Roar sign duo to scholarship contracts

Talented young midfielders Jay Barnett and Bryce Bafford will join Brisbane Roar on Hyundai A-League scholarships after arriving at the club from the Australian Institute of Sport.

Football Director Craig Moore said the duo will be great additions to the Roar’s NYL and Hyundai A-League squads.

“Brisbane Roar are continuing to cast the net far and wide in its search for talented, young footballers,” Moore said.

“The club wants to be the home of the best developing players that Queensland has to offer, but are actively scouting across the country.”

Bafford, 16, has walked in the footsteps of 19-year-old Brisbane midfielder Joe Caletti after being named as captain of the Australian Under-17 squad.

Caletti skippered the side at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup in Argentina.

Barnett, also 16, was named in the Young Socceroos squad for upcoming AFC Under-19 Championships qualifying matches, to be played in Hanoi, Vietnam, alongside Young Roar teammates Aaron Reardon, Kai Trewin and Macklin Freke.

The duo will have the opportunity to train with the Hyundai A-League side as well as being involved with the Youth side in the upcoming Foxtel National Youth League this summer.