The Sydney FC Academy Football Schools Program has established itself as a launchpad for young football talents in Australia, propelling them towards international success.
With its commitment to excellence and player development, the program has garnered widespread recognition particularly with the move of Max Vartuli from the Sydney FC Academy to Danish club Aab Aalborg earlier this week.
Vartuli is an alumnus of the Sydney FC Academy Football Schools Program having studied at Matraville and the Endeavour Sports High School while playing for the Sydney FC Academy.
The Program is devised by Sydney FC Academy coaches and allows people to maximise their potential while also continuing their studies at one of four schools across the Harbour City.
LEARN MORE: ACADEMY FOOTBALL SCHOOLS PROGRAM
It focuses heavily on a student athlete balance where the football motivates the student to do well at their studies.
The aim is to ensure the Program is not only about football but looking after the individual and helping them become a better person. That is done by combining the pupils’ studies with football learning.
Throughout the Program students have access to talent identification days, participation in football tournaments and visits to the Sydney FC A-League Men’s training.
Recent graduate Vartuli was still participating in the Program when he sat on the bench in the A-League Men’s 3-2 Sydney Derby win at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in April 2022.
Since then, he has lifted the NPL (National Premier League) U20’s trophy at CommBank Stadium with the Sydney FC Academy and continued to make appearances under coach Matt Sim.
After hard work and dedication, Vartuli is about to play in Europe and places a considerable importance on the Sydney FC Academy Schools Program in helping him achieve that.
“The Sydney FC Academy Schools were great for my development. It has been a fantastic steppingstone for the start of my career,” Vartuli said.
Technical Director – Youth Kelly Cross, highlighted the impact that the Sydney FC Academy Football Schools program is having on young male and female players.
“We are seeing more talented players come through our school programs and I believe that Max’s opportunity overseas will not be the last time we see one of our school graduates move on to high level football.
“There are plenty of players within our Academy structure who have been playing the Sydney FC Way throughout their schooling and this program stands them in good stead,” Cross said.
