Young talents Zoe Panagopoulos and Keira Sarris are all set for a huge trip to Indonesia after receiving the call to represent Australia at the ASEAN U16 Girls Championship this August.
The two teenagers held their place in the final 23-player Junior Matildas’ squad that was trimmed down from 33, filling the duo with a great sense of shock, pride and a little nervousness.
“I honestly couldn’t believe it when I found out I made the 33-player squad. It felt unreal,” Zoe told Neos Kosmos.
“Then, I read the email saying I had made the final 23 to go to Indonesia, I was so excited but also a bit nervous.
The teenager, who plays for APIA Leichhardt in the top flight of the NPL, stated it has been a goal of hers for a long time which makes the selection all the more meaningful to her.
“Being selected is such a special moment for me, and I am really grateful for the opportunity to represent my country,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to playing with the girls, learning from the coaches and enjoying the experience.”
Keira, who plays for the Football Victoria Academy, said she was with her parents upon hearing the news, which initiated a surge of joy in the family.
“We were all so happy and enjoying the moment together,” she told Neos Kosmos.
“I am excited to wear the Australian jersey and to play for my country. I am looking forward to experiencing international football and making good friendships and lots of memories.”
The selection marks a landmark moment in both their careers, coming roughly ten years after each of them first started kicking the ball around.
“It can be challenging to balance games, training, travel, and school, but I have slowly learned to manage both,” said Zoe, who has roots in the Peloponnese through her grandparents.
“From here, I want to keep improving, achieve my goals, and hopefully play professionally one day.”
Like Zoe, Keira has had to balance her football and education, stating her school has been very supportive.
“I have had to learn to be really organized to keep up with everything. My future ambitions are to keep on enjoying myself playing football and to continue to be involved with the Matildas,” she said.
Both Zoe and Keira state they feel a strong connection to their Hellenic background which have in part played a role in their football careers.
“Even though I was born here, I have always felt close to my Greek roots through our traditions and family values,” Zoe said.
“Growing up with that background has taught me the importance of hard work and passion, which I try to bring into my football. It is a part of who I am and something I am really proud of.”
Keira, who has roots through her grandparents in Serres, similarly expressed great pride in her Greek heritage.
“I feel a really strong connection to our culture through the traditions we keep such as the music and dancing, and the Greek food my Yiayia Androniki makes.
“My pappou Konstandinos has influenced my interest in football because we always watch game highlights together and rewatch the 2004 Euros.”
The duo, along with their 21 other teammates, will travel to Indonesia to compete in the event running from 18-29 August with Australia to take on Singapore and Thailand in Group C.
The top teams of the three groups, along with the best-performing second-placed team, will qualify for the semi-finals and the winners of those clashes will then meet in the final.
The tournament represents the first step of a new cycle that will also include the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, both of which will be played in 2026.
While their selection is by no means guaranteed in next year’s events, the future certainly seems bright for the two Greek Australians.
