Golden boot fits for teen prodigy

FORMER Irymple Knights talent Alexis Pantazopoulos has been scoring goals for fun this football season but took her form to another level at the recent national championships.

The teenager won the golden boot award at the Football Australia Girls’ National Youth Championships last week, hitting the back of the net seven times for Victoria Blue in the under-15 category.

Pantazopoulos and teammates were ranked third in the tournament which was held at the home of the Matildas – La Trobe University.

The competition was ultimately was won by NSW Metro.

The Irymple graduate has been in brilliant form for the National Training Centre Under -15 side, who play in the NPL VIC Girls’ Under-17 division, booting a massive 29 goals from her 19 matches this season.

Her hauls have included five hat-tricks, including one in the first half in recent weeks against ladder leaders Bulleen Lions.

It follows the striker booting 47 goals in the NPL Under-15 competition last year, which earned her a scholarship to renowned sports school Penleigh and Essendon Grammar this year.

A member of the Melbourne Victory A-League academy, Pantazopoulos said late last year of her ambition is to break into the A-League side in the coming years and play professionally in England.

Fellow Sunraysia club Nichols Point also had representation at the tournament with Caitlyn Czapla taking to the pitch for South Australia in the under-16s tournament.

Czapla and her teammates were ranked ninth as she featured in all six matches for the state side.

The emerging talent has been plying her trade with Fulham United in Adelaide.

Another Knights talent in Luka Primarano is currently playing for Victoria Silver under-15s in the boys youth championships, which are taking place in Wollongong this week.

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