Kiara Vlahopoulos books a ticket to Germany for annual Joeys soccer tour

Narrabri will be represented on the international sporting stage again next year when Kiara Vlahopoulos travels to Germany with the Joeys 13/14-years girls’ soccer team.

The 14-year-old was one of three Narrabri Soccer Club teenagers that lined up at the 2024 Rale Rasic Joeys Mini World Cup in Inverell last month, which also included Sophie Mitchel and Annalyse Hobson.

They played six games for an all-girls team in the 13/14 years division over three days at what was the biggest Joeys Inverell tournament ever, with more than 50 teams competing across the different age groups.

Kiara, who is the daughter of Danielle Vlahopoulos, impressed at the tournament and scored four of her side’s six goals. She was named the coach’s award winner for her team and was also selected onto the Joeys’ 13/14-years girls’ team for next year’s Germany playing and coaching tour, following in the footsteps of fellow Narrabri player Edward Bennett, who was a member of the under-14s boys’ team that travelled to Germany this year.

The 2025 tour will be held across 26 days in June and July.

Kiara started playing soccer at 10-years-old in Narrabri and was first coached by Steph Stride. She developed an instant passion for the game, and then when she was 12-years-old she successfully trialled for Northern Inland Academy of Sport and gained the positions of winger and striker.

Kiara played with NIAS for two years, taking out the NYPL championships in 2023, was chosen to play at state PSSA and was acknowledged for her talent when she was invited to play at a Talented Sports Program girls’ gala day.

She was also part of the NIAS Future Stars Program for both football and athletics.

After choosing to take a short break from soccer for about eight months to enjoy other sports like touch footy, oztag and rugby union, Kiara decided to get back into it this year. She lined up in Narrabri Junior Soccer’s under-14-17 competition for Joblink Plus, which qualified for the grand final and finished the season as runners-up.