Coffs Harbour footballer Charlotte Bunny is preparing to take her game to the international stage, travelling to Southern California in November to play with SoCal Reds FC in the Surf Cup and attend an exclusive identification (ID) camp for SoCal Reds players.
Charlotte started her football journey at Boambee FC, represents North Coast in the Premier Youth League and trains at the RISE wellbeing program under head coach and former NNSW representative footballer Phil McMullen.
McMullen is thrilled to help create opportunities for junior footballers on the Coffs Coast.
“We are delighted to be able to provide Charlotte with an opportunity to achieve her dream of playing college soccer in the USA,” he said.
“We will help guide her through the process of getting recruited by college coaches, by providing her with multiple opportunities to showcase her skills in a series of events at the pinnacle of youth soccer for girls.”
Tim Woodcock is the CEO of Southern Californian football club SoCal Reds FC. He sees Charlotte’s RISE journey as an international milestone, achieved after years of development with RISE.
“But this opportunity represents much more than an overseas soccer trip,” Woodcock said.
“It marks an exciting milestone in Charlotte’s journey with RISE, an organisation that has been part of her football development since she was just 10 years old.
“For Charlotte, RISE has been a long-standing part of her football pathway; now, as she prepares to compete in the United States, that connection takes on even greater significance.
“A midfielder with North Coast Football in the Coffs Harbour region, Charlotte will experience a new football environment in Irvine, California, playing alongside SoCal Reds FC players in the Surf Cup before taking part in the club’s exclusive ID camp.”
Woodcock explained what the opportunity provided Charlotte and expanded on the impact RISE has on the community.
“The opportunity will allow her to test herself against international opposition, experience the American style of play and continue developing her skills in a different competitive setting, RISE at the heart of the journey.
“Charlotte’s upcoming trip shines a spotlight on the importance of RISE in helping create opportunities for young footballers to pursue their ambitions.
“Having been involved with RISE since the age of 10, Charlotte’s story reflects a long-term connection rather than a last-minute opportunity.
“Her journey to California represents an exciting next step after years of involvement with the organisation.”
Woodcock applauded RISE’s contribution to creating pathways for aspiring footballers.
“RISE’s role in making this international experience possible deserves recognition, with Charlotte’s trip highlighting the value of creating pathways that allow young players to experience football beyond their local competitions.
“The opportunity also demonstrates how connections between football programs can open doors for players from regional communities who are eager to challenge themselves and broaden their horizons.
“A new chapter in California.”
Based in Irvine, SoCal Reds FC operates a competitive girls’ soccer program, including its under-19 Girls Academy pathway, led by Girls Academy Director and coach Carlos Gonzales.
“For Charlotte, playing in the Surf Cup and attending the exclusive ID camp will offer valuable experience as she continues her development as a midfielder,” Woodcock said.
“The trip promises new challenges, fresh perspectives and the chance to learn from a different football culture.
“From her beginnings with RISE at age 10 to this upcoming international experience, Charlotte Bunny’s journey is a reminder of what can become possible when young players are supported to pursue their goals.
“As she prepares to head from Coffs Harbour to California, Charlotte will carry her experience, determination and local football roots with her.
“For Charlotte, this is an exciting international opportunity.
“For RISE, it is a chance to celebrate a player whose journey with the organisation began years ago — and a milestone in the pathway they have helped make possible,” concluded Woodcock.
By David WIGLEY
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