Soccer
8 October, 2024
Batty taking soccer by storm
12-year-old Kianah Batty has only played soccer for two years but is already playing in representative games for the South West Victoria Football Association (SWVFA).
A member of the Horsham Falcons soccer club, the talented junior has played in three representative games, the most recent on the weekend in Ballarat, battling for the 2024 Western United Plate Trophy. Batty played for the under-13 team, where they secured a win and a draw throughout the tournament, playing from Friday to Sunday.
In July, Batty played at Knox Regional Football Centre in Wantirna East of Melbourne in a 5v5 competition.
In June, Batty represented the under-16s side in the country championships on the King's Birthday Long Weekend.
This season for the Horsham Falcons, Batty played five matches for the under-12s and nine in the under-14s and was a consistent performer all year.
Batty said she got into soccer after watching videos on YouTube, and her favourite player is Neymar, Brazil's best forward.
"I was watching videos on YouTube and saw videos on the World Cup, and I enjoyed it," Batty said.
"I gave soccer a go, and I enjoyed it a lot. It's fun and a bit different playing the rep games as the players are better, and it's exciting."
"I like Neymar because he is good at dribbling and shooting for goal."
Batty enjoys soccer and highlighted what she is good at and needs improvement.
"Soccer is very fun, and I am pretty good at shooting, defending and passing," Batty said.
"I need to improve on throwing the ball in from out of bounds."
Batty also plays football for Natimuk, playing in the under-14s for the first time in 2024. She plays across halfback and on the wing, where she can use her running ability. Her dad, Rob, said, "She got a few big bumps but gets back up and continues to play."