Bennett Aims Up With The Gunners

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday June 13, 2001

Renee Valentine Back of the net

RYAN Bennett was planning surf safaris 12 months ago and on the verge of sending his soccer boots to the back of his cupboard.

If Bennett hassled for waves as fiercely as he marks his opponents on the soccer field, he would not have had a problem with unwanted drop-ins.

But Bennett's parents convinced him instead to stick with soccer.

It has proved good advice for the 17-year-old, who has cemented a place in South Cardiff's first-grade side this season.

`I really wanted to go further with my surfing last year,' Bennett said.

`It was my main priority but my parents talked me into staying with soccer, and my focus has changed to it now.'

The Eleebana youngster joined South Cardiff last season and although Bennett played some senior soccer, he could not cement a place in the top side.

Gunners coach Neville Power identified the potential in Bennett when he arrived at the club this year.

`Ryan has a good head on his shoulders and has quite a good future in soccer ahead of him,' Power said.

`He was playing in the under-18s, then he played a couple of games in reserve grade and showed he could handle the pressure.

`We started him on the bench for first grade and he really earned his spot in the team.'

The youngster was thrown in against reigning grand-final winners Hamilton in round four.

It was a tough start against the second-placed Olympic outfit, but Bennett did well and has held his position in first grade since.

`It was a big match so I panicked and did not have a good touch,' Bennett said.

`But now I put myself up with everyone else.

`I have learned to sit back and just focus on my game.'

Power has given Bennett room to be creative, playing him at left midfield rather than his usual role of sweeper.

`I have always played sweeper, but I get to play a lot more off the ball and more attacking football from midfield,' Bennett said.

`I have been involved in a lot of goals but have not got my foot to one yet.

`I am still playing a neutral game and worrying about getting the simple things right before I start getting creative.'

Bennett's immediate future lies with South Cardiff and the Northern NSW State League.

`South Cardiff have been loyal to me,' Bennett said.

`They are like my seed and hopefully with their help I can grow as a player.'

The Warners Bay High School student has also proven to be one of the State's top juniors with selection in the NSW Combined High Schools second team.

He will compete at the State All Schools championship being held in Glenwood later this month.