Young Sydney FC Under 20’s Academy Goalkeeper Max Vartuli is heading overseas after signing a two year loan deal with four-time Danish Champions AaB Aalborg following a successful trial.
18-year old Vartuli will begin his professional career in Denmark after some stellar performances in the Sky Blues Academy teams, whom he joined from Sydney FC’s Academy Schools Program aged 13 years old.
The former Endeavour Sports High pupil is best known in his Sydney FC career for coming close to a Sydney Derby debut when he was called up to the A-League Men’s squad for the clash in April 2022.
He sat on the bench while Adam Pavlesic deputized for Andrew Redmayne and Tom Heward-Belle, who were recovering from sickness and injury.
And Max is grateful for the opportunity which has presented itself.
“I feel really excited about this opportunity and Sydney FC have really helped me get ready for something like this as the pace and the professionalism of the environment in the Academy is like Europe,” he said.
“The trial here was for ten days and I basically trained twice a day, every day with the first team which was great.
“They told me they liked what they saw in me and asked me to sign so they can develop me as they said they see potential.
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“It has made me feel really optimistic for the future as it has been my dream to sign a professional contract and it hasn’t really sunk in yet.
“It’s a great stepping-stone in my life.”
The trial was set up by Sydney FC’s new Head Of Player Management Alex Baumjohann.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Max who has shown extreme talent and ability and has performed very well in his recent trial in Denmark by all accounts,” said the former Sydney FC and Schalke attacking midfielder.
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“Aalborg have a great history in the Danish league and it’s a great platform for him to learn and push for a first team starting place.”
The name Vartuli is synonymous with Sydney FC as his father Sam was a Foundation Sydney FC Member, holds Membership number 25 and has been a Sydney FC volunteer in the past.
So it was almost fate that he would end up in the Sky Blues Academy under the tutelage of Kelly Cross.
“Max has continued to improve since joining our Academy at the age of 14,” said the Sydney FC Technical Director – Youth.
“We see him as a great prospect with all the attributes required of a professional.
“He has already experienced senior football in our NPL team; we all believe he will grasp this excellent opportunity and use it to begin a long career in football.”
Max Vartuli first came into contact with Sydney FC at their Matraville Sports High School program in Years 7 and 8, before moving to Endeavour Sports High in Year 9.
