Golden opportunity | Gladstone Soccer | Football in Gladstone

The count down has begun for Gladstone football star Sophie Lamberton, who will represent the Australian Youth Futsal Team in B

YOUNG gun Sophie Lamberton has been busy packing her bags ahead of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Brazil next month.

A star on the Central Queensland football pitch, the young Gladstone star is on top of the world after her selection in the under-17 Australian Futsal team.

"I was so excited when I was picked for the team last October at the nationals," said Lamberton, who departs on May 1.

"I think it is a great achievement to be representing Australia and a long time goal of mine."

A member of the youth squad, Lamberton is definitely one of Australia's young guns and a star of the future.

Quick and reasonably tall, the Gladstone State High senior's skill on the ball and lethal finishing will be a key component in the squad's chances.

Currently one of the top five Australian youth league Futsal players, Lamberton, who was talent identified, is exited about taking on teams from all around the world.

While she has been selected in the team nearly each year since she was 12, costs have prevented her from attending with the journey costing each player around $9000.

But with her parent's blessing, she will be one of the first on the plane when they depart for their South American destination.

"It was just too expensive, but this year is different," Lamberton's dad John, said this week.

"We decided Sophie was old enough to travel with the team on her own, and while away she will have the opportunity to watch the Brazil Ladies soccer team train."

Not only is the tour Lamberton's first in Aussie colours, but it will be extra exciting as it's her first adventure overseas.