Yirara Student makes All Australian Team

Jake Neade has been selected in the National School Boys football team.

IT is amazing to think that Jake Neade nearly missed out on playing for the Northern Territory at the Australian School Boys Football Competition and the honours that would follow. Following a stand-out performance as part of the Desert Storm team, Neade, 15, missed his flight to Maroochydore.In a frantic hurry a second flight was organised for the talented West junior, ensuring he would compete in what would turn out to be a break-out event for the youngster.Neade was named in the Australian School Boys team after a series of dazzling displays.He said: "It feels great and I'm really proud to be named in the team.''The reserved youngster is a success on and off the field, a pioneer for Yirara students looking to finish high school.Coming from the township of Elliott, 200km north of Tennant Creek, Neade boards at Yirara College, where he attended school until year nine and is heavily involved in the Clontarf program.Deciding to continue with his studies Neade has transferred to Centralian Secondary College, becoming part of growing number of students involved in the Clontarf program at Yirara continuing their education.Clontarf associate director at Centralian College Sean Cusack said Neade and his fellow Yirara classmates have blazed a trail for more students from Clontarf to make the switch.He said: "We've got heaps of guys from Yirara coming through now doing secondary education, which didn't really happen before."Jake's one of the best kids in our academy. He's one of the best footballers in our academy. He gets his school work done, which is half the battle with some of these guys, and he's just a pleasure to have around the academy and school.''Even though he schools in town Neade is still a vital contributor to the Clontarf program at Yirara, still working with many of the younger students after school.Recreation officer at Yirara College Keith Durham said Neade plays a big role in helping the younger students develop and grow on and off the football field.He said: "He's a real leader out there. "He always shares the ball around with the younger kids making sure everyone gets a go."You can just tell he loves being out there.''A member of the PowerWater talent development squad, Neade has set his football goals high, hoping to become involved in the Territory Thunder under-16 and under-18 programs in years to come