Squad in training for Far West Academy of Sport soccer program

The squad of 15 athletes and two reserves were selected from a training camp held in July which was the second phase of selection after more than 40 players attended the initial trials held in early June.

The selected players are:

James Anderson (Cobar), Jayden Bonello (Nyngan), Emily Cater (Trangie), Clayton Chapman (Gilgandra), Daniel Flannery (Trangie), Max Hannelly (Gilgandra), Jack Hawkins (Gilgandra), Zara Hoare (Nyngan), Lachlan Hunt (Tottenham), Kennedy Johnston (Gilgandra), Bryan Mitchell (Cobar), Shannon Purton (Cobar), Dylan Ryan (Coonamble), Tim Walsh (Nyngan). Reserves: Ben Anderson (Cobar) and Liam Wherritt (Nyngan).

The selected players will now have the opportunity to take part in further training under the guidance of experienced coaches, participate in several games and take part in a development tour to Sydney.

FWAS soccer program head coach Brian Bonello was extremely happy the squad had its first training session.

"This squad we have selected this year is probably one of the strongest, if not strongest squads we have had and I am looking forward to working with them for the next 12 weeks," he said. "The standard has increased every year and it is getting more and more difficult to pick the squad. I was really impressed with their first session, they gelled well together and there are a couple of nice combinations already developing.

"Along with the program staff I am really looking forward to working with them and building on their raw potential. I am sure that we will see some great results from the squad this year."

Bonello will be aided by assistant coach Brian Plummer (Tottenham) and manager Lesley Hillam (Tottenham) throughout the program. The squad will have another training day on this Sunday, July 29 in Nyngan before travelling to Parkes on August 12 for the first match.