About 50 junior players from North Geelong Warriors have made Victorian and national talent squads after stand-out seasons in 2018.
Warriors technical director Josip Skoko praised his club’s future soccer stars who made the squads.
“It’s a big deal for our club and the region,” he said.
“We congratulate the club’s players and coaches on their efforts.”
The North Geelong juniors each earned a spot in the Football Federation Victoria Talent I.D. Centre (TIDC) program this year.
The federation runs the program once a week, working in conjunction with clubs to identify and develop talented players for state and national teams.
“We’re delighted for the players selected into the program, who continue to display the characteristics and technical qualities being sought after by the representative coaching staff,” Skoko said.
Under 12 players form part of the introductory level of program, whilst under 13 and 14 players have a chance to play for Victoria at the Australian championships.
Ten North Geelong juniors made the Victorian side and will represent their state next weekend.
Lachlan Brown, Noa Skoko, Tom Ilijevski, Xavier Ryan, Tristian Harris, Daniel Harland, Julian Majic Hecimovic, Harry Waugh, Zac Pavlicevic (emergency) and James Lamson (emergency) made the Victorian side.
“We were delighted with to see several players selected for Victorian Country Rep team and national team contention,” Skoko said.
Anthony Leban, 15, who plays seniors for North Geelong, narrowly missed out on the playing for the Australian under 16/17 team this year.
Leban will aim to again join the national Joeys’ training camps next year in a bid to make the Australian side next year.
“The FFV and the TIDC technical staff deserve a big congratulations for their efforts to put this together for players to benefit and form an understanding of the next level of commitment to pursue their dreams,” Skoko said.
