Western United is continuing the revolution of young talent with Luke Vickery and Khoder Kaddour signing their first professional contracts with the Club.
Both players have progressed through the ranks in the Western United Academy and each made their Isuzu UTE A-League Men debuts in the 2023/24 season.
Vickery’s rapid development earned him a maiden Young Socceroos call-up last month. The 18-year-old has been in electric form with five goals in 11 VPL 1 Men’s matches this season.
Kaddour made five first-team appearances last season and caught the eye with his tenacity and courage at full-back. While the 20-year-old’s season was cruelly cut short by an ACL injury, the youngster is working to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
The pair of youngsters join Abel Walatee in signing their first senior contracts for next season, while Matthew Grimaldi has committed to a three-year contract as Western United builds an exhilarating team of dynamic young talents for the future.
After each putting pen to paper on two-year deals, Kaddour and Vickery are ready to step up into an exciting future at Ironbark Fields.
“All my hard work has been building towards this. I honestly thought this was never going to happen, so for it to happen is a dream come true,” Kaddour said.
“It feels good having my friends who I’ve known for years signing for the same club. That’s the kind of thing you don’t think would happen. It gives the Club something to look forward to – a good future with a lot of young players signing.”
Vickery added:
“I can’t wait to keep growing both as a player and a person with the Club and I’m so grateful for this opportunity – the hard work starts now.
“The fans definitely have to come out and watch us. There’s a lot of youth, a lot of excitement, a lot of energy. It’ll be a very exciting season next year and it’ll be awesome for a lot of fans to come and support us at our home in Tarneit.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato celebrated the achievements of Vickery, Kaddour and the entire Western United program, echoing that anticipation for the future.
“We are immensely proud to confirm these two signings – players that have come into our Academy pathway, developed as footballers and as people in our system and are now ready for the professional game,” he said.
“Luke’s incredible goal-scoring touch and Khoder’s unwavering determination have been highlights for our fans in our VPL 1 Men’s matches and now they will get to see that even more in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
“We are building a team that our people will be proud to watch at Ironbark Fields with shining young stars at the forefront, and I can’t wait to see Luke and Khoder continue their development here.”
Western United fans can continue to watch the Club’s youngsters in action at Ironbark Fields with five home matches remaining as the side chases promotion to NPL Victoria.
Vickery and Kaddour will report for pre-season training as John Aloisi’s squad returns later this month, with preparations beginning right away for the Australia Cup Final Rounds Play-Off against Newcastle Jets in July.
