Gunnedah-based teen Jacobi Morris has his mind set on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in England in the coming year, as part of his soccer journey.

Jacobi will head to England in late March for a two-week venture the following month involving training, development, camps and games with the West Ham academy.

Watching professional matches and gaining insights into the English Premier League (EPL) will also be part of the trip.

Jacobi, who will be in year 9 at Gunnedah High School in 2026, originated in Walgett before moving to Gunnedah and attending Gunnedah South Public School from year 2.

Jacobi began playing soccer in Gunnedah at the age of eight, and then spent a few years playing in Tamworth before returning to Gunnedah this year.

Jacobi played third and fourth grade for Gunnedah this year, with all of the fixtures in Tamworth.

His preferred position is centre midfield, while he has also played on the left wing.

Things changed for Jacobi when he attended a two-day George Cowie Foundation school holiday camp in Tamworth, as these camps involve a partnership with West Ham United FC and also provide a pathway to the EPL.

With these camps offered around Australia and New Zealand, Jacobi took the chance to gain experience and improve his skills and knowledge of the game.

The Gunnedah-based youngster caught the eye of at least one observer at the Tamworth-based camp, as he was chosen for a four-day national camp in the Gold Coast suburb of Southport.

More than 450 youngsters from around Australia and New Zealand were at the Gold Coast-based camp, where there were all sorts of training drills. The youngsters also learned about recovery, dietary and conditioning techniques, before the final day was spent playing games in various age groups.

As it turned out, Jacobi and some of his friends from Tamworth were among those selected for a two-week opportunity in England.

“Hard work and dedication have gotten me as far as where I am, now I’ve got to show what my ability is,” he said.

Jacobi said he hoped to play soccer at professional level some day, and be on television.

A fan of Manchester United, Jacobi said his favourite player was Bruno Fernandez who plays as a midfielder for this club.

“To me he’s a magical player,” Jacobi said.

“He makes things look easy in a football game.”

Jacobi said he also had a dream of playing for Manchester United but that “the main thing is I want to play professional soccer” some day regardless of where an opportunity came.

Jacobi said another dream was to represent his country.

“Representing your country is a big thing in life: representing your family, yourself and your people,” he said.

“I’m an indigenous boy from Walgett.

“My family’s all NRL (National Rugby League) supporters.

“Ever since then I’ve wanted to be different.

“Since I met my stepfather I was interested to learn more about soccer.

“I watched him play, and got plenty of tips from him.”

As for soccer itself, Jacobi said there were all sorts of game styles but that “it all adds up to one solution”.

Jacobi said he also liked the unpredictability, as “you never know when a goal can come” throughout the 90-minute contest.