The first group of ACT players are ACTAS graduates:
- Daniel Barac
- James Field
- Jakob Williams
- Michael Taurasi
- Steven Domenic
- Jack Green
Capital Football
Media Release
Tuesday 25th October 2011
Locals given the chance to shine at AIS
Six Canberra locals are being given the chance to train with the AIS during the National Youth League season as part of a new partnership between the National Institute and local football governing body Capital Football.
The agreement could see the AIS participate in the ROCK Premier League with the reciprocal arrangement seeing some of the most promising young talent given the chance to shine at a local level. The AIS has produced a plethora of players who have gone on to a career in the Hyundai A-League as well as overseas and with the Socceroos.
The first in-take includes Daniel Barac, James Field and Jakob Williams, all of whom starred for Canberra Olympic in their march to the ROCK Premier League Grand Final, as well as Michael Taurasi, Steven Domenic and Jack Green, all fellow graduates of the ACTAS program.
“It’s great to see strong support from the local football community, particularly with six young Canberra lads being included in the squad for this coming Youth League season,” Mark Pepper, Football Operations Manager at the AIS said.
“I think the showcase opportunity these players are getting has the potential to help further motivate young footballers in Canberra as well as provide an opportunity for locals to see top flight, national level men’s football here in the capital”.
THE AIS overhaul of its football program includes their new ‘Homestay’ initiative as they seek ‘Expressions of Interest’ from families in Canberra to provide homestay arrangements for the AIS Football Program players in 2012 and 2013. ‘Homestay’ involves a local Canberra family welcoming a Scholarship player into their home. The family would provide a safe, supportive environment that gives stability for the player, allowing him to focus his efforts on his football and academic achievement.
“The opportunity that host families have to host a potential, future Socceroo will further enhance the strong ties between the AIS, Capital Football and the football community generally,” Pepper commented.
Heather Reid, CEO of Capital Football, said: “This is a great opportunity for our male youth players to be in the National Youth League in the absence of our own Canberra team and provides a vital link between our Premier League and National league competitions.”
Capital Football extends its congratulations to the locals selected to train with the AIS and wish them all the best for the future.
AIS Football Squad: Jordan Thurtell (Queensland), Ben Warland (SA), Mitchell Oxborrow (WA), Riley Woodcock (WA), Ben Garrucio (SA), Stefan Mauk (SA), Matt Davies (WA), Jacob Melling (SA), Paul Izzo (SA), Yianni Perkatis (NSW), Kobbie Boahene (VIC), Connor Chapman (NSW), Anthony Proia (NSW), Daniel Barac (ACT), James Field (ACT), Jakob Williams (ACT), Jack Green (ACT), Michael Taurasi (ACT), Steve Domenici (ACT)