Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Redlands United FC

Redlands United Under 14’s player Byron McLeod will represent the club - and PlayStation® NPL Queensland - in the PS4 Wildcard Challenge in Melbourne later this month.

McLeod, 14, prevailed in a series of EA Sports FIFA 15 qualifying heats at Cleveland Showgrounds after Redlands United earned Queensland's wildcard place via a social media engagement campaign earlier this month that was open to all PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland clubs.

24 entrants competed in the round robin style qualifiers on Wednesday, with eight finalists battling it out on Thursday for the chance to travel to Melbourne to compete against representatives from seven other PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues clubs - one from each Member Federation - in the PS4 Wildcard Challenge.

McLeod said he was excited to be travelling to the Victorian capital with his father for the next stage, with plans to take in some of the city’s famous sporting landmarks including the Melbourne Cricket Ground as well as the renowned Haigh Chocolate shop.

“It should be really good. It will be great to compete against other NPL teams and should be a good competition,” McLeod said.

He added, “I used to play FIFA a lot last year but not so much now as I like to focus on outdoor football. When I play my favourite team is probably Chelsea or Barcelona. They are both good teams.”

McLeod won through the qualifiers playing as Hyundai A-League club Melbourne Victory with the final rounds of matches played on a 45m² television at Cleveland Showgrounds.

He prevailed 6-2 in the final against fellow Redlands junior Harley Brown and used tactical nous to deliver a game-defining substitution - calling on veteran forward Archie Thompson from the substitutes bench to score a decisive goal barely a minute later.

“It was a great game and good to play against Harley. He is a good player but I was just better on the day”

Watching the action unfold were Redlands player-coach Graham Fyfe and Senior Men’s captain James Donelly.

McLeod said Fyfe was his favourite player in the Red Devils’ senior line-up.

“Not only is he my coach but I think he is probably one of the best NPL players,” he said.

McLeod added that he is thoroughly enjoying being part of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland junior football at the bayside club.

“I love playing in the NPL. My team mates have really bonded, the coach is great and I really feel like part of the team,” he said.

Redlands United General Manager Martin Hampson said the tournament added an exciting change to the usual mid-week training schedule and was well-embraced by players and parents alike.

"Winning the first stage was brilliant and the club worked hard to engage with social media to get the chance to represent Queensland in Melbourne," he explained.

"The tournament has been great and the majority of people who entered are under the age of 18.”

"This is a great opportunity for our Redlands players and the club and on behalf of the club I would like to thank PlayStation Australia and Football Federation Australia for this promotion,” he concluded.

If McLeod wins the national stage of the tournament Redlands United will receive $5000 in prize money. McLeod will then qualify as the national PlayStation 4 National Premier League Wildcard entrant to the Fox Fans League competing against other qualifiers from around Australia.