Young gun Rubi Sullivan shining bright at NWS Spirit FC

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It seems that 14-year-olds are taking over the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition as yet another star has been unearthed in Rubi Sullivan.

Plying her trade out of Christie Park with NWS Spirit FC, Rubi has shown she is far from out of her depth, incredibly making the ‘Team of the Week’ on a number of occasions this season.

Rubi has become a regular starter for Tony Candy’s team down the right side of the defence and has been a standout in a number of games, shutting out players with years of experience in the top tier of football in NSW.

“I’m very grateful to get these opportunities and to play among such strong players and it is a great learning experience for me to be in this more mature environment,” said Rubi.

The first-grade team at Spirit is filled with a number of extremely talented teenagers, Rubi one of those, so what’s been the secret?

“I’ve been able to develop by training and playing with the boys from a young age which is always a very challenging environment,” Rubi said.

Something that NWS Spirit Technical Director Tim Thorne has implemented at the club is young girls given the opportunity to challenge themselves and train with the boys, bringing evident success and development to the female football program.

At Christie Park, the club has firmly placed a great importance on strength and conditioning through excellent coaches (Shannon Codd and Gary Rafferty).

“I’ve also developed through our strength and conditioning sessions which help prevent injuries and keep me fit to play,” said the young right back.

Stepping up into first grade, Rubi has settled quickly and found her feet with little to no fuss.

“I’ve noticed senior football is much more intense and physical then youth football.

“You have to think quickly and think smart to keep up with the more experienced players on the field,” she said.

Football runs in the Sullivan family blood with Rubi’s brother Jacob also debuting this season for the men’s first grade team, also, still a teenager.

Rubi says the competition is intense between the two but so is the support they offer each other to continue to develop and improve.

“Yes, there has always been a bit of a rivalry between us at home by trying to argue who’s better but we both are very supportive of each other’s achievements and we both use that as motivation to keep improving,” Rubi said.

Like most youngsters, Rubi has dreams and plans where she sees her football going in the future.

“One day I hope to represent Australia in a World Cup and I hope to go play overseas somewhere like England,” said the young hopeful star.

There is no doubt we will see Rubi representing Australia if she continues her development and remains focused on her dreams and goals.

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By – Nikola Pozder