For most kids, 18th birthdays usually involve getting their licence or buying their first beer.
But for Garang Kuol, his will always be remembered as the day after his first Socceroos call-up.
Kuol, who turns 18 today, has been named in a new-look 31-man Socceroos squad for the side’s final two friendlies ahead of November’s World Cup in Qatar.
The star Shepparton export finished his debut A-League season with four goals in seven games for Central Coast Mariners and has recently been linked with a potential move to several top European clubs.
Kuol attended a Young Socceroos talent identification camp in Canberra last month and caught the eye with a spectacular goal and assist in a trial match.
Only months earlier, the teenager captured the attention of the Australian soccer world with a blistering performance for the A-League All Stars against Barcelona.
“I always wanted to play for the Socceroos, but never thought it would happen so early,” Kuol said yesterday.
“It’s a proud moment for me.”
Despite only putting pen to paper on his first professional contract in June, Kuol said he would be approaching the prospect of a Socceroos debut with utmost confidence.
“I think at this level of being an athlete, mentality is key,“ he said.
“Regardless of age, if you go in all guns blazing, you can achieve a lot.”
Kuol said pulling on a green and gold jersey some of his childhood heroes once wore would fill him with immense pride.
“It’s a huge honour,” he said.
“I remember when I was a child, me and my brothers had this tape of the Socceroos, I can’t remember much about it, but I remember seeing players like Bresciano and Tim Cahill, we used to watch that legit, like everyday — it was one of the sickest things ever.
“Now to be a part of it is amazing — I want to inspire young children to dream big, sky’s the limit.”
Speaking alongside Kuol, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said the 17-year-old had done more than enough to earn a call-up.
"He's showed great quality and great talent," Arnold said.
"I truly believe our kids have got it here in Australia and it's just getting the opportunity.
"Up front is an area of the pitch where we need players. If you have pace and can put the ball in the back of the net, I'm more than prepared to have a look at you."
Kuol was named in Graham Arnold’s 31-man squad alongside Mariners teammate and Scotland-born striker Jason Cummings, who is eligible for the Socceroos having moved to Australia in January this year.
Joining Kuol with an international call-up this month is former GV Suns teammate and Melbourne City goalkeeper James Nieuwenhuizen, who was named in the Young Socceroos squad for the under-20 Costa Cálida Supercup in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain.
The 24-man Young Socceroos will face Chile, England and Morocco between September 21 and 27.
The Socceroos host New Zealand on September 22 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane before a return match in Auckland on September 25.