Illawarra Sports High student Flynn Madden may be preparing to face opponents a year older than him at the upcoming Australian All Schools Football Championships, but that doesn't mean he'll be taking a backwards step at the competition in Queensland.
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A 15-year-old competing in a 16 years competition, Madden has his eyes set on earning selection in the Australian Schoolboys football team.
While he may be younger than his rivals, Madden is confident he will impress at the competition.
"It was pretty good to get selected," Madden said. "I was pretty stoked. It was a big goal for me to get selected, it's one of the best things that you can do.
"The NSW team is pretty strong. They usually win the competition and get kids selected in the Australian Schoolboys side, so that's my goal to get selected in that team."
Madden earned selection in the NSW team after an impressive performance at the NSW All Schools Championships in June, where his Combined High Schools side took out the state title in undefeated fashion.
The teenager is joined in the NSW team by fellow Illawarra juniors Evan Ball and Logan Mathie.
Madden credits the Illawarra Sports High football program with helping him achieve success both on the field and in the classroom, with the school's relationship with Sydney FC a particularly beneficial arrangement.
"The extra training at Illawarra Sports High has really helped.
"My goal is to do my HSC and try and to get to the A-League and then go even further if I can."
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