CAMDEN Haven High School student Havanah Murie is set to represent her country on the international futsal stage.
The talented goalkeeper, 15, has been selected for the U16 Girls Australian Futsal team which is set to compete in Greece in October.
Playing futsal – a five-a-side, indoor version of football – for just two years, her rise through representative levels has been swift.
While playing for a Far North NSW team, Havanah was chosen for the U18 Mid North Coast Cougars, which culminated in her eventual national team selection.
Determined to compete at an elite level, Havanah told News Of The Area, “My aim is to always work hard, never give up, and to fight to the end.
“Because it’s never really over until the final whistle blows.”
The rising star is coached by her dad Andrew Murie, an experienced football player who has also participated in rugby league, cricket, and kickboxing.
“I got her started in soccer, then she branched out into all forms of the game,” said Andrew, who plans to travel with the team to Greece.
“Watching her on the field makes me incredibly proud, and I’m amazed at her talent.”
With an eventual dream to represent the Matildas, Havanah juggles schoolwork alongside 20 hours of futsal training each week.
The cost of the Greece trip will require fundraising, and the family hopes that the local community will help them to fulfil Havanah’s dreams.
By Rachael THORPE
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