Will van der Starre's decision to play with a club closer to home is paying dividends.
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The talented 17-year-old is loving his first season with the Warrnambool Rangers in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.
"It's been a really good season so far, it's a really good team, all the lads are really good," he said.
"It's a very strong side, we've got a diverse range of skills, everyone is really good on the ball."
He also praised coach Cam Pyke and captain Josh Bourke for their support.
I think we've got a really good chance of winning the league this year.
- Will van der Starre
"I think we've got a really good chance of winning the league this year," van der Starre said.
The youngster, who has been playing centre-back thus far, brings great experiences to Jones Oval.
He had been commuting the past four years to play with Geelong Rangers against metropolitan teams.
The teenager would travel for training two nights a week and matches would either be in Geelong or Melbourne.
He was part of successful junior teams, which won the league and went through undefeated, two years in a row.
"The boys were amazing players and the coaches were incredible," he said.
The defender/midfielder said he always faced good opposition and was able to push himself every week.
"It's made me a better player," he said.
The young gun played a mix of centre-defence and centre-mid during his time in Geelong.
Van der Starre was also selected to play in Geelong junior representative sides at the country championships against the likes of Bendigo and Albury/Wodonga.
Starting from under 16s, he was part of championship-winning teams three years straight.
The promising athlete said he decided to play with a Warrnambool-based club as he was undertaking his year 12 studies at Warrnambool College.
He's thrilled he's still able to play against high-level opposition in the BDSA.
The Rangers are flying in division one with three wins from three starts.
They'll enjoy a bye this weekend after their 5-0 victory against Vic Park.
The next battle is against Horsham on May 23.
Van der Starre first took an interest in soccer at primary school before heading along to a Warrnambool Wolves come-and-try day.
He played about five years of juniors with Wolves as well as stints with senior teams like Deakin Dragons.
He and two friends started playing in Geelong about four years ago after a friend recommended the Geelong Rangers.
Warrnambool Rangers beat Ballarat North United 1-0 in round one before defeating Ballarat 5-0.
Van der Starre has played in all three wins.