SIMMONDS

Emile Simmonds is a 9 year old soccer player who is already showing huge amounts of talent and dedication to the sport. He plays for his local team the Bellingen Bats, and has been invited to attend multiple development programs. The most recent one being an invite to attend a football camp with West Ham United in the UK! He’s busy polishing his skills and raising funds so he can make the most of this incredible opportunity!

Hi Emile. How old were you when you first started playing soccer and what made you want to play?

Hi! I was 5 when I started playing for Bellingen FC. I would have started sooner but they don’t let you play until you’re 5. I’d wanted to play when I was younger because I’d been watching my Dad play my whole life.

What do you love most about the game and playing with your team the Bellingen Bats?

I like dribbling and passing into good spaces. I love scoring goals and watching my friends score goals.

What do you feel have been some of your biggest achievements in football so far?

Scoring a goal in the Futsal Regionals quarter final, that helped my team make it through to the semi finals. It was a great feeling! Also, being selected for the West Ham UK tour. Yes! You have recently been invited to attend a football camp in the UK where you will be participating in some coaching sessions with West Ham United! What did it feel like to receive the email about it and realise it was a possibility?

I was so happy I couldn’t speak. I just had a big smile on my face for ages.

What are you most looking forward to about this trip? What will you be getting up to?

To be trained by the West Ham coaches, in the West Ham facility. We will do training sessions, play some games against West Ham youth teams and watch 4 English Premier League games. We will stay in London and Manchester.

You have been saving all your pocket money towards the trip, and there has now been a GoFundMe fundraiser (gofund.me/f091cd5a) started for you to help you make the trip with your Dad. What would it mean to you to go and how do you think it would help you as a footballer?

It's my dream to become a professional soccer player and this feels like it could be the start of it, so it feels really important!

You’re obviously a very talented player, how often do you normally train and play and what other development programs or groups have you been part of?

I’ve played with the Bello Bats for 4 years. We train once a week and play once a week. I also did the Liverpool training in Coffs Harbour last off season. This off season I did Futsal and was invited to the Nationals and Regionals competitions and most days I kick the ball with my Dad and little brother - he’s really good for a 3 year old!

Who are some of your favourite players or people that inspire you?

Ronaldinho, I love watching his skills.

Leckie, he scored a really good goal in the World Cup for Australia.

Antonio, from West Ham. I’m hoping to meet him over there!

What are your goals and dreams for your future?

To play in the English Premier League and to be a Socceroo, with my brother and score goals for Australia. Thanks Emile.