Two schools students from Forest Lake will play in the Pacific Championships, a soccer tournament held by Football Queensland on the Sunshine Coast.
St John’s Anglican College’s Charlie Bullock and Maruva Nepal will play in the Richland Lions FC U12/13 Girls team at the Championships, which will be held from 30 September to 5 October.
Only three junior Lions teams were qualified to play in the championships: two U12 Boys teams and the team that Charlie and Maruva will play for.
Charlie began playing soccer at St John’s three years ago when she was in Year 4. She’s a Year 7 student this year, and enjoyed the game so much that she joined the Lions this year.
Maruva, a Year 4 student, began playing soccer last year with her friends at first, and then in teams at school and soccer clubs.
For both girls, the Pacific Championships will be their first tournament. Lions FC Operations Manager Matt Field said the championship matches were an important step in developing skill and experience in junior division players.
“Teams that usually play in a non-competitive Miniroos space are given an opportunity to play results-based matches,” Mr Field said.
“As they step up into the U13 phase, where results are recorded, it’s a chance to finish the season with competitive matches against teams from across the state and get an indication of their development.”
Maruva, who plays in a midfield position, said she was excited and proud to be playing in the tournament.
“I have played in school and club games and had great experiences,” she said.
“I was really excited to tell my friends that my dream came true.”
Charlie, who plays as the goalie or in defense, also said she was excited to compete with the Lions FC team, who are completing extra training sessions ahead of the tournament.
“This week [22 September], I am attending a Goalkeeper Coaching Clinic at Lions FC as well as extra training sessions with the team,” Charlie said.
“I’m hoping my team and I will also be able to compete in the Football Queensland 2025 Metro Girls United Carnival on 15 November 2025 at Nudgee Recreation Reserve.”
