Melbourne City FC has elevated Foxtel National Youth League (NYL) striker Wade Dekker to a senior contract ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season.
Dekker, 21, signs for the club as a senior player on a one-year deal on the eve of Melbourne City FC’s opening Westfield FFA Cup clash against Edgeworth Eagles.
Dekker is expected to feature for John van’t Schip’s side against the Eagles in the Round of 32, after impressing for the club’s youth teams over the past three seasons, since joining the Club from Northcote City.
Dekker’s development through the club’s youth ranks was marked by his performances last season, with the striker claiming the NYL’s Golden Boot award as the competition’s top goal scorer, with 10 goals during the championship-winning campaign.
In his third season with the club, Dekker scored 9 goals in 16 appearances during the club’s inaugural National Premier Leagues season.
An industrious striker with an eye for goal, Dekker has already been provided the opportunity to impress the first team coach John van’t Schip.
Dekker excelled having taken his place in the starting line-up during the club’s recent friendly against Manchester City, a match which involved him going toe-to-toe with Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.
Van’t Schip said Dekker was deserving of his senior contract.
“The club’s coaching staff have been monitoring Wade’s progress closely over the last 12 months and we believe he has matured into a very promising attacking player,” van’t Schip said.
“A senior contract is great reward for his application, professional attitude and consistent performances.
“Last year we elevated Paulo Retre from our youth team and he re-signed again for this season, so this is a great opportunity for Wade.
“Promoting players from within our system is very important to us and with teams in the NYL and NPL, hopefully it is only the beginning.”
Dekker will wear the number 17 shirt for Melbourne City FC in 2015/16.
