Since its inception, the A-League has placed a strong focus on identifying and nurturing the future talents of Australian football. The introduction of the National Youth League in 2008 and Senior Squad entitlements, such as Junior Marquees, are indicative of our commitment to youth.
With the hope that these individuals will go on to represent and find success with the national team, the A-League is central to the future of our game. Irrespective of the age and maturity of our national competition, the A-League, as a stepping stone, has produced Australia’s next generation of superstars. Mitchell Langerak and Mustafa Amini both went from the A-League to German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, Tommy Rogic was picked up by Celtic whilst Robbie Kruse used Melbourne Victory to propel himself to Europe.
All these examples are evidence of the great talents Australia is home to. One club home to the next wave of A-League stars is Sydney FC. Over the last two years, Sydney FC has blooded numerous youngsters deemed to have the potential to step up to the next level. The likes of Terry Antonis, Hagi Gligor, Mitch Mallia, Aaron Calver and Alec Urosevski have all appeared in the senior team as Sydney begin looking at youth to fill position vacancies.
Calver’s debut pinned him against Bruce Djite
Aaron Calver first made headlines on New Year’s Eve of 2012. Amidst numerous injuries, 16 year old Calver was to travel with the squad to Adelaide for their Round 14 clash. Calver describes that he “…didn’t have any expectations to play off the bench. I was just buzzing to be there.” His expectations didn’t go quite to plan, as 12 minutes in, Adam Griffiths goes down. With no other standout centre half on the bench, Farina threw the youngster to the wolves; “At first I thought the gaffer was going to put on another player but when I was told to warm up, I really didn’t have too much time to think about it. Just to play my normal game.”
Alec Urosevski also broke into the first team squad at a similar time in 2012. Urosevski got his call up for the Round 13 local derby against Central Coast Mariners. Alec was thrilled with his inclusion, claiming “It was an exciting time for me. On game day, I just tried to relax as much as I could, didn’t want to change too much from my normal routine … all the boys were confident and eager to play that weekend.”
A 1-0 win in a heated clash rounded off Urosevski’s debut, who came on with a quarter of an hour to go. “I had a few nerves just as I was about to go on the field but I remember coach telling me to enjoy myself. My debut was amazing. I’ve always dreamt of playing for Sydney FC and to make my debut in front of our home fans couldn’t have been much better.”
Since their debuts, both players have been in and around the first team squad. From The Stands A-League were lucky enough to talk with both Aaron Calver and Alec Urosevski about their climb to playing in front of tens of thousands, as well as providing an insight on the state of our youth system.
From The Stands: To begin with, how were you picked up by Sydney FC’s NYL team?
Aaron Calver: Ian Crook was my NSWIS coach and offered me a spot when he was appointed 1st team coach.
Alec Urosevski: After a good year playing for Sydney Olympic, I was asked to be part of the train on squad and the following year I was lucky enough to sign with them.
FTS: Coming from State Leagues into the NYL, what struck you most about the setup at Sydney FC? What key differences separated between the two?
AC: The level of professionalism and also the pace of the game is at least two steps higher.
AU: What struck me most about the set up at Sydney compared to state league was how professional and technical it was. Key differences for me would have to be training a lot more and being in a more structured set up.
FTS: Are we doing enough to identify and nurture young talent?
AC: The pathway is getting better and better each year with more and more players getting picked up from local state league clubs. We are getting there but things such as league academies wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
AU: I certainly think there are a lot of promising young footballers coming through the ranks and the national youth league gives us a great opportunity to showcase our talents.
FTS: Is performance the only thing we look at? As a young player, what obstacles are there aside from performance?
AC: I think performance is what most people look at but it is a range of things that make the complete footballer. As a teenager there are always the expected temptations of parties and so on, but if u keep football the priority then you should be fine.
AU: Performance shouldn’t be the only thing we look at, although it is important I think a good attitude and willingness to learn are also key. Mental attributes are very important and as a young footballer there can be quite a few obstacles such as injuries, not being selected in the squad, which leads to not enough game time and not being able to adjust well to certain coaching styles.
FTS: In your opinion, what separates a youngster with talent who doesn’t make it, and one that does make it big?
AC: Consistency in performances and having the ability to perform under pressure.
AU: The major thing that I think separates those who make it and those who don’t is the ability to work hard, not only sometimes but all the time and also to listen to what coaches and those around you have to say.
Urosevski appearing in this season’s NYL Sydney Derby
FTS: Having played A-League last year and returning to the NYL, do you feel your performances this year are above those of last year?
AC: Yeah it definitely does! you feel much more sharp when dropping back and that little extra experience i gained from the games also helped.
AU: I think my performances have been much better this year especially training with the first team and having a great youth league coach with Steve Corica. I know I can always do better and each day I strive to be better.
FTS: Do you find senior players are accepting of youngsters coming through, especially those in a similar position to you? And off the field?
AC: Yes the senior players are all huge helps and will accept you and show you the ropes as long as you show them the respect they deserve.
AU: Senior players are definitely accepting towards young players, I know personally that everyone in the Sydney FC first team have all helped me out and they are always willing to give advice and tips. Off the field is no different, all the boys are accepting and always there for me whenever I need help with anything at all.
FTS: What difficulties do you feel you’re facing this year breaking into the first team, opposed to last year’s debut season?
AC: From my offseason of being injured it took me a while to get back to where I was. But this year I think it is the amount of defenders and the performances of them that is making it the hardest.
AU: It is quite difficult to break into a team with so much talent. At the moment we have a few more strikers this year compared to last year, therefore makes us all train harder as it is more competitive. It is good but, just being amongst the team is a blessing.
FTS: And finally, what are you future aspirations? Have you attracted any overseas attention?
AC: In April of last year, I went on a 2 week trial at Fulham. But at the end of the first week, I had a Grade Three tear in my quad. It was definitely a good experience and I think more and more young players are deciding to go over for more opportunities
AU: I haven’t been to trial overseas yet but hope to go one day. First goal for me is to play more A-League games and hopefully get a first grade contract in the near future.
From The Stands A-League would like to thank both boys for their time answering our questions. We wish the best to the two youngsters in their footballing endeavours, who with the great, positive attitudes they definitely seem to have, we’ll be seeing more of.
Follow Aaron Calver on Twitter: @acalver96
Follow Alec Urosevski on Twitter: @urosevski
And last, and probably least, you can follow me on Twitter: @jordan_lorusso
