Jeremy Boyce will achieve a lifelong dream when he pulls on the Green and Gold of the Pararoos against Canada in Sydney next weekend.
The Pararoos haven’t played on home soil since before Boyce was born, and now the 17-year-old is primed to make his debut for the national side when they host Canada at Cromer Park on Saturday, November 30, the Pararoos’ first game in Australia in 19 years.
For Boyce, his first international cap will end his lifelong journey to become a Pararoo, and begin his next journey towards becoming a first-team regular.
“My one goal is to play for Australia,” Boyce said.
“Ever since I was five years old I wanted to play professionally with the Socceroos.
“Now for that opportunity to play with the Pararoos, I feel honoured.”
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Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert announced his 14-man squad yesterday for the friendly against Canada.
Among the squad are seasoned veterans Christopher Pyne (102 caps) and captain David Barber, who is primed to make his 100th appearance in Green and Gold against Canada next weekend.
But, as Barber chalks up a century of appearances, Boyce and fellow NSW product Timothy Blowes will look to make their first, in an exciting occasion for the two youngsters to be played in their home state.
Boyce heads into his first Pararoos clash with the momentum of a rigorous training program which has earned him his first call-up to the national squad, and has him brimming with confidence ahead of making his debut.
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“I feel so relieved at the moment,” Boyce said.
“All the hours training I feel like I’ve been aiming for this debut for the last year since I got started with the Pararoos.
“I’m fit and ready for the game, at the moment training 4 or 5 times a week.
“At the moment it’s pretty [full] on, but going into next week I’m going to lay off a bit.
“For this opportunity to come I feel honoured, but I know I need to work harder now.”
You can buy tickets to the Pararoos’ friendly against Canada at Cromer Park on Saturday, November 30, kick-off: 5:30pm AEDT, with 100 per cent of ticket sales invested back into the Pararoos’ programme
Tickets are available via Pararoos.com.au
Pararoos v Canada – International Friendly
Date: Saturday, 30 November 2019
Venue: Cromer Park (South Creek Road, Cromer, NSW)
Kick-off: 5.30pm AEDT