Meadowbank youngster claims top awards at Oceania Football … – Stuff.co.nz

SAM HEWAT

Last updated15:04, March 13 2017

SAM HEWAT/FAIRFAX NZ

Charles Spragg, 17, picked up the golden boot and golden ball award at the OFC U17 Football Championship in Tahiti.

Charles Spragg could become a household name in New Zealand football.

The 17-year-old Meadowbank resident recently returned from the U17 Oceania Football Confederation Championship in Tahiti where his New Zealand side picked up the top prize and qualification to the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup in India.

Spragg was a standout player, finishing as the tournament's leading goal scorer with seven, and picking up the golden ball as the tournament's most valuable player.

Despite his obvious talent, Spragg, who attends St Kentigerns College and plays club football for Western Springs, said performing that well in the Oceania tournament was a surprise.

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"I made a goal at the start just to win with the team," Spragg said.

"I wasn't thinking about golden boot or best player at all but after a couple of games I thought, 'shoot, I could actually win this thing'."

He said his teammates were the real reason he performed so well, though picking up the accolades was still a humbling achievement.

His side finished unbeaten at the tournament, scoring 27 goals and giving up just 2 throughout their five games.

Despite their dominance, Spragg said the difficulty of the tournament should not be understated.

"The competition was tough, everything about it was tough," he said.

"Going over to the islands and playing in the heat is extremely difficult, and the island nations are very passionate, they battle hard."

Footballing talent runs in the Spragg family, with brother Thomas being a part of the 2009 U17 New Zealand team which became the first national team to progress past the group stages in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

"It's influenced me massively," Spragg said.

"He's been there and done that so he gives me a lot of advice and teaches me. I can'tthank him enough for all the help he gives me."

He grew up idolising All Whites legends Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid, and if he has his way, he'll be joining some of them in the future.

"The dream is to go pro and play in the English premiership," Spragg said.

"It's very inspiring knowing that if they can do it, then why not me? It gives you that hope that it is possible and if you work hard and stay dedicated it can happen.

"You just have to believe in yourself."

Spragg is lookingforward to playing alongside two of his New Zealand teammates atSt Kentigerns this year before heading over to India for the World Cup in October.

-Stuff.co.nz

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