Young gun kicks on with die-hard Brits

A young Dunsborough soccer star has been rubbing shoulders with players from a UK team.

Ruben Gelmi spent the first half of December playing with the 18s scholars team in Cambridge United’s men’s league.

The talented 17-year-old, who normally plays for Dunsborough premiers, was invited to get a taste of training, British style.

“I found that over there all the boys are dedicated to what they do and they all work extremely hard, ” Ruben said.

“It’s much more intense compared to anything in WA. It’s very full-on because they’re all fighting for that starting 11 each Saturday.”

Cambridge United youth team head coach Mark Bonner gave Ruben some valuable feedback on his technique.

Ruben said the trip was a big eye-opener and he was looking forward to sharing what he learnt with his club.

“Soccer is a growing sport in Australia, but in England it’s much more established, particularly the way they integrate their youth, ” he said.

Ruben’s father and Dunsborough Soccer Club coach Mark Gelmi said he hoped to develop the relationship between Cambridge United and South West clubs in the future.