Sherer-Richards, who plays with Nathalia in the Murray Football Netball League, was named in the Victorian 14-and-under squad for the School Sports Australia Championships.
An attendee of St Mary of the Angels College at Nathalia, Sherer-Richards fought through three knockout trials, featuring more than 860 others to make one of the two 25-member Victoria squads.
He was the only player from the Murray league to be selected.
“In 2024, I made it through to the second trial for the under-12s, but then got injured, so making the 14-and-under team became my next goal,” Sherer-Richards said.
“I’m really excited to be selected and to wear the Big V.”
With only 229 people and no football facilities at Barmah, Sherer-Richards can often be found snapping one through the local gum trees around his home.
Sherer-Richards’ father David highlighted the extra commitment required to earn selection, coming from the country.
“For the trials alone, we travelled more than 1500km over three weekends, on top of local football commitments the day before,” David said.
“It was a big effort for Paulie, but he loves football, and we would support him no matter what.”
Mum Jennifer backed up the sentiment.
“To see him keep showing up, pushing himself and now earning the chance to represent his school, club and community at state level is very special,” she said.
The School Sport Australia Championships will be held at the La Trobe University Bundoora campus from July 25-31.
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