Darwin teenager selected for Australia’s inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup squad
Mark O’Connor, a 15-year-old midfielder from Darwin Olympic, has been selected for Australia’s squad at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku. He progressed through three Northern Territory clubs and says the selection has left him in disbelief.
Darwin teenager Mark O’Connor has been selected to represent Australia at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 15-year-old midfielder, who plays for Darwin Olympic, will travel with a 14-player squad to face some of the world’s best young footballers. He said he was in shock and disbelief after learning he had been chosen.
O’Connor began playing football in his neighbourhood before joining Greater Palmerston United, Mindil Aces and Darwin Olympic. His development through those local clubs was highlighted by Darwin Olympic president Yianni Prouzos as evidence of the talent available in the Northern Territory. Prouzos praised O’Connor’s movement, scanning, control and determination.
He said the young midfielder had continued to compete despite being physically targeted by opponents. O’Connor said playing in the Northern Territory and travelling interstate as an underdog had prepared him for the international challenge. He said the tournament would allow him to assess his level against some of the world’s leading junior players.
Football Australia selected players from all nine of its member federations, including metropolitan and regional areas. Talent identification lead Michael Cooper said regional players needed role models and a visible pathway to the national team. O’Connor said he had begun at the same level as other children playing for clubs in the Northern Territory and believed hard work and dedication could take players to any level.
His inspiration is Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.
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