Webster bends it all the way to Brisbane

By Meg Saultry

Aug 27, 2019

Local soccer star Meagan Webster is one of 16 players named in the Team Vic 18 Years and Under Girls' Soccer Squad to travel to Brisbane next month for the school championships, after impressing in three training sessions in Melbourne this month.

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After initially being named as an emergency, Webster was told of her inclusion in the squad on August 17 after a player withdrew.

The 15-year-old said she was “a bit heartbroken” to initially miss out, but following the news was excited as well as a bit nervous, for the opportunity placed in front of her.

What was to come would be a bit of a whirlwind, she said, with practice matches scheduled for each Friday night in the lead-up to the September 14-20 tournament, as well as promotional photo shoots.

But it’s the team’s on-field performance the Benalla P-12 College student is most interested in getting right.

“We’re kind of thrown into the deep end,” Webster said.

“The girls and I have a short time to bond. It’s hard to form a bond in such a short time, especially when your aim is to win a championship.

“It’ll be difficult, but it’s a good experience.”

After being picked for the training squad after only one trial, Webster said her three Wednesday Melbourne-based training sessions were pretty straightforward.

“It was quite similar to the trials,” she said.

“The girls got a lot closer when you’d go out to have kick before training.

“It was quite laid-back — just getting to know everyone.

“But you were still trying to put in the work to get into the team.”

Ahead of the week-long tournament, Webster aims to mentally and physically prepare as much as she can.

“It’s quite a bombshell of a competition,” she said.

“As I said, you are thrown in the deep end.

“I’ll be prepping to be at my best before I head away.”

Alongside the practice matches, Webster continues to train with her club Shepparton South, with no clashes between her Tuesday and Thursday night club training and her commitments to the state team.

“Shepp had to sign off on a form to let me play," she said.

“This competition takes precedent.

“They were really happy for me, and happy to sign off.”

Webster would like to thank the community its support, and will be fundraising ahead of the tournament with a sausage sizzle at Woolworths on Father's Day (this Sunday, September 1). She is also seeking sponsorship opportunities.