Following the announcement of numerous senior signings, the Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the scholarship contracts of Alex Badolato, Nectar Triantis as well as the re-signing of NPL2 captain Jarrod Carluccio.
16-year-old Badolato signs a two-year scholarship contract, having played for the academy side since U13s. He was training with the team last season.
He has also featured in the Wanderers’ NPL2 side this season.
“Earning a scholarship means everything to me. I have been at the Wanderers for so long and made my way up, so it means everything that I have a deal with the club to showcase everything that I’ve learnt throughout the years and hopefully try and help the first team to get some success,” said Badolato.
“It’s amazing to know that there were players before me who have been in my situation and know what it takes to get through to the first team, and that there is a clear pathway from the Wanderers Academy to the first team.
“I want to achieve a lot with the club, I want to contribute in whatever way that I can and I want to be able to showcase what the club has done for me over the years.”
Triantis, formerly of Sydney FC has also inked a two-year scholarship deal with the club.
The 18-year-old frequently featured for the Wanderers U20 side and also trained with the A-League side on occasions.
“For any player, being recognised for the hard work and gaining a promotion is the best feeling there is. For me, the hard work is just starting and I am now looking forward to kick on with the first team in the next couple of months” said Triantis.
“It is up to me now to prove myself and earn my spot in the team day in and day out at training. I am not taking any day for granted, knowing that Carl (head coach Carl Robinson) and Kenny (assistant coach Kenny Miller) have trust in promoting and playing youth.”
Carluccio has re-signed for his second season on a scholarship deal. The current captain of the Wanderers, he has contributed to their best performance in the NPL as of yet.
The full-back expressed his willingness to break into the first team for the upcoming campaign.
“Being involved with the first team allows me to grow as a footballer both on and off the pitch. My A-League debut against City was an experience I have been able to grow from in confidence and the Leeds match still feels so surreal as not only myself, but other Wanderers Academy products were able to represent the club on such a big stage” said Carluccio.
CEO John Tsatsimas praised the avenue that the Wanderers Academy is able to provide.
“The promotion of these three young men once again solidifies the Academy program we have built here at the Wanderers with a pathway into the first team,” said Tsatsimas.
“As we saw last season with the likes of Keanu Baccus, Tate Russell, Tass Mourdoukoutas, Thomas Aquilina, Daniel Wilmering and Mark Natta all of these players from the Wanderers Academy played a crucial role in our A-League campaign.”
