NORTH Coast footballer Alice Webster is thriving at the Newcastle Jets Football Academy, playing representative football on multiple fronts.

Alice played in the North Coast Football (NCF) program for five years from 2017 in the under 12 girls Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) and finished in 2021 playing in the under 15 boys Premier Youth League.

The talented fullback shared her football journey to the Newcastle Jets.

“Since 2017 when I first became involved with NCF I have undertaken many trials and games for the SAP State championships and played many games for the boys NPL at the Northern NSW football facility at Speers Point,” she said.

“In 2021 I trialled for and was offered a position in the 20 week Wonder Woman programme with Western Sydney Wanderers.

“Towards the end of this program I was asked to trial for a position at the Newcastle Jets Academy.

“I like to think it was a combination of the above and support from my NCF coaches that led to me being in the Jets Academy.

“I have completed one year with the academy and I am still living with my host family and focusing on the 2023 season,” Webster said.

Alice’s skills as a defender who initiates attacks in the transition have caught the eye of regional and national representative coaches.

“I play for Hunter Sports High School in Newcastle – we play against other sports high schools in the Sydney zone.

“I also represent the Hunter regional team which competed at the Combined High School State titles in Bathurst last year, we came second in the tournament.

“Last year I represented the NSW Country U18 team at the National Talent Challenge in Canberra.”

But training at the Jets requires commitment and a good alarm clock.

“Training is going well, I have been training with the Jets Academy first grade team.

“We train from 6:30 am until 7:45 am four mornings per week.

“We also play games against other NPL teams on Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons in either Sydney or Newcastle.”

The Year 12 student has set several goals for the year whilst balancing her studies.

“Goals for this year are to keep playing in the first grade team for the academy and being selected in the Hunter combined high school team again.

“I would also like to be selected in the NSW Country team again this year.

“I also have to keep on top of my year 12 school work and finish with good grades.”

Naturally Alice has her eyes focused on this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which starts in July.

“Extremely exciting to have the world’s most talented female footballers showcase their skills in Australia,” she said.
“It will also demonstrate how big women’s football has become across the world.

“I am really hoping to get to some games in either Sydney or Brisbane depending upon my football and school commitments.

“My favourite player is Ellie Carpenter who plays in my position – I enjoy her style of play,” Alice said.

By David WIGLEY