Te Awamutu teenage soccer whiz kid Waikato Ball seized his opportunity to trial for Wellington Phoenix with aplomb.
The 17-year-old opened the scoring playing for the professional club in their pre-season 3-0 win over Petone on Wednesday night.
Scoreless at halftime, the Phoenix made changes in the second spell but they didn't open the scoring till the 63rd minute and the goal came from an unlikely source.
Ball had trained with the Phoenix last week and he marked his visit to Wellington with a lovely left-footed shot from 25 metres that took a slight deflection before flying into the net.
"It was a great finish by young Waikato and it was a good little intro into pro football for him," commented Phoenix goalkeeping coach, Jonathan Gould.
Ball’s St Paul’s Collegiate 1st XI coach, former New Zealand international Mike Groom had teed up the opportunity for his protege to showcase his skills to the Phoenix coaches, with the hope he can secure a spot in Ernie Merrick’s greater squad.
"Waikato, without question, is the most naturally gifted player I have ever coached," Groom told the Courier.
With two current All-Whites (Chris Wood and Marco Rojas) among those coached at some stage by Groom, that is an indication of Waikato’s footballing gifts.
"He has a touch with the ball and a happiness in his feet that are reminiscent of Ronaldinho," says Groom.
"Such is the quality of his technique and his understanding of the game, he makes things look easy on the pitch. Groom says Waikato is capable of scoring goals that few others would be capable of. "It wouldn't surprise me if the one he scored the other day for the Wellington Phoenix was in this category."
"Not only does he have amazing technique, he is a team player. He gives his heart for the team and holds nothing back in order to benefit the team’s objectives."
Groom says he trains like a boy who loves every minute he spends with the ball and his enthusiasm and love of the ball are infectious to those around him.
"Waikato has everything to succeed. He has artistry, athleticism and boundless enthusiasm for the game.
"What he does on the pitch is capable of taking the breath away. It certainly has done that on occasions.
"He does things on the field I have never seen before."
Groom says he is sure Ball will have exhibited all of these qualities to the Phoenix while he was trialling with them.
"I'm confident this Phoenix trial will be just the beginning for Waikato."
Ball started his soccer career as a six-year-old in one of the Te Awamutu junior teams playing in the Hamilton JFA, following in the footsteps of his elder brother Jordan and father Tim.
He also had a stint playing junior football for Cambridge before gaining a scholarship to St Paul’s Collegiate and making the school’s 1st XI.
Now back home in Kihikihi following his trial in Wellington, Ball turns his focus to trialling for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty under-19 team.
His chances of selection look bright after impressing for St Paul’s and Claudelands Rovers.
"I'm very grateful to Michael Groom for giving me this opportunity," Ball told the Courier.
"It was great to meet and play alongside the Phoenix players.
"I learned so much the past week about what’s required to become a professional footballer."
Ball says the Phoenix have excellent team spirit and commitment both on and off the pitch.
"All the players are super fit and the goal for me now is to seek a personal trainer."
His mother Theressa says she and her husband Tim are thrilled that Waikato was granted the opportunity to trial.
"We love him and wish him all the best. He’s got a long way to go but it’s certainly a step in the right direction."
By Colin Thorsen – Te Awamutu Courier. Photo courtesy of Te Awamutu Courier
