Newcastle Jets have added another academy product to the club’s senior ranks, handing Will Dobson a two-year scholarship contract ahead of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The central midfielder and Newcastle local initially joined the club at Under-15 level and was named Academy Player of the Year in 2023.
Dobson, 16, is the fourth Jets scholarship contract recipient of the off-season alongside Ben van Dorssen, Alex Nunes and Zac Bowling as head coach Rob Stanton stacks his team with young talent leading into the new campaign.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that the club has given me,” Dobson said as he signed with the Jets’ senior side.
“Signing a scholarship with the Jets is something I have been working towards for a long time. And after the year that I have had with the youth team I’m excited to join the A-League squad and see what the season brings.”
Dobson was selected for the Australian Schoolboys side to tour the UK and Netherlands in 2023, and was named player of the tour. Last pre-season he received minutes with the Jets and featured in this week’s friendly clash with Isuzu UTE A-League newcomers Auckland FC.
Jets head coach Stanton says Dobson’s transition from the academy to senior side is another pleasing example of the club’s trust in its homegrown youth talent.
“I’m pleased to be able to bring Will into the A-League men’s set-up,” Stanton said.
“He has shown he has the qualities to make the step up and I look forward to seeing him work hard to continue to grow and make the transition into A-League football.
“It’s pleasing that we have some great young talent coming through here in Newcastle at the Jets and Will is another example of that.”
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