At the start of the month, local footballers competed in scorching conditions at the Lower North Coast Schools Opens Boys Football trials in Port Macquarie.
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On offer was the chance to attend the North Coast Opens Football Trials in Tweed Heads on March 25.
After the event, locals Ethan Hocking and Isaac Jones from Nambucca Heads High School were offered a spot, while Kamden Walker from Macksville was offered a place as a reserve.
Coach and Nambucca Heads High School teacher Clay Urquhart spoke to the Guardian about how the team made up of Nambucca Heads and Macksville players performed on the day.
"Our team was made up of eight from Nambucca Heads and three from Macksville," he said.
"All the boys played out of their skin, they played some wonderful football and had a ball despite the burning heat."
Even though only two out of eleven were offered a confirmed spot at the next level, Urquhart believes that more of the team had the ability to be chosen.
"They all played really well as a team, two stood out, but the team itself was made up of great, talented kids, we could easily have had more chosen," he said.
"The team performed well overall, and was one of the standouts at the event.
"The lads also played the entire day without subs in the blistering heat, two games were back to back, and then they had a third after a break, full credit to them."
With the next trial fast approaching, Ethan Hocking is confirmed to be taking up the offer, while Isaac Jones couldn't be reached before the time of publication.
"All have talent and speed in abundance, and they are great kids, they could all excel at the next trials if they decide to go," Urquhart said.
"Kamden Walker has made the reserve list and has a good chance of getting a call up if one of the other players pull out.
"I'm proud of the player's sportsmanship and happy for the schools; they all carried themselves well."
