quick for a defender. There are not many fast defenders,” Magro said.
“I’m pretty strong on the ball and pretty good in the air as well.”
He remembers developing his interest in the game while attending sister Stephanie’s training sessions in Hoppers Crossing.
Soccer is a family affair in the Magro household with Jamie’s younger brother Shane also making his mark, while Stephanie is a National Training Centre representative. But it is Jamie who could yet be the brightest talent as he aims for the heights of the A-League and abroad.
