Football Tasmania has celebrated the debut Socceroo cap of Tasmanian player Nathaniel Atkinson, who played a full 90 minutes in this morning’s 1-0 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Atkinson, who started his football with Riverside Olympic before joining the Football Tasmania NTC program and eventually moving interstate, becomes the first Tasmanian Socceroo since Dominic Longo in 1998.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley paid tribute to Atkinson’s achievement, saying it showed aspiring Tasmanian players what was possible with hard work and determination.
“While it was a disappointing result, it was fantastic to see Nathaniel Atkinson make his debut and put in a very good performance.
“On behalf of the entire football community I congratulate him on this wonderful achievement.
“For all of our junior and youth players across the state, it shows what is possible with commitment, hard work and determination.
“We hope it the first of many caps, including in the remainder of this campaign and hopefully in this year's FIFA World Cup if the Socceroos are able to qualify.”