The western suburbs have long been a breeding ground for soccer stars such as Victor Cristaldo and Adrian Zahra.
Now four young Brimbank soccer players, including Alex Stelco, are looking forward to their time in the spotlight when they play in the Australian Football Championships in Perth next month.
Nearly a third of the players in Victoria’s best junior soccer team are honing their craft in Brimbank.
Oscar Karamoshos, Max Caputo and Vincent Nicoletti all kick around at Sunshine George Cross in the under-12 competition.
They will be joined by Green Gully Soccer Club’s William Milionis in the Victorian 14-boy squad for the School Sport Australia Australian Football Championships in Perth from August 21 to 26.
Many past Victorian juniors who have played in the championships have gone on to play in national and international competitions such as the Olympics.
They include Melbourne Victory’s Anthony Duzel and Seb Pasquali – who made his debut against Juventus last week – and George Mells, a former Chelsea and Southampton youth player.
Oscar’s proud mum, Jane Turnbull, said the boys had gone through a “pretty tough” trial process, which began in March with about 2000 kids vying for a spot on the team.
A squad of about 30 was then cut to 14.
Mrs Turnbull said the three Sunshine George Cross teammates already had international experience after playing in a junior competition in Spain.
To help the boys get to Perth, call Jane on 0412 400 487.
