Karratha juniors offered US soccer scholarships

Four young Karratha soccer players will look to pack their bags for the US after being head-hunted for a soccer scholarship program.

Kenton Smiler, 14, Cooper Balfour, James Baguley, 16, and Richard Shaw, 15 have all been scouted by NSR Australia.

Balfour will be the first of the group to head over, with plans to be in the US by August next year.

“Soccer started when I was young, my older brother sort of pushed me to play harder,” he said.

“When I was asked to play in a representative team in 2013, that’s when I realised my training and effort had turned out well.”

Balfour plans on undertaking a physiotherapy degree while in the US.

Shaw said it was a privilege to be chosen for the NSR scholarship.

“Its crazy that we have this opportunity,” he said.

“The competition here is actually really good, there are a lot of good players.”

Smiler, who like the rest will head over when he reaches Year 12, said he was starting to get used to his recent fame after appearing on Seven News recently.

“I hadn’t thought about representing my State when I started, I just liked playing,” he said.

“Its a really big move. It will suck when I leave but I’m looking forward to hit.”

Wirlu-Murra Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation spokeswoman Rachael Cooyou said Kenton had set a good example for young children, indigenous and non-indigenous, across Australia.

Kenton’s mother Shanna Stevens said her son was looking to study architecture and design while in the US.

“I’m pretty scared about him leaving home buts it’s once in a lifetime opportunity for him to go and I am very proud.”

James Baguley said playing soccer professionally had been a dream since he was a kid.

“I don’t know how my parents are going to cope with the move, but I reckon I will be fine,” he said,

Karratha and Districts Junior Soccer Association spokeswoman Maria Baguley said to have four players scouted was “huge” for the club.

“The KDJSA is only a small club run by parents, and a small committee,” she said.

“Rio Tinto gave $52,000 over three years to develop soccer for the kids and coaches so it’s good to see the fruits of our labour pay off.”

Baguley said she was proud of her son and the other three players for getting recognised.