Teen star follows in dad's footsteps

Like father, like daughter, is the theme in the Szeliga home.

Former State goalkeeper John Szeliga’s daughter Amy is following in father’s footsteps by gaining selection as goalkeeper in the WA schoolgirls’ Under-19 soccer team for the national schools championships in Canberra in August.

On August 1, Manea Senior College student Amy Szeliga will fulfil the first part of a dream when she takes the field for her State in Canberra.

Better known locally as a cricketer, having captained the West Australian and Australian Country teams, John Szeliga’s first choice in his early years was soccer.

He represented his State and featured in national selections through the age groups until a clash with a forward at training crushed his spleen at just 21 and put paid to his first love.

That first love has been rekindled through the achievements of Amy, 17.

The Szeliga tale is as colourful as the bright headbands Amy wears to protect her blonde locks.

Amy never saw her dad play, but with his sporting talents and tales around the dining room table of his daring deeds, she decided to follow in his footsteps.

First playing in the field, the tall, athletic teenager tried her hand at goalkeeping, enjoyed it and decided it was her position.

She now plays for the Bunbury Forum Force Under-15 boys squad, where she gets tougher training than the girls’ teams, and of course gets expert coaching from her father, the Force goalkeeping coach.

A typical chip off the old block, the fearless Amy recently copped a heavy smack in the mouth, just spat out the blood, shook her head and resumed duties.

South West Soccer Association administration manager Deb Farrell, herself a top South West player and coach of defending champions Dynamos, said Szeliga had a good future in the sport.

“Amy came to play seniors with me in Dynamos Premier Ladies team when she was 15, and what a fantastic talent,” she said.

“For a player at such a young age, especially a goalkeeper, to have so much guts and determination made her a pleasure to coach.

“I know that if she keeps at it and pushes herself great things will come her way.

“I wish her all the best at the nationals and know she will do an awesome job.”