Jordanian youth international Hamza Hina is looking forward to a life in football.   Hina has enjoyed a stellar first six months in Inglewood United colours, the teenager putting away thirteen goals in a dozen appearances for the Under-20s before earning a deserved promotion to the senior squad earlier this month.

Hina was further rewarded last week when coach Andy Keogh handed the 19-year old his first team debut in the 3-0 home defeat of Floreat Athena.   Having enjoyed his initial taste of senior football, the Jordan-born youngster is hoping Inglewood can act as a springboard to professional football.

“I left my home country to pursue a career in football so playing against Floreat was definitely a big first step in the right direction,” Hina said.   “Football for me is not a hobby, it’s a way of life.   If I can learn all I can about the game, keep working hard and progressing then one day I’ll play professionally.”

“It was great to play my first senior game and get some minutes on the park but what was more important to me was it showed the trust and belief the coaching staff have in my abilities.   I want to do my best every time I pull on an Inglewood shirt and, hopefully, that will lead to a starting position somewhere down the line.”

Hina first played football as a child in Jordan where he honed his talents with Al Ahli, one of the country’s oldest clubs, and represented the nation at Under-19 and Under-21 levels.   On relocating to Perth he joined Balcatta for brief spell last year before switching in the off-season to Inglewood.

“There’s a level of professionalism that Inglewood has within itself that many other clubs lack,” he said.   “I’ve not been at the club long but I’ve already seen there is a close connection between the players, the coaching staff and board members.   That has given me a sense of belonging and loyalty to Inglewood.”