Young Sydney FC starlet Aaron Calver will quietly mark the passing of his 17th birthday this weekend, as he prepares for another huge moment in his fledgling career.
Young Sydney FC starlet Aaron Calver will quietly mark the passing of his 17th birthday this weekend, as he prepares for another huge moment in his fledgling career.
The centre half could make his home debut for the Sky Blues on Sunday afternoon, when Melbourne Heart are the visitors to Allianz Stadium.
And for the dedicated Sydney supporter it will be a moment to savour.
“I-ve been a big fan of Sydney ever since they started up so it-ll be a dream come true to wear the shirt in front of the home fans,” said the 16 year old.
“I-ve always watched the club and I-m a bit nervous at the moment but I-ll come around to it. They [Melbourne Heart] are doing well so it-s important that we get a result, to get a run into the finals.”
Calver will turn 17 on Saturday, but says there won-t be any big celebration.
“I think I-ll stay at home and have a quiet one probably,” he said.
The Australian under 16 international was a striker until he came under the wing of former Sydney FC coach Ian Crook, who he rates as the biggest influence on his career.
“I had him at the New South Wales Institute for Sport for two years and he was the one who changed me from a striker to a centre back.
“At times I do find it more comfortable, but you do miss scoring the goals.”
Calver became the second youngest player in Sydney FC-s history [behind Terry Antonis] when he made his debut as a first half substitute against Adelaide United on New Year-s Eve.
And after making his full debut in the 2-all draw with Perth, he is keen to see his run continue.
“I was nervous [against Adelaide] but when I got called on I didn-t really have time to think about it. I had to just get in there and get on with the job.
“They-re all class players, you-ve just got to do your best against them. They-re all very strong and hold the ball up well.
“I thought I did pretty good. They scored a few goals but I didn-t think there was much we could do about that. Smeltz-s two goals were world class,” he continued.
“Hopefully I can make this my fulltime career, I don-t really want to work or do anything else so hopefully this can be it.”
Sydney FC’s next home game will be a Finals Series six-pointer against the Melbourne Heart this Sunday, January 13th. Tickets are available from Ticketek starting at just $25 for adults. Kick off is at 5pm. It should be an occasion to bring all the family.
