The talented players were joined by a trio of Highlanders, Nick Allen, Lachlan Marsh and Brooke Duffy, as the coaches put the players through four days of intense training.

Founder of the camps, Bosley Park High School teacher Geoff Stanmore said the camp aimed to simulate life as a professional player.

“We bring the players down here [to the Southern Highlands] to get them away from their parents and out of their comfort zone,” Stanmore said.

“This camp is not a profitable one for us [the organisers] but it is really beneficial for the players.

“They train from as early as 6.30 in the morning until 9.30 at night.

“It’s indoors and outdoors, all aimed at getting them to think faster.”

Veteran coach David Lee agreed that today’s young players lacked the ability to think quickly.

The man who discovered Harry Kewell said all junior soccer matches should be played on small-sized fields to encourage quicker thinking and faster movement.

“Look at how big the fields are - you get the ball and don’t have to think,” Lee said.

“On smaller fields the players have to think before they get the ball and make a decision quickly.”