It had been a hectic week for the Maryborough teenager.

McDowell represented Victoria at the Australian Schoolboys Championships in Port MacQuarie.

While trying to stop some of the best young soccer talent from around the country, he was named captain of the Victorian team.

"It was definitely one of the highlights of my career so far and I regard myself as very lucky to have had the opportunity to represent my state," McDowell said.

After a slow start to the week with losses against both Queensland and WA, the Victorians won against ACT and finished with two draws against SA and the undefeated NSW team.

"We thought the competition was very strong," McDowell said.

"All the states were strong, especially NSW and Queensland. The ACT match was a great team effort and was one of the most satisfying wins I had ever been involved in."

On returning from the championships, McDowell started in his first match for Ballarat in state league two.

He did not have a lot to do in the first half, except for one excellent finger-tipper over the bar, but looked solid with his catching and kicking.

Werribee only scored late when Ballarat had been reduced to 10 men and McDowell made two or three excellent saves during the match.

"Kieran is an outstanding young man who has a bright future, both on and off the football field," Reds coach Danny Gnjidic said.

"It's not often that goalkeepers are selected as a captain, particularly of a representative side, so it says a lot for the regard in which the Victorian selectors must hold him."

Gnjidic said McDowell was a fantastic addition to the Red Devils.

"His excellent attitude and application to his training has definitely brought the best out of our other goalkeeper, Aaron Romein," he said.

"He has waited patiently for his opportunity and he didn't miss a beat in his debut."