The success of Sydney FC’s academy is evident. The proof is in the numbers.
Upon the launch of their academy, the Sky Blues shared their vision in which they intend “to create Australia’s number one junior football academy”.
Since the birth of the academy nine years ago, 61 academy players have signed professional contracts – either with Sydney FC or elsewhere.
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Dating back to July 2023 alone, 26 graduates have turned pro – including current Sky Blues sensation Hayden Matthews in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Last season also saw the youngest men’s and women’s squads in the club history.
Graduates to turn professional since July 2023
| # | Name | YOB | Current Club |
| 1 | Clayton Taylor | 2004 | Newcastle Jets |
| 2 | Oscar Priestman | 2003 | WSW |
| 3 | Zane Schreiber | 2005 | Melbourne City |
| 4 | Nathan Paull | 2003 | CCM |
| 5 | Mitch Glasson | 2006 | Sydney FC |
| 6 | Zac De Jesus | 2006 | Sydney FC |
| 7 | Gus Hoefsloot | 2006 | Sydney FC |
| 8 | Matt Scarcella | 2004 | Sydney FC |
| 9 | Wataru Kamijo | 2006 | Sydney FC |
| 10 | Joe Lacey | 2007 | Sydney FC |
| 11 | Rawley St John | 2005 | VfB Stuttgart |
| 12 | Max Vartuli | 2005 | Adelaide Utd |
| 13 | Alan Harbas | 2004 | FC KTP |
| 14 | Kealey Adamson | 2002 | Macarthur Bulls |
| 15 | Nathan Grimaldi | 2002 | Newcastle Jets |
| 16 | Hayden Matthews | 2004 | Sydney FC |
| 17 | Marin France | 2007 | Sydney FC |
| 18 | Lachie Middleton | 2006 | Sydney FC |
| 19 | Tiago Quintal | 2006 | Sydney FC |
| 20 | Oscar Fryer | 2006 | Newcastle Jets |
| 21 | Pearson Kasawaya | 2006 | Brisbane Roar |
| 22 | Jacob Brazete | 2006 | Brisbane Roar |
| 23 | Carter Foxe | 2005 | Notts County |
| 24 | Ben Gibson | 2003 | Newcastle Jets |
| 25 | Louis Agosti | 2005 | AC Perugia Calcio |
| 26 | Luka Smyth | 2005 | Vaasan Palloseura |
Sydney’s academy vision, developed by board member Han Berger and Youth Technical Director Kelly Cross, “is designed to ensure Academy players are given the best environment in which to achieve their goals.”
The Sky Blues, and their rivals, are reaping the benefits.
In Round 2 of the Isuzu UTE A-League, there was a Sydney FC academy graduate in every game bar one (Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix).
Macarthur Bulls v Newcastle Jets: Jake Hollman, Jed Drew, Ben Gibson, Clayton Taylor
Adelaide United v Central Coast Mariners: Nathan Paull
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory: Marco Tilio, Callum Talbot, Zane Schreiber
Auckland FC v Sydney FC: Hayden Matthews, Corey Hollman, Joel King, Jaiden Kucharski, Adrian Segecic
Western United v Western Sydney Wanderers: Oscar Priestman, Aidan Simmons
“Our club has continued to invest in our Academy for many years now, demonstrating that youth development is a key pillar in our long-term strategy,” Cross told aleagues.com.au.
“At the end of these first nine years, we can be proud of our achievements with 61 of our Academy players having signed professional contracts since we started, and Football NSW data shows that the most reliable way to get an A-League contract is to be part of the Sydney FC Academy team that plays in the NSW NPL Division Men’s 1.
“We are very excited about the potential of the young talents coming through our system and we believe they will get opportunities to progress into our A-League sides.
“You can see the average age of our Men’s and Women’s first team squads are getting much younger and Head Coaches Ufuk Talay and Ante Juric have shown that they have no hesitation in blooding youngsters who deserve selection.
“Our Academy has evolved it’s own unique way of developing youth players, in line with the Sydney FC club philosophy and it’s very pleasing to see the fruits of our labours.
“It has been my privilege to lead the creation and evolution of this special Academy over the last nine years and I am sure it will continue to set the highest possible standards.”
