Exceptional season for young soccer star

Eli McGinty was voted Players’ Player for the Under 16 Premier Youth League (PYL) team, and was also named the 2025 Club Champion
21st Oct 2025

Eli McGinty first laced up his boots at age six with the Guyra United Soccer Club “Caspers”. In 2023, at just 13, he transitioned to the Northern Inland Rangers, a regional Premier Youth League team based in Tamworth that competes in a Newcastle-based competition known for developing high-potential young players through elite-level football.
Eli has recently capped off an exceptional season by receiving multiple honours at this year’s end-of-season celebrations. He was voted Players’ Player for the Under 16 Premier Youth League (PYL) team, and was also named the 2025 Club Champion, the club’s highest accolade, awarded annually to one male and one female athlete who demonstrate outstanding performance, commitment and leadership.
Eli’s achievements are particularly notable given the challenges he faced leading into the season. After sustaining a serious sports injury in 2024, which sidelined him for the final month of competition, he dedicated his off-season to an intensive rehabilitation program, returning stronger and more determined than ever.
A passionate goalkeeper, Eli has showcased his versatility and commitment contributing across three age groups. He served as the sole goalkeeper for the Under16s, stepped in as goalkeeper for the Under 18s when their keeper was injured, and played full-time on field for the Under 15s as both a striker and central defender, while also filling in as goalkeeper when needed.
Beyond club commitments, Eli represents the Northern Inland Rangers Football Club (NIRFC) in the Northern NSW Football Talent Support Program (TSP), where he receives specialised goalkeeper training every fortnight and competes in state wide Gala Days. These high-level opportunities allow him to train and play alongside some of the strongest young players in NSW and be visible to selectors for academy squads and national development pathways such as the Socceroos.
The Northern Inland Rangers Football Club represents athletes aged 8 to 18 from across Northern Inland NSW, drawing from areas such as Glen Innes, Moree, Narrabri and Scone. The club is committed to developing disciplined, skilled and community-minded players who demonstrate both football excellence and strong character.
Young footballers interested in following a similar pathway are encouraged to watch for the Northern Inland Rangers’ 2026 trial dates on their website and social media pages.