Sport
28 November, 2023
Narangba kid kicks it right back to Barca
Narangba-based youngster Kobi Wills is ready for the trip of a lifetime, as he catches a plane to Barcelona this weekend for a 10-day Barca Academy Clinic.
Having played for the Narangba Eagles juniors for six years, including U13s this year, Kobi earned selection for the Barcelona-based clinic after taking part in a Barca Academy Clinic training camp at St Lucia College in September.
With the Barcelona-based soccer academy staging these clinics around Australia each year and attracting thousands of participants from U8s to U16s, only about 30 players are chosen for the illustrious opportunity awaiting Kobi.
Kobi made the cut for the U14 age group, having impressed the coaches and scouts with his dedication, hard work and attitude on top of his skills and ability.
Having never been overseas before, the 13-year-old Kobi said he felt good about the impending adventure. “Nervous, amazed and surprised,” he said.
“I didn’t know if I was going to make the squad.” A year 7 student at the Burpengary-based St Eugene College, Kobi supports Liverpool FC and said he hoped to play for Liverpool FC or Barcelona some day.
A defensive player who usually lines up at right back or centre right back, Kobi said he particularly admired Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
After arriving in Barcelona on Sunday, Kobi and the other Australian squad members are set to attend a soccer match in Madrid that night.
Training and so-called ‘friendly matches’ are scheduled for much of the ensuing week, with proceedings often starting at 8am, before dinner takes place at 7pm or as late as 9pm.
Another feature on the first Monday will be a visit to the prominent football store called Futbolmania, before the following Monday includes a visit to Port Aventura Theme Park.
Kobi and his dad Garry said the experience could open doors for Kobi, while it should enable him to be “noticed a bit more” when he resumes playing soccer in Australia.
