Sydney FC’s National Premier Leagues campaign might be more than two months away but that hasn’t stopped the Sky Blues Academy preparations, with 35 new recruits already bedding in across the seven squads.
Training began last month and included 17 new players introduced into the under 13’s set up, with two brothers standing out from the crowd!
11-year olds Benji and Jacob Zaidel are identical twins and are so closely alike in looks and footballing talent, that it was tough for Sydney FC’s Academy staff to work out whether they were looking at one or two good players!
“We’d been monitoring Ben and Jake for a period of time and it became clear that they were both equally talented,” said Kelly Cross, Sydney FC Technical Director – Youth.
“You couldn’t tell them apart in terms of ability so it helped that they were wearing different coloured and numbered bibs (as all trialists do), so there were no problems identifying them.
“They are only 11-years old but they are promising young players showing creative potential and it’s great to bring them into our environment.
“They are great kids, bubbly and enthusiastic with a good attitude. They get on well with each other and their peers.
Ben plays as a holding midfielder while Jake plays as an attacking midfielder which made it slightly easier to identify the boys.
Dad Dani says he couldn’t be prouder of the boys.
“They are going in a year early as Sydney FC start their Academy at under 13 level.
“They’ve had a big advantage as twins kicking a football around the backyard from when they were tiny.
“They just love the game and are really ex[1]cited about it.”
Sydney FC’s senior Academy (U18/U20/NPL) begin their season in early February while the junior Academy (U13-U16) start their campaign in the middle of the same month.
Sydney FC New Academy Players
A big welcome to Sydney FC’s Academy to the following new players….
Under 13’s
Austin Craig
Benjamin Zaidel
Clyde Allan
Domenic Onley
Harley Bermudez
Jackson Aungle
Jacob Zaidel
Jake Wynne
Liam Sciacca
Luka Broadbent
Luka Djurovic
Peter Mitropoulos
Pico Bangoura
Sebastian Spinozzi
Tyler Hawkett
Tyler Hogan
Under 14’s
Ethan Dyer
Jacob Turner
Under 15’s
Eizar Tanjung
George Russell
Kaedan Main
Marco Santangelo
Rhys Webster
Zachariah Harrison
Zane Stevenson
Under 16’s
Blake Bolwell
Jack Ryu
Lucas Mounarath
Oliver Neri
Richard Nkomo
Under 18’s
Oscar Fryer
Zachary De Jesus
Unders 20’s / NPL
Bailey Callaghan
Max Buratto
Stanley Wilson
