Tomasz Kowalski was one of 22 under 13 players from across northern NSW in Newcastle this week at the inaugural Telstra High Performance Camp held in the new facility. 

The camp, which ran from Sunday through to Wednesday, was also attended by NNSWF under 12s and players from the Emerging Jets squad.

It will be a nervous wait for Kowalski who is now expecting an email over the coming weeks to inform him as to whether he made the final cut for a squad which will compete at a national tournament later this year.  

“I really hope I get picked ‘cause I wanna see what its like to play the best in the country,” he said. 

Whether he makes the team or not, Kowalski has already had a chance to match it with some talented young players.

“The highlight has been the games. We have two or three training sessions every day, where we work on shooting, passing and defending. Then at the end of the day we have four a side matches with the under 13 Newcastle Jets players,” he said.

“They’re really good.” 

NNSWF Technical Director Michael Browne stated that the purpose of the camp was twofold.

“The Telstra High Performance Camp gives NNSWF the chance to assess and identify Country players ahead of selection for state and touring squads,” he said.  “Additionally, [the camp] affords coaches from within the four NNSWF Country Zones the opportunity to participate in professional development and enhance their coaching skills.”

Kowalski said staying with the group for a number of days had also been a valuable team bonding experience. “You get to know everybody and that helps when you go to play a game,” he said. 

Last year the squad travelled to Melbourne for a skill acquisition program gala day, playing six games against some of the best clubs in Victoria and Tasmania. 

A spate of shark sightings at the coast may have kept the boys out of Newcastle beaches but other events added to the value of the trip.

 The family got the chance to see Oman edge out Kuwait in their Asia Cup clash at the Hunter Stadium.