It’s not only Moreton Bay United which has identified Serenity Thake as a rising star - New Zealand has as well.
Senni has been invited by the New Zealand FA to a national Under 20s camp in Auckland, from July 20-23. She will fly across the Tasman the day before.
The 17-year-old right back lived in Auckland until she was 12 and then moved to Australia. She is now based on the Gold Coast, but has dual nationality.
It is Senni’s second call-up. Last year she was in the New Zealand’s Under 17s for World Cup qualifying matches until COVID put everything on hold.
“I’m really excited, nervous but really excited,” said Senni, “it will be gym work, games, recovery, going through footage … everything.”
Jets’ Women’s head coach David Da Silva said: “It’s a huge milestone for the club that we are getting players continuing to go on. I hope there are more to come.
“It’s a critical step for the club this year to prove the women’s program is at least on a par with the boys.
“Our challenge is to make the girls’ program the best in the state over the next couple of years. We have a lot of scope to expand it in the years ahead.”
Senni has played 12 of Jets’ 13 NPLW matches this season after playing for the QAS in the same competition in 2019 and 2020.
“I love it at Moreton Bay United,” she said, “Dave’s great as a coach. It’s challenging, but I’m learning heaps and loving it.”
Senni’s selection follows Mia Green and Zara Stone’s invitation to play in a Football Australia (FA) elite match, hosted by Football Queensland, last month at the QSAC stadium, Nathan.