IGA & Adelaide United Junior Elite Academy Squad 2010

[johnydep]

The squad will be introduced at Hindmarsh tonight at half time of the Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar game

The IGA & Adelaide United Elite Academy for 2010 has been finalised following a host of extensive trials.

Academy Manager Michael Valkanis, along with a selection panel including former Qantas Socceroo Tony Vidmar and former Reds defender Richie Alagich, casted their eyes over 100 aspiring young footballers before Valkanis announced the final squad for the Elite Academy, which is the first of its kind in the Hyundai A-League.

Valkanis admits it was extremely difficult narrowing the field down to 25, stating there is no shortage of young talent in South Australia.

“From the skills that were on show at the trials, the future of football in this state certainly looks bright,” Valkanis said.

“The criteria we took into consideration was their technical ability in terms of passing, one on one, running with the ball, first touch and insight in the game.”

“Adelaide United FC will play its part in helping develop these youngsters and provide them with the opportunity to one day hopefully become elite players for Adelaide United in the future.”

Players selected for the Adelaide United & IGA Junior Elite Academy are part of a long-term strategy with the aim of giving them the best chance to fulfil their potential and play at the highest levels of the game both nationally and internationally.

Adelaide United Academy
Tony Vidmar, Richie Alagich and Michael Valkanis during the Elite trials.

The elite squad will have its introductory session on January 22 before the first football session on January 25.

For the boys that were not selected, Valkanis says they have not been forgotten, and that the club and the Academy would continue to keep them on the database and monitor their progress in the local competitions.

“The boys that unfortunately didn't make it are still regarded in the top 100 for their age group,” Valkanis said.

“They will be on our radar for the rest of the year and should definitely not rule out being given an opportunity down the track. They should keep developing and training hard but most importantly at this age continue to enjoy playing the game.”

A major pathway into the Elite squad is through the IGA & Adelaide United Junior Development Academy Program. This program gives young boys and girls a fantastic and unique opportunity to learn from a host of experienced coaches and Adelaide United players, past and present.

Valkanis believes the Community Program will be a key tool to progression into the Elite Academy and that he looked forward to the challenge of providing an environment for talent to flourish on a daily basis.

“We are extremely proud of the Academy and the player pathway program, which I believe offers a unique opportunity within the professional game for children and young players to progress from playing grass roots football to potentially becoming a first team player at Adelaide United FC,” Valkanis said.

There are still a number of positions available for the IGA & Adelaide United Junior Development Academy. Click here for more information.

IGA & Adelaide United Junior Elite Academy Squad 2010
Billy Allotey (Para Hills Knights), Samed Altundag (Renmark Olympic), Karl Anglish (Noarlunga United), Jordan Burgess (Cove), Elliot Carbou (Croydon Kings), Bradley Corbo (Adelaide Blue Eagles), George Curtis (Cumberland United), Anthony De Palma (Croydon Kings), Anthony Dimas, Harrison Falkenberg (Playford City), Jesse Francesca (Adelaide Blue Eagles), Michael Gravas (West Torrens Birkalla), Ali Hadi (Adelaide City), Kallan Head (Renmark Olympic), Kosta Mantis (West Adelaide), Jordan Maricic (Western Strikers), Jack Mezzino (Northern Demons), Liam Miller (Para Hills), Jordan O’Doherty (Raiders), Jackson O’Donnell, Luke Quaglia (Campbelltown), Michael Schwerdt (Western Strikers), David Signore (Campbelltown City), Alex Solari (Campbelltown City), Hugh Taylor (West Adelaide), Nathan Temby (West Torrens Birkalla), Reeve Wijayasekera (Adelaide City)

[Wild Eagle]

There are some very very talented and promising players in this list, let's hope they have a good time with the Academy, I think the future looks good for SA.

[Bliimp]

Interesting casting my eyes over the names of boys that made it into the Academy over 5 years ago.

These boys would have to be about 19 years old by now - have any of them made it past the Academy and into the A League?

The question I am really asking is to determine what chance these boys have in getting into the A league - when teams, Adelaide United included, appear to be more interested in 2nd rate overseas players!

[spooky1972]

Interesting casting my eyes over the names of boys that made it into the Academy over 5 years ago.

These boys would have to be about 19 years old by now - have any of them made it past the Academy and into the A League?

The question I am really asking is to determine what chance these boys have in getting into the A league - when teams, Adelaide United included, appear to be more interested in 2nd rate overseas players!

even more so how many play FFSA top clubs