You won’t hear this from him, however, as this talented up-and-coming goalkeeper is as humble as he is talented.
Noah holds a place on the Emerging Jets Squad, a talented player pathway development program, and has also recently played for the Australia Joeys. In July this year, Noah made his debut when he was selected to star for Australia’s Joeys in their Under-16 ASEAN Football Federation Championship. In the grand final, it was Noah’s save in the penalty shootout that led to a championship victory for the team.
What sets Noah apart from the country’s other talented budding football players is his attitude. Jets Youth Coach, Clayton Zane, said recently that Noah “ticks a lot of boxes and the important thing is he’s got a great attitude and work ethic”.
Assistant Principal at St Mary’s, Peter Antcliff, shares this sentiment, saying that “Noah’s humility about his achievements indicates why I believe he’ll be so successful in the future.
“His attitude is excellent, respectful and humble,” says Mr Antcliff.
Whilst in Cambodia for the Championships, Noah and the other Joeys visited the Sunrise Cambodia Kandal Project, seeing how the children of the orphanage are supported with education, healthcare and sport. Noah describes this as a “really good experience” that left him reflecting on the good fortune he has in Australia.
“We spent a day at the orphanage playing football with the children, sitting in class with them, talking to them, and just trying to put smiles on their faces,” says Noah.
“I aspire to be a good role model to children who look up to me so they can look up to a good person.”
Noah has a good head on his shoulders and through organisation and working hard in class, has found the key to balancing sport and school, despite training and games that take up 75% of his time. He also has an alternative plan in case a career in professional football is not an option.
“Everyone needs a back-up plan. I will continue my studies at St Francis Xavier’s and will go for an ATAR in my Year 12 exams so I can study to become a primary school PDHPE teacher if that’s something I would like to pursue in the future,” says Noah.
We look forward to seeing where Noah’s skills and positive attitude take him over the coming months and years.