North Coast teenage football sensation earns Australian selection

NORTH Coast Football teenage sensation Raman Dalaf has been selected to represent Australia’s Under 15s at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan from October 22 to 31.

It is the latest chapter in an extraordinary football journey for the Coffs Harbour youngster, whose passion for the game was evident from an early age.

Raman began his football journey with Coffs City United Football Club and now represents North Coast Football in the Under 15s and Under 16s Premier Youth League competitions.

North Coast Football General Manager Duncan Marchant has watched Raman’s rise from his earliest days on the football field.

“Everyone knows Raman. Even from the Under 8s he was at the oval every night of the week, joining in with whatever game was going on,” he said.

“He played for Coffs United as a junior and it was his grassroots football where his passion for the game came from.

“But before his training with his own team, he would play in another match or participate in another team’s training session beforehand, and afterwards he would keep playing until it got dark.

“He loves dribbling and scoring goals and has always scored a hatful with his club, at school or with his mates.”

From grassroots football with Coffs United, Raman progressed to represent North Coast Football in the Premier Youth League.

“When he played for North Coast it was a case of helping him fit into a structure and maximising the skills he had acquired,” Marchant said.

“Once you reach representative level, the opportunities to make a difference are fewer and you have less time on the ball.

“Decision-making and technique are important skills to develop to take your game to the next level, and Raman did brilliantly against Newcastle opposition, finishing in the top three goalscorers in both the Under 15s and Under 16s age groups.”

His progression continued when he was selected to represent Northern New South Wales at the national championships.

Raman made a seamless transition to the national stage, finishing as the leading goalscorer in his age group after scoring six goals for Northern NSW.

“Playing at the nationals for Northern New South Wales didn’t faze Raman and he finished as the top goalscorer in his age group, netting six goals for his state,” Marchant said.

“This, coupled with his excellent attitude, is what impressed the national selectors and ultimately led to his selection for Australia.

“We are all absolutely thrilled for him.

“He is a great kid and is from a lovely football family, and we wish him all the best from everyone on the North Coast,” Marchant concluded.

By David WIGLEY