It was a big week in the soccer career of Werribee City young gun Yasin Nur.
The midfielder came on for the first time in a league match against Kingston City on May 2 and was rewarded for his efforts five days later with a start in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Goulburn Valley Suns in an NPL2 west encounter at Galvin Park.
It would probably not be newsworthy if Nur was not doing all of this at the age of 15.
He’s relished the chance to play in the seniors and has so far delivered on his promise.
“I was a bit nervous when I came on for the first game, but after I touched the ball a couple of times I was okay,” he told Star Weekly.
“The difference between the seniors and reserves is the intensity of the game. It’s more physical and a bit more technical. Passes are harder and the game is faster.”
Nur has the benefit of supportive teammates who won’t stand in the way of a youngster trying to make his name in the NPL.
Bees club captain Angus Martin has taken Nur under his wing. And as Nur isn’t old enough to drive, he sometimes has to rely on his skipper to take him to training.
Nur says his teammates have done a good job in settling his nerves.
“They were talking to me before the game,” Nur said. “They were just saying, it’s just another game. Relax and do the simple stuff.”
Nur, a student at Al-Taqwa College, wants to become a professional.
The Hoppers Crossing youngster has played with Werribee City since under-10s, although he left for a season to be part of the elite National Training Centre set-up.
Nur returned to the Bees on a mission to become a regular senior player. “That’s the dream goal.”
Nur supports Melbourne Victory and Barcelona and his favourite player is Barca’s magical midfielder, Andres Iniesta. “He’s calm on the ball and smart.”
Lance Jenkinson
