Local Talent Shines as Young Socceroos Make History

It’s been billed as one of the proudest moments in Australian football history to have seen our Young Socceroos clinch a first ever AFC U20 Asian Cup after defeating Saudi Arabia in a nail-biting penalty shootout in China.

Coach Trevor Morgan, a former National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW coach himself, led the team to glory, picking up the nation’s third piece of silverware since switching to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from Oceania in 2006.

Football NSW was especially proud to see ten local juniors; Louis Agosti, Alexander Badolato, Dean Bosnjak, Adam Bugarija, Frans Deli, Gus Hoefsloot, Paul Okon-Engstler, Tiago Quintal, Oliver Randazzo and Alexander Robinson, produce impactful performances at the prestigious AFC tournament.

With player pathways and youth development a key objective in progressing the game further in the state, Football NSW’s Player Development Manager for Boys Phil Myall was delighted with the outcomes achieved by these players, three of which came via the Football NSW TSP program.

“First and foremost a massive congratulations to the Young Socceroos on their success,” Myall said.

“It was a fantastic achievement by all the players and staff, I’m especially happy for Trevor Morgan, who has worked tirelessly to build this team.

“A special mention to Adam Bugarija, Alex Robinson, and Louis Agosti, who came through the Football NSW TSP program, it’s great to see their hard work and talent rewarded on the world stage, with Agosti capping it off by scoring in the final.

“It’s also fantastic to see so many players with strong ties to NSW football, including Oliver Randazzo, Alex Badolato, Tiago Quintal, Paul Okon-Engstler, Gus Hoefsloot, Frans Deli and Dean Bosnjak, who all spent their formative years in A-League academies within the state.

“The number of players emerging from NSW highlights the strength of our clubs and competitions in developing top talent.

“I look forward to following their careers as they continue to develop and watching their performances at the World Cup later this year.”

Myall was involved with the recent success of the U17 Joeys as the Assistant Coach, with the team also crowned Champions of the Hattrick U17 International tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Coached by Brad Maloney, a former Marconi Stallions star, the U17 Joeys finished the tournament with seven points, using it as preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025™ in April.

Like the Young Socceroos, the U17 Joeys squad was littered with Football NSW players, 11 in total, including Jai Ajanovic, Akol Akon, Nickolas Alfaro, Kade Baccus, Max Anastasio, Thomas Cutuk, Jay Maltz, Miles Milliner, Gianluca Okon, Zane Stevenson and Jared Williams.

“Winning the tournament with victories over Asian powerhouses South Korea and Saudi Arabia was a fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality and potential of this group,” said Myall.

“It was been a privilege to be part of the experience as assistant coach to Brad Maloney, and I truly believe this success highlights that TSP not only helps develop players for the next level but also provides a strong pathway for coaches.

“Brad and the rest of the staff have done an exceptional job with this group of players since their first camp back in April 2024, and it’s clear that their hard work and dedication are paying off.

“A special mention to the seven players who were part of the TSP before progressing to the A-League academies; Akol Akon, Thomas Cutuk, Kade Baccus, Miles Milliner, Max Anastasio, Jai Ajanovic and Zane Stevenson, as well as Jay Maltz and Nicko Alfaro, who have been part of the Sydney FC Academy since U13.

“Their performances in this tournament reflect the strength of our development pathways, and I look forward to seeing them compete at the AFC Asian Cup as they attempt to qualify for this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.”

Rest assured; the future of football looks bright if there’s anything to go by these recent achievements with Football NSW’s Player Pathway programs playing a pivotal role along with the aid of clubland in nurturing future Socceroos of tomorrow.