Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley has congratulated 22-year-old Nathaniel Atkinson for winning the Joe Marston Medal for a best on ground performance in last night’s A-League Grand Final – saying it highlights the potential for Tasmanian footballers to make the highest levels of the sport.
“For Nathaniel to score a goal and be named best on ground in the biggest match on the Australian domestic football calendar is an outstanding achievement for which he, his family, home club Riverside Olympic, and the Tasmanian football community should be very proud.” he said.
“Nathaniel has worked extremely hard to get to where he is now after having left home at age 14 to follow his dreams of becoming a professional player and deserves all the accolades he receives.
“However, leaving home is a difficult decision to make at such a young age, and one that not every talented player is in a position to make.
“Football is Tasmania’s most played team sport, and we believe that Tasmanians should have pathways to the very highest level of the game, without having to leave the state like Nathaniel has.
“It’s clear our young players have the talent and potential but increasing the pathways available to them will give them more opportunities for success.
“To this end we will continue to work hard towards seeing an A-League and W-League club of our own in Tasmania become a reality.”