Tara Murray
This time last year, Zach Lisolajski had just finished the FV state league 1 north-west season with Sydenham Park.
Fast forward 12 months, and the teenager is getting ready to represent Australia as part of the Young Socceroos squad at the Marbella Week of Football in Spain.
The Marbella Week of Football is bringing together some of Europe’s top young international sides, with Australia joining the party for three matches across the week in mid-October.
Lisolajski said it was a very exciting opportunity.
“It’s a bit unexpected,” he said on Monday. “The last couple of days I’ve had all these things I’ve had to do.
“I’m pretty shocked and overwhelmed to get this opportunity. I’m really excited, not just for me, but for my family too, for my name I guess and put my name up there.
Lisolajski, who started playing soccer at Sydenham Park in under-7s before progressing up the ranks making his senior debut when he was just seven.
He spent last season with the Newcastle Jets, learning the A-League system as part of the Jets academy.
Lisolajski said he couldn’t have dreamed of the last 12 months he’s had.
“I wouldn’t have expected to be where I am at the moment,” he said. “But I guess with all the hard work, you can get as far as you want to, if you go for it.”
Lisolajski said he enjoyed being up at the Jets having the opportunity to train full time with the A-League side while playing with the club’s National Premier League side.
He said he’s a different player to when he left.
“It was very good to learn how the system works, compared to say going back to Sydenham Park training.
From training three nights a week, to five times a week, every day, solid hard, high intensity and with good players.”
With a season in an A-League environment under his belt, Lisolajski has switched clubs in the off season, joining Western United on a youth development agreement.
He said he jumped at the chance to come back to Melbourne’s west.
“I spoke with my agent and it’s probably the best option for me to come back home, not just for my football, for my family too,” he said.
“It is amazing, going to training every morning, knowing that you’re at home. When I’m at training I’m a different player being back home.”
Lisolajski, who said the Young Socceroos call up is a step in the right direction, said he was hoping to make his A-League debut this season and be in the squad every week.
Western United football general manager said the quality Lisolajski has shown since arriving at the club justified his Young Socceroos selection.
“We have been extremely impressed with Zach since he came into our environment and we are delighted for him to have this opportunity with the Young Socceroos,” he said.
“It is of continued importance for us to provide a platform for young players to thrive on an international scale and we are proud of Zach for earning this opportunity.
“Added to that, we are delighted to incorporate a talented young player from the west into our program and we look forward to watching his continued development at our Club.”
