ALEXIS Pantazopoulos is ready to kick goals as a part of the School Sports Victoria (SSV) 12 years and under state soccer team.
The 12-year-old, who plays for Irymple Knights, was this year selected for the state side through the St Paul’s Primary School team.
This has also led to her selection for the Sydney International Cup, a three-day tournament now under way at Cromer Park Sports Complex that provides a unique end-of-season tournament for junior teams across Australia.
Pantazopoulos said she was “very excited” when she found out about her spot and was looking forward to “learning more and becoming a stronger player” on the team.
This selection is a step in the right direction for the talented attacker, who has big plans.
“I probably want to play for Australia one day,” she said.
Pantazopoulos was the leading goal scorer in the Football Federation Sunraysia under 12 competition in 2021, hitting the back of the net 34 times, while she has also played a number of games for the Knights’ Senior Women’s side.
SSV and its state teams have struggled to get games happening this year, with COVID-19 restrictions forcing the cancellation or postponement of many sports competitions.
During the months of lockdown, Pantazopoulos said she was sent videos from Melbourne to help her train.
“(SSV) sent us videos and we’d copy what they do.”
She said this helped her keep motivated and ready to go.
Pantazopoulos’ sister Elly said she was “pretty proud” of what her younger sister was achieving.
“Coming from Mildura and playing with all the kids from Melbourne, it’s a pretty big thing,” she said.
