The last time the Joeys made the U17 World Cup, was back in 2015. This was also the last generation of talent to come through the FFA Centre Of Excellence (COE) A specialist footballing schools set up at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra The players in this squad are now between the ages of 19 and 22, and have pressed on with their careers. So which ones have managed to go pro? Which are playing NPL?
1.Duro Dragecevic – Goalkeeper
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Sydney FC U21s
The starting keeper from this tournament was picked up by Sydney FC soon after. He remains on the list there, without having played for the senior team
2. Malcolm Ward – Defender
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Blacktown Spartans
A brief stint at WSW U20s was as close as it got to professional football for Ward. He has been at NPL NSW club Blacktown since 2017/18.
3. Aaron Reardon – Defender
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Brisbane Roar
Reardon made his senior debut for Brisbane earlier this season. Marking it with an own goal. He has since made 3 more appearances where he has looked marginally more stable.
Watch: Reardon’s error on debut.
4. Kye Rowles – Defender
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Central Coast Mariners
Rowles was part of a trio to sign for Brisbane Roar upon the closure of the COE. He was also the only one of the trio to not play a match, and was sent to CCM on a free transfer after a season. At CCM though he has become a mainstay in defence, starting all 21 matches that he played in the 2018/19 season.
5. Jackson Bandiera – Defender
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Blacktown City
After leaving the COE, Bandiera rinsed around Sydney FC, WSW and Melbourne Victory’s Y-League teams before finding a permanent home in The NPL NSW with Blacktown City.
6. Joe Caletti – Midfielder
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Free Agent
The captain of this World Cup side, Caletti was one of the first to go professional. He signed for Brisbane with Kye Rowles and quickly made an impact starting 8 matches in his first season. Injury hampered his next 2 seasons and currently he is a free agent after leaving Brisbane to pursue opportunities in Asia.
7. Panos Armenakas – Midfielder
2015 Club: Udinese
2019 Club: Panathinaikos
Armenakas moved to Australia from The USA, and then moved from Australia to Italy aged 12 to pursue a career in Europe. So far this seems to have worked, with the 20 year old already making appearances for Greek giants Panathinaikos.
8. Jake Brimmer – Midfielder
2015 Club: Liverpool
2019 Club: Perth Glory
Spotted by Liverpool scouts while trialling for Melbourne Victory, Brimmer had a rapid rise through youth football. After spending 3 seasons in Liverpool’s academy, Brimmer returned home to play for Perth Glory, making 21 appearances in their premiership winning side.
9. Pierce Waring – Forward
2015 Club: Melbourne Victory
2019 Club: Cerezo Osaka
Starved of opportunity at Melbourne Victory, Waring took advantage of his Japanese descent and moved to Cezero Osaka – counting as a local – Since signing for Cezero he has only played at U23 level, but that is Japanese U23s. Which is a higher standard than the Y-League.
Watch: Highlights of Australia Vs Germany 2015 U17 WC.
10. Josh Hope – Midfielder
2015 Club: FFA COE
2019 Club: Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory had tried to sign Hope before he was in the COE system. Such was the talent they perceived him to have. After Hope had left The COE, Victory went straight in and signed him. Over the next 2 seasons Hope has made a combined total of 18 appearances for the senior side.
Watch: Hope opens his A-League account.
11. Lucas Derrick – Forward
2015 Club: Melbourne Victory
2019 Club: Heidelburg United
Derrick was released from Victory’s youth side after this World Cup and he was snapped up by rivals Melbourne City. After failing to really stand out in a strong youth setup, Derrick left City to play for NPL Victoria club Heidelburg United.
Australian Youth Football 