Western United is delighted to announce academy star Rhys Bozinovski will join the A-League squad for next season after finalising a two-year scholarship contract.
The 17-year-old has been part of United’s inaugural NPL squad after joining from Melbourne City, scoring four goals in 13 games so far this season.
“This is what I have been working towards for a while and I am so happy and proud to have put pen to paper now,” Bozinovski said.
“I have loved playing for the club so far, working with all the players and staff and I’m so grateful to Ante [Moric] and everyone for the opportunity.
“I’ve grown up with John Aloisi being an icon of our game, so now to be working with him in a professional setting is so exciting, and a bit surreal.
“This contract is only the next step in my career, though, and I’ll be making sure I’m working extra hard to get opportunities and fight for a place in the team.”
Bozinovski is a technical midfielder, capable of fulfilling No.10 and No.8 roles in the middle of the pitch effectively.
A-League head coach John Aloisi said he was really impressed with the youth development at the Club and pleased to give Bozinovski an opportunity.
“Since taking the job I have had a chance to look into some of the young talents at the club and Rhys is certainly one that stood out to me,” Aloisi said.
“His confidence on the ball and work ethic in midfield are both attributes that I think are very important in a midfielder, and at such a young age he still has lots of room to grow as well.
“With a number of the other young boys coming up into the A-League side, I’m really excited about what they can do for us this season, but also importantly what they can continue to do for the club going forward.”
Always confident on the ball, Bozinovski has wowed NPL audiences this season with his direct running at opposition defences, possessing the quality to either dribble his way through or play killer passes to create chances for the team.
He also has an eye for goal himself from any area of the pitch, as highlighted by his scintillating, match-winning brace against Geelong SC earlier in July.
Bozinovski will join the A-League team for pre-season training.
