Bright future ahead

By DAMON FRANCIS
LV Express

Traralgon's Jacqueline Vogt is in her final stages of completing year 12, yet the future is already looking bright for this talented soccer player after she was recently signed by Melbourne Victory.

The opportunity to represent Melbourne in the Australian Women's National soccer league, the W-League, comes only two years after the teenager was named Victoria's most outstanding junior soccer player.

The 17 year-old said the reality of her latest achievement was starting to sink in, noting it was a great feeling to don the team's uniform for the first time.

"It was an amazing feeling and has been a dream come true," Jacqueline said."Ever since the W-League started, it has been my goal to make the Melbourne Victory side."

Putting on her first pair of soccer boots at the ripe age of seven, after being inspired by her pop and brother, Jacqueline took a liking to the sport and has never looked back.As her career has progressed the talented player has gone from strength to strength, continually playing in leagues beyond her years."I first started my career with Traralgon City, playing above my age group with boys," she said.

By the time she was 12 she was representing Victoria in the state squad and by 13 her sporting prowess had earned her a scholarship with the National Training Centre. It was here, her ability was recognised and she was signed with the Victory.

"I feel very honoured to be selected to play for Melbourne Victory," Jacqueline said."Not many people my age get the opportunity to play at the highest level in Australia."

Juggling her year 12 studies with a stringent training schedule and regular trips to Melbourne has at times been difficult.Yet with the support of her family and friends, Jacqueline said the hard work and dedication has paid off.

"It's hard living so far away from Melbourne and training five times a week," she said. "However, it's such an honour to be able to put on the Melbourne Victory shirt."

 The W-League kicks off on 22 October.