Six Victorians have been named to represent the Australian U16 Schoolboys Team on their tour of the UK and Ireland from Jan 12 to Feb 2, 2023
The Australian side was selected School Sport Australia Football Championships, which was held in Sydney, NSW from September 11-16.
Team Victoria finished at the championships on goal difference and Mark Leonard was named player of the tournament.
Congratulations to the following players on their selection into the 18-player squad:
- Eisay Adhanom (Melton Secondary College) - Caroline Springs George Cross FC
- Jacob Nasso (Aquinas College Ringwood) - Bentleigh Greens SC
- Gabriel Aldieri (Maribyrnong College Sports Academy) - Altona Magic FC
- Kayne White (Mazenod College) - Northcote City FC
- Mark Leonard (Albert Park College) - Port Melbourne FC)
- Ekumbir Sekhon (Ivanhoe Grammar Plenty) - Northcote City FC
There are matches lined up against Scotland FA U16, Ireland FA U16, Northern Ireland FA U16, Welsh U16 schools, England Independent schools, and top academy teams.
Australian Schoolboys assistant coach Tony Judge said everyone in the Victorian side were “very solid players”.
“Victoria was a strong team at Nationals, that’s why they have got such a large number of players in the squad,” he said.
“Mark Leonard was really good, he scored plenty of goals so we are looking forward to seeing what he can do at the next level.
“Gabriel Aldieri provided some creativity through the attacking midfield and Jacob Nasso is a strong defender that we are sure will do well overseas.”
Judge said the players could use the tour to catapult themselves into contention for a professional football contract.
“It is just a good pathway for players to get that experience and gives them another opportunity to be identified and experience national football,” he explained.
“This is a great chance for these players to play international teams as the National teams prepare for the European Championships,” he said.
“It’s what makes it such a good tour and fantastic opportunity for those kids.
“From our last tour a couple of years ago, Jed Drew just made his debut for Macarthur Bulls in the A-League and there is Lachlan Rose who is another former schoolboy playing for the Bulls.
“It is so exciting to see them kick on and make that next step.”
The head coach for the squad is Sydney FC Academy coach Alex Watson and his assistant will be Tony Judge.