Mark O'Connor to represent Australia at FIFA U15 World Cup

Fifteen-year-old Mark O'Connor from Darwin, Australia, is preparing to join the national team for the FIFA Under-15 World Cup. The tournament is set to take place next month in Baku, Azerbaijan, ABC News Australia reports.

A path through Darwin clubs

O'Connor began playing football on the streets of Darwin with friends, and later his father enrolled him in a local club. He played for Greater Palmerston United, Mindil Aces and Darwin Olympic. The footballer said he did not expect to be called up to the Australian national team and was initially shocked by the news.

Darwin Olympic president Yanni Prouzos called O'Connor's selection recognition of the talent of young players from the Northern Territory. According to him, the midfielder stood out for his movement with the ball, changes of direction, ability to assess the situation on the pitch and persistence. O'Connor is inspired by Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.

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Player selection from across the country

O'Connor said that participating in interstate competitions, where Northern Territory teams were often underdogs, helped him prepare for matches against the world's strongest young footballers.

Football Australia selected players from all nine of the organization's member federations. The squad included young players from major cities and regional areas. Head of talent identification Michael Cooper stressed that it is important for athletes from regional areas to see an example of a pathway to the national team.

O'Connor's Darwin Olympic teammate Anthony Reichstein believes that his selection gives other young footballers from the Northern Territory hope of being able to make the Australian national team.

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