Joondalup United has continued its commitment to developing young talent throughout the 2019 Football West State League season.
Opportunities have been given to National Premier League (NPL) Juniors perform at a higher level, with Liam Whittaker making his first team debut at just 17 years of age against title winners Gwelup Croatia.
Three more 17-year-olds – Jared Lee, Matt Drake and Aidjouma Sow – have been part of Blaine Merredew’s reserve side that finished second after a fantastic season.
The 18s, meanwhile, has served as a gateway for players aiming to make the step up to senior level.
Luke Crawford (15) started the year in the NPL 15s before moving into 16s, and then the 18s less than a month later.
He has started nearly a dozen games and scored one goal.
Jude Baillie, also 15, was playing up an age group in the 16s and has now got eight 18s games to his name.
Another 15-year-old, Jakub Dubert is another who came through the 16s and is now established as the first choice left back for the 18s.
Dubert netted the match winning goal against Morley Windmills a few weeks ago.
NPL 16 and 15s squad members – Huey Woods, Brad Hilton, Brendon Brassington, Julien Bian and Logan Smith are others who have featured for Troy Reid’s 18s.
Trial registration is now open for the 2020 season and all interested parties can fill out an expression of interest form via our website.