LAKESLAND teenager Evan Berger says size isn't every- thing, and he's certainly proving that. While the rising soccer star will spend some of the next 12 months working on his physique at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, it's his pace and agility around the pitch that have helped him get where he is today.

Berger, 18, has won a one-year scholarship at the institute after impressing national under-20 selectors last year.

His good form means he will not only enjoy some of the best facilities, but he will also form part of the Young Socceroos (under-20) team that will try to earn a ticket to the 2007 world championships in Canada.

Berger will train twice a day in Canberra, six days a week under the guidance of some of the country's best coaches. It was those same coaches that couldn't help but notice his speed and skills when they saw the young midfielder in action.

Berger, who attended Westfield's Sports High until last year, made the Australian Schoolboys side after dominating for NSW - he was named player of the tournament - at the national titles. He also dazzled some of the country's best juniors during a school game against AIS.


"After that, I had a trial in late Rising soccer star impresses coaches November, down at the institute," Evan said from Canberra last week. I was playing against a lot of guys that were already here. All the coaches were watching on. I was nervous, but I was just playing soccer. I don't get too nervous because playing is something I live doing. But just because he managed to keep relaxed during the trial didn't mean he wasn't aware what a poor showing could have meant - especially given he hopes to one day play professionally in Europe. "It was pretty big," he said. "If you'd missed out on this, it's a lot harder to make it eventually. Once you get into the system, people start to recognise your name and opportunities can open up. If we [the Young Socceroos] can qualify for the World Cup then everyone from around the world sees you play."

Evan who started his career with BURRAGORANG before joining the Macarthur Rams and then Parramatta, will continue his footballing journey next month when he jets off to Sri Lanka with his new team-mates where they will play in the first stage of qualifying for next year's world championships.