Andrew Archer has lived and breathed football (soccer) for the last four years. His love and dedication to the sport has given the 14-year-old from Narangba the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom in April for a training camp to further his skills. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is another step forward for Andrew to achieve his dream of one day playing professionally.
It all kicked off when Andrew’s parents signed him up for a local training camp with George Cowie Football. George Cowie is a former Scottish football player and former coach for West Ham United. He is still associated with West Ham and runs these training camps in affiliation with them.
“Upon completion of the two-day local training camp out at Redcliffe, I was then one of a few children chosen to attend the national training camp held for five days down on the Gold Coast,” Andrew said. “Once I completed that training camp I was then invited to attend the two-week training camp over in the UK.
“This camp means so much to me. My parents and family have supported me throughout this whole journey and to be invited to train and play overseas doing what I love most is just too exciting to describe.”
A Passion for Goalkeeping and a Dream for the Future
Andrew currently plays for the Narangba Eagles Football Club and has been there since his football journey first started. It’s unlikely you’ll find this youngster out in the midfield, with his chosen position in between the goalposts.
“The reason I wanted to be a goalkeeper is because to me it is the most fun position on the field and it’s where I play my best,” Andrew said. “Last season was my first as a full-time goalkeeper and that really cemented my love for the position and my desire to play professionally as a goalkeeper.
“My overall dream is to become starting goalkeeper for Liverpool, but I would be happy no matter who I play for, I just really would love to play professionally.”
With the full support of his family behind him, it’s no surprise that Andrew’s parents are extremely proud of his achievements. His dad Nathan describes Andrew as someone who pushes himself to the limit because he truly does love the sport and his whole family firmly supports him in that passion.
“Andrew has blown me away with not only his skills and ability…which I honestly have no idea where he gets it from, hahaha,” Nathan said. “But also his dedication. He will show up to training at least an hour beforehand just to do his own warm-ups and try and pick the brains of older players and his coaches.
“For him to make it to this level and earn an invitation to the UK to train is just phenomenal. This really gives him the best opportunity to showcase his skills to world-class coaches and really opens the door for him to be scouted for a professional club for later down the track.”
Andrew and his family are now working hard to make his dream trip come to life. They have created a GoFundMe page and would love the support of the community. Please visit: gofund.me/1bce8120
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