Sydney FC snap up Sutherland Sharks? Blake Powell

The 20-year-old, who hails from the Sutherland Shire but also played junior football with Blacktown and Sydney Olympic, joins Sydney FC direct from the Sutherland Sharks, where he has been in great form in the 2012 NSW Premier League.
Powell also spent the last two years playing with Sydney FC in the National Youth League side and was a member of the Sky Blues? 2011 AFC Champions League squad.
Powell was thrilled to be joining the A-League squad on a two year contract after training with the first time regularly while starring for the Youth Team: ?I?m over the moon. I thought I was coming in just to train but when I was offered a two year deal I was shocked and I jumped at it,? Powell said.
?I put in a lot of extra sessions with the first team when I was in the youth team and I knew in the long run it would be worth it.
?My goal is to try and work my way into the team but I know there?s a lot of hard work ahead of me. I?m up for the challenge and I?m up for the extra work I know I have to do to get myself into a position where I can play.
Crook, who coached Powell in the 2011/12 Sydney FC Youth Team, welcomed him to the squad, acknowledging the extra work he had done over the last two years.
?Blake?s worked hard for his opportunity and we?re delighted to welcome him to the A-League squad,? Crook said. ?He spent a lot of time training with the first team while he was in the youth team and I?m sure he?ll make the transition well.
?Having coached him in the Sydney FC youth team I know what he is capable of and his style of football suits how we are trying to play. He?s quick, smart and likes to run at people. I think he?ll do well with us if he puts in the hard work and continues to improve.?