The experience of leading the national team and representing your country on the world stage is one most can only dream about. But at just 19, Ben Kantarovski has ticked that box.
The experience of leading the national team and representing your country on the world stage is one most can only dream about. But at just 19, Ben Kantarovski has ticked that box.
Kantarovski recently returned from a tour of Columbia as captain of the Young Socceroos and relished the opportunity to play with some of Australia-s best.
“Captaining the side was a huge honour, being able to lead a national team out onto the field was something I-ll remember forever,” Kantarovski said.
“To be playing with some of the best players of our age was a great experience and a real stepping stone for what is ahead.”
At the tender age of 15, Kantarovski became the youngest ever player to sign with the Jets and playing for the Young Socceroos is just part of his rise through the Newcastle ranks.
But there-s been no time to rest for the Jets midfielder who is back in full training with the squad ahead of Friday night-s trial against the Melbourne Heart.
“While I wouldn-t swap the experience for the world it is good to be back home and focusing on Newcastle-s preparations for the season ahead,” he added.
“This week-s game against Melbourne will be a good test to see where we-re at, playing against another A-League team. But we-ve really come along and hopefully we can keep that momentum going.”
The game will be a true test for the Jets and a sneak peak at what-s to come for the season ahead and Kantarovski hopes a few lessons learnt from his Young Socceroos campaign may help the squad-s already impressive pre-season form.
“Discipline and concentration on the ball… you can-t switch off for even a second of the 90 minutes, because if you do… the other team will pounce on that,” said the 19-year-old.
The Jets take on the Heart this Friday night, 7.30pm at Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium.
