Hanwood soccer prodigy eyes national championship after representing NSW in Japan

Griffith junior soccer star Natasha Stradiotto has been selected for the NSW Country team to compete in the upcoming Girls’ National Youth Championship in October, after successfully representing her state at an international tournament in Japan.

The 15-year-old, who grew up in Hanwood, played for a junior NSW side at the Balcom BMW Cup in the Asian country.

“It was my first time overseas, my first time flying ever,” she said. “I was nervous at first, but once I settled, it was amazing.”

She played against the Japan women’s Under 15 side, and provincial teams Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

While the NSW team didn’t win a game against the best female junior sides in Asia, Natasha described the experience as invaluable in putting her on track to fulfil her dream of playing for the Matildas, the Australian…