North Geelong Teens scouted for V>Elite soccer squads
Author: John Didulica Courtesy: http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/
FOOTBALL Federation Victoria believes it has unearthed two of Australia’s next international stars.
DUTY CALLS: Juniors Jadranka Erceg and Michael Patti have been picked in Victorian squads. Photo: GLENN FERGUSON
Jadranka Erceg and Michael Patti, both 13, were the only two Geelong players to have been chosen in the inaugural V>Elite squads by former Australian Youth International coach Ange Postecoglou.
The V>Elite program has been initiated by Postecoglou and the FFV with the primary goal of unearthing not necessarily the best players in Victoria, but Victorian players with the talent to become future international footballers.
More than 1500 junior players from throughout Victoria auditioned for places in the squad with only 70 boys and girls chosen.
Of that 70, only three came from outside of Melbourne, underlining the magnitude of Patti and Erceg’s achievement.
FFV regional co-ordinator for Geelong, Photis Kyprian, believes both players are prodigious talents.
“Through the V>Elite program, the FFV is looking for players who have a technique that is good enough to allow them to go on and play for Australia. Both of these players have got that potential,” Kyprian said.
“Jadranka is a special talent. She has been playing in the under-13 boys’ team at North Geelong and can strike the ball harder than every player bar one. She’s got amazing technique and skill on both sides of her body.”
Michael Patti, the younger brother of John Patti who spent time with Fiorentina in the Serie A, is fast establishing himself as the hottest young talent in the region.
During 2007, he captained the under-13 Victorian Country team, was named in the team of the tournament at the nationals, and is now training with the Victorian Institute of Sport.
“Michael is a player of the highest quality,” Kyprian said.
“He has great technique but also has an unbelievable engine. He’s tough. He’s skilful and he’s like a sponge. With the right coaching he could go anywhere.”
