Dylan Leonard has been rewarded for his outstanding debut season at Western United with selection in an Australian Under-18 squad for the UEFA Friendship Cup next month.
Held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland the tournament will give Leonard and his teammates the fantastic opportunity to face high-quality opposition with group matches against Argentina, France and the United States of America.
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Depending on their final standing in that group, Australia would then face one more match against one of Japan, Portugal, Senegal and Uruguay.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato couldn’t speak higher of Leonard’s play this season, as well as his development and work ethic.
“On the back of a fantastic Isuzu UTE A-League season, we are delighted that Dylan has been rewarded with another national team selection and we look forward to him seizing the opportunity to play against high-profile nations in a prestigious setting abroad,” he said.
“Dylan’s talent on the pitch has been one thing but his maturity, work ethic and personal values for someone so young have been even more impressive.
“We are incredibly proud to have Dylan representing our Club and the strength of our Academy pathway by earning these opportunities to compete at an international level.”
Selection in this camp is Leonard’s first since he shone at the ASEAN U-19 Boys’ Championship in July 2024, helping the team to a bronze medal.
That was one of the first signs of Leonard’s huge promise after he had signed his first professional contract at 16 years of age a month earlier.
The centre-back went on to debut in Round 1 of the Isuzu UTE A-League Men season against Wellington Phoenix, becoming the youngest men’s player in the Club’s history.
Starting every single game thereafter except for one, Leonard has shown remarkable composure at the back, standing up to each challenge he has faced.
The 17-year-old also went on to become the Club’s youngest-ever goal-scorer with his maiden strike against Perth Glory in November.
Before heading into camp, Leonard will be hoping he can help United book a spot in the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final by defeating Melbourne City in Saturday night’s semi-final second leg.
