He's a 16-year-old playing against men, but Canberra midfielder Marc Tokich says the Capital Football National Premier League is the perfect development pathway for his ambition to represent Australia at this year's Under 17 FIFA World Cup.
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The Canberra FC junior and ACT Academy of Sport graduate has joined the FFA's Centre of Excellence squad in Canberra this year, under the guidance of former Socceroos representative Tony Vidmar.
Tokich debuted with the Australian U17s Joeys last year, coming off the bench in international friendlies against the US and England.
But he said the step-up to the senior ranks in Canberra's Premier League was the perfect challenge heading into the World Cup, starting in Chile in October.
"Not only do we have to work harder tactically, but physically it's a big change," Tokich said. "It's what we're expecting in this upcoming world cup.
"It's been a big step up from the ACTAS group. If I keep progressing the way I am and improving my game ... I am trying to push myself to be there [at the World Cup]. Getting the opportunity would be amazing."
Tokich trained with the Western Sydney Wanderers youth squad before joining the COE and has aims to play in Europe.
"Obviously I want to continue up to the Socceroos," he said. "A top European club is something everyone dreams for and it's definitely one of my dreams."
The FFA COE will be aiming to continue its impressive start to the season in the NPL when it hosts the Monaro Panthers at the AIS on Saturday.
Capital Football National Premier League
Saturday: FFA Centre of Excellence v Monaro Panthers, AIS, 3pm. Belconnen United v Woden Weston FC, McKellar Park, 5.30pm.
Sunday: Canberra FC v Canberra Olympic, Deakin Stadium, 3pm; Tigers FC v Gungahlin United at Nijong Oval, 3pm.
