In just one season Tye Walker went from being a late inclusion in his club side to gaining selection in the 2017 Under 9’s Emerging Jets Squad. The high performance squad is a part of a program underpinned by a tri-party agreement between the National Body (Football Federation Australia), the Member Federation (Northern New South Wales Football) and the local Hyundai A-League club (Newcastle Jets). Securing a spot by definition provides young players with a succinct and clearly discernible development pathway to the PS4 National Premier League, Foxtel National Youth League, Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League. And, now the talented centre-back come striker will travel to Spain and Portugal in 2018 to play in the prestigious Iber Cup.
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Despite only attending two of the three trials conducted by the Jobe Wheelhouse Football Academy where they were told selections were based on “pure skill”. In other words being an Emerging Jet did not guarantee him automatic selection, explains his proud mum, Kylie Walker. “He has always had a ball at his feet and would sleep with one if I would let him,” she says. This rare opportunity to take part in one of the world’s most important Youth Football tournament that sees more than 800 teams from 60 countries compete – including the likes of Manchester City, Atletic Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Liverpool FC – means they will have to do some fundraising.
Ms Walker says it is going to cost $7200 for the trip so they are hoping to get some sponsors on board and they are already planning some fundraisers.
