Western Australian-raised soccer player Ben Rogers is enjoying his first season as a Warrnambool Ranger.
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The goal keeper, 16, joined the Ballarat and District Association Club after moving from Bunbury in January.
Rogers, who is combining senior and under 17 duties, is living with his aunty and uncle, Andrea and Shane Keay.
His dad Karl Rogers grew up in Warrnambool but is still based in WA as are his mum Diane Gulberti and five half-siblings.
The Brauer College student said the Rangers had helped him settle into his new surrounds.
"It's been a great way to meet new friends and get to know people in the soccer community," he said.
He played for the Rangers' under 17 side on Sunday.
Rogers said he enjoyed the challenge goal keeper provided.
"I love the tackles I make and making them feel intimidated by a smaller goal keeper," he said.
"I am five-foot-seven which is pretty short for a goal keeper."
Rogers said he prided himself on "positioning myself well, fast reaction times and knowing where I should be standing".
He has big aspirations for his soccer and is dreaming big.
"I've got trials in January in Italy," Rogers said.
"I have been communicating with a scout. Him and I talk a lot so I have a chance to go over for a month and see what I can do."
In the meantime, he's eager to make a good impression at Warrnambool, in particular helping the Jones Oval-based club's under 17 team.
"We have a young side. Me and a couple of the other players are role models," Rogers said.
"We mainly have 14-15 year olds in the team but I reckon we play better football than any other team."
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