16-year-old Alex Badolato isn’t shying away from being in the A-League environment this season.
The Western Sydney local has worked his way up from the Wanderers Academy over the last three years and has recently been promoted to a two-year scholarship deal.
Badolato is now ready to take the next step in his very young career and is set to play a role in the club’s pre-season preparations for the second season in a row.
“Earning a scholarship means everything to me,” explained Badolato.
“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.”
Badolato has been a force to be reckoned with in the Academy set-up and at only 16 years old has made his National Premier League 2 first team debut and got on the scoresheet.
The striker is one of many Wanderers Academy players that have made the transition from Academy to the A-League team with the youngster using the clear pathway as motivation and inspiration.
“It’s amazing knowing 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,” said Badolato.
“It gives you confidence, that if you keep working and you keep improving that you will get a chance in the first team to play for the first team.”
Looking ahead to his first season as a scholarship player, Badolato is determined to contribute in any way he can for the club to achieve success.
“I want to bring, hopefully, some success to the club and contribute in any way that I can,” said Badolato.
“I want to be able to showcase what the club has done for me over the years and hopefully help us get some success.”