Tara Murray
Young Sydenham Park star Zach Lisolajski is hoping to impress during a trial in Turkey.
The 16-year-old is one of about 20 players who have been selected from across the world, to be involved in the Pro Soccer Showcase.
The event is a tryout for players aged between 16 and 29, with scouts from across America and Europe looking for players to add to their squads.
Zach’s father Dennis Lisolajski said it was a pretty amazing experience for his son, only one of two people from Australia selected.
Dennis is also the senior coach at Sydenham Park, which was in contention for the Football Victoria state league 1 north-west title when the season was called off.
“There’s only about 15 kids invited from around the world and Zach is the only one from Melbourne.
“They go into camp and train for two weeks, and then the squad plays games against Turkish heavyweights.
“Scouts from around the world are trying to pick players.”
Dennis said Zach is the youngest player selected for the program. He said he wasn’t expecting his son to be overawed playing against senior players.
“We took a risk and promoted him to the reserves [at Sydenham Park] in 2019 as a 14-year-old.
“We promoted him to the seniors in 2021.
“He’s now classified as a senior player. He didn’t look out of place. He played four games in a row and the umpires named him best on ground in two of them.”
The chance to test himself against some of the best players in the world, didn’t seem likely after Zach missed several years with injury.
Dennis said no matter what happens in Turkey, they will be thrilled.
“We want him to go for it,” he said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.
“I know what he has gone through. This kind of experience is priceless and we are fortunate to have him at Sydenham.”
Quietly spoken Zach said he was excited by the opportunity.
“It was a complete shock,” he said.
“I’ve been training and staying fit and kicking the ball with my dad.”
Zach said playing senior football this year had helped him and it had been a really good environment.
“It was more physical and harder, but I got used to it. It will help over there.”
Zach said his previous injuries had made him motivated and he had one aim in Turkey.
“I’m aiming for a contract. I want to go as high as I can.”
