EMERGING soccer players Harry Parrett and Ben Hawkins are used to being on opposing sides.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But the Port Fairy-based duo will join forces at National Premier League club Ballarat City in 2018.
Harry, 13, honed his skills at Warrnambool Rangers and Ben, 12, did likewise at rival Warrnambool Wolves.
The friends decided to trial for Ballarat City with both making its under 14 side.
Harry and Ben, who often practice in the park together, are excited to play alongside each other in the NPL – a statewide competition which is split into east and west conferences.
They’re hoping Harry’s pace and Ben’s determination will help Ballarat City hit the scoreboard across the 27-game season.
Left-winger Harry, who moved from Melbourne to Port Fairy with his family three years ago, said he enjoyed testing himself on the soccer pitch.
“I have played for three years. I started playing at school and then some friends invited me to play for Rangers,” he said.
“It’s so entertaining and I love getting the ball and passing off and crossing and scoring goals.”
Striker Ben was born in Reading in England and moved to Australia in 2010.
The Southampton supporter said he opted to against following his father Mark’s English Premier League club Everton.
“I didn’t want to go for anyone too good and I didn’t want to go for anyone too bad,” Ben said.
Harry and Ben will start twice weekly training sessions with Ballarat City in December before the season-opener in March.