Melbourne City goalkeeper Lachie Charles has signed his first professional contract after graduating from the club’s academy.
Charles becomes the seventh City academy graduate to move into the Isuzu UTE A-League squad over the past sixth months after the 17-year-old penned a three-year deal – starting on July 1, 2025.
The teenager – who has an option to extend for an additional two years – is the fourth player to progress through City’s entire Player Development Pathway, following in the footsteps of Jayden Necovski, Peter Antoniou, and Lawrence Wong.
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Described as “one of the academy’s most promising goalkeepers”, Charles saved three penalties in just eight appearances in VPL1 in Victoria, where his game time was limited in 2024 due to A-Leagues-contracted goalkeepers often featuring for the NPL outfit.
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“Melbourne City has been my home for many years, and I am thrilled to make the step up to the first team,” said Charles, who started his journey at the club via the Melbourne City Football School.
“While I’m proud of what I have achieved so far, I know the hard work really begins now.
“I’ve already learned so much in the first-team environment and look forward to continuing my development alongside the talented goalkeepers at the club.”
Charles follows Kavian Rahmani, Necovski, Medin Memeti, Harry Shillington, Wong and Antoniou in graduating from the academy over the last six months.
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City’s senior academy manager Simon Zappia added: “Lachie really took his opportunity this year in the VPL and was a huge part in the team’s success towards the back end of the season.
“He has always showcased a high level of skill with his feet but has taken a huge step with his shot-stopping in the past 12 months.
“We are delighted to see Lachie work his way through the entire Academy system and now have an opportunity with the first team.”
City’s director football Michael Petrillo said: “Lachie possesses all the key attributes we expect from a City goalkeeper. His ball-playing ability, composure under pressure, and impressive development over the last year make him a standout prospect.
“With the right mindset and dedication, Lachie certainly has the potential to become a first-team number one in the future.”
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