Just 20 teams will be invited to compete for the opportunity to wear the green and gold at the Volkswagen Junior World Masters 2014 in Europe.

But to get their U12 teams from across the nation are being urged to register for their chance to play in the qualifying tournament on October 5 and 6 in Sydney.

The ultimate winner of the Junior Masters Australia 2013 receives a paid trip for 16 players and two adults to take on the powerhouse nations of world football.

Teams can register online at www.vwjuniormasters.com.au.

Last year ECU Joondalup impressed at the junior world tournament in Poland after winning a nail-biting shootout to take the Australian title.

For a group of boys who simply wanted to test themselves against teams from other states it was an unexpected triumph and only the beginning of an incredible journey.

Setting down in Warsaw, the team from Perth’s northern suburbs was given little hope of progressing from a tough group that included heavyweights Italy, Sweden, Russia and Mexico.

And a disappointing draw with Kazakhstan in their first match – a team they had pencilled in as a possible win – looked like killing off their campaign from the get-go.

But the Aussies dug deep and although they were edged 1-0 by eventual finalists Italy, won their other matches to reach the quarterfinals against a rampant Germany.

“They were unbelievable – they just smashed every team in the competition,” Joondalup’s then manager Stefan Koefler recalled of the German lads.  

“They killed us as well, 3-1, but we were the only team to actually score against them in open play.

“They actually won the title against Italy and beat them 6-0. They were just outstanding. They just had a couple of Schweinsteigers in the team.”

Koefler, whose son Nicholas was a defender in the Joondalup squad, said the Junior Masters provided an unforgettable experience both on and off the park and gave the youngsters and opportunity to build lasting friendships.

“We actually all got our shirts framed,” he said. “My son, his boots are now too small, he’s got them next to the frame. They all have great memories of that time.

“The boys in the team bonded very well with the other nations’ kids especially with Zimbabwe, South Africa and Brazil.

“They were on the same floor (of the hotel) with Brazil so they changed shirts with each other at the end of the tournament. They get on Facebook all the time with the Brazilians.”

Entry in the Australian tournament is a multi-phased process that begins with an online nomination form, team photos and a 250 word submission and culminates with 20 teams facing-off at the Sydney Academy of Sport.

Koefler has no doubt the experience will be just as amazing for the next lot of Aussie boys who make the cut.

And for all those hopeful ECU Joondalups out there thinking of taking the leap he has these words of advice: “Train hard, do your best, be a good sportsman and whoever goes over have a fantastic time. For the next bunch it will be another trip of a life time.”