FOOTBALL legend Garry van Egmond is a fair judge of talent and character – and in Kempsey youngster Ethan Pollard-Smith, he reckons he’s found a good ‘un.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The onetime Socceroo who managed Newcastle Jets to an A-League Championship, watched Ethan go about his work in the grand final of the National Premier League. He liked what he saw.
Ethan, 14, was playing for the Football Mid North Coast side who defeated the Emerging Jets in the decider.
Suitably impressed, van Egmond invited Ethan to link with the Emerging Jets 15s in 2017 – a potential pathway to making it as a professional player.
The Year 8 St Paul’s College student told the Argus he would be able to stay in Kempsey next year, and travel to Newcastle on Tuesdays and Fridays for training.
“I was pretty happy to get the opportunity,” Ethan said.
His father, Matt Smith, said he was grateful to the 14s Football Mid North Coast brains trust who found a spot for Ethan when they had basically settled on a squad for 2016.
Coming in late meant Ethan, normally a striker, filled a centre back role, a challenge he enjoyed.
After the National Premier League final, Ethan represented at the National Youth Championships at Coffs Harbour, where again van Egmond was a scout.
Ethan told the Argus he is unsure how far he might go in the sport, but is excited to continue to develop as a player.
“It’s little steps,” said proud dad Matt.
