Talented players Bella and Henri Scott making their way through the talented player pathway

Traralgon siblings Bella and Henri Scott could not be more different, though their love of the world game and their talent on the pitch brings them together.

Henri, 13, a pacey winger, attended his third talented player camp last week and is eyeing off a place in his first State Team.

Bella, 16, a reliable defender, made her first Victorian State Team last year captaining the Under 15 Girls team in the National Championships in Coffs Harbour. She was also present at the same camp as her brother, but in a mentoring role, helping coaches and talking with the younger girls about her experiences.

“I love camps and spending time with people who love to play the game, so I thought I’d come down and help out with the younger girls,” said Bella.

“I’ve been watching the coaches, managers and sports scientists to learn by taking a little bit from all of them. It’s a holistic approach to the game rather than just playing.”

With the two siblings at the one camp, the rivalry was clear to see, though beneath the humour there was a mutual drive to improve and become the best player they could be.

“I try to give Henri advice, he’s doing well but he needs to keep working hard. We’re very different; he likes to show off his skills and I’m more about the team and passing,” said Bella.

“Handy to have a sister who has done it all before,” said Henri.

“We go down to the fields and have a kick at least once a week. I don’t usually learn off her but I reckon she learns a fair bit off me. I show her lots of tricks and stuff.”

They both agree that their parents are the real heroes, often taking the divide and conquer approach to getting their kids to games.

“There are plenty of weekends where one of us has to be in Melbourne and one in Gippsland and mum and dad do a great job,” said Bella.

“It can sometimes be hard to fit it all in, but we do ok. It’s what you have to do to get to the next level.” 

Bella will take to the field in the Pelada Women’s Premier League this season playing for EAP Country, a team made up of some of regional Victoria’s most talented young players.

Both enjoyed productive seasons playing for Gippsland Knights in the Victorian Champions League, Victoria’s elite summer competition.