Western Sydney Wanderers FC have confirmed the scholarship signings of Alex Badolato and Nectar Triantis, as well as the re-signing of National Premier League 2 first grade captain Jarrod Carluccio.
16-year-old Badolato, who signed a two-year scholarship deal, has been in the Wanderers Academy set-up since the U13s.
A standout striker in the Academy, Badolato was named the U14s Wanderers Player of the Year in 2019 before breaking into the club’s senior sides.
Badolato has represented the Red & Black on the international stage in Japan’s Suruga Cup and has experienced an A-League pre-season, having trained with the team last season.
The youngster featured in the Wanderers National Premier League 2 (NPL 2) campaign this season and has already gotten onto the scoresheet.
Badolato said he wants to give back to the club that has helped him develop over the last few years.
“Earning a scholarship means everything to me. 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,” said Badolato.
“It’s amazing to know 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.
“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 Wanderers.
“I want to achieve a lot with the club, I want to contribute in whatever way that I can and I want to be able to showcase what the club has done for me over the years.”
Defender Nectar Triantis has also been promoted from the Wanderers Academy on a two-year scholarship contract (Jan 2021).
Triantis joined the Wanderers from cross-town rivals Sydney FC at the start of the 2020 National Premier League season.
The 18-year-old has frequented the Academy’s U20s and first team side and has been called up regularly to train with the Wanderers A-League team.
Triantis said he was looking forward to continuing his development at the club.
“Since being at the Wanderers, I have felt my playing style develop and mature immensely, but also as a person developing going from the U20s to training with the first team in under a year,” said Triantis.
“For any player, being recognised for the hard work and gaining a promotion is the best feeling there is. For me, the hard work is just starting and I am now looking forward to kick on with the first team in the next couple of months.
“It is up to me now to prove myself and earn my spot in the team day in and day out at training. I am not taking any day for granted, knowing that Carl (head coach Carl Robinson) and Kenny (assistant coach Kenny Miller) have trust in promoting and playing youth.”
Jarrod Carluccio has re-signed for his second season as a scholarship player at the Western Sydney Wanderers.
A young leader, Carluccio has captained the Wanderers NPL 2 side in what has been their strongest season yet.
Carluccio joined the Wanderers Academy as a 15 year old and made his A-League debut against Melbourne City during the 2019/20 season and featured in the club’s friendly against English Premier League giants Leeds United.
The full-back said he was eager for the season ahead.
“It means a lot to me as I’ve been with the club since the Academy’s inception in 2015,” said Carluccio.
“I’m very excited and eager to represent the Red & Black for another year.
“Being involved with the first team allows me to grow as a footballer both on and off the pitch. My A-League debut against City was an experience I have been able to grow from in confidence and the Leeds match still feels so surreal as not only myself, but other Wanderers Academy products were able to represent the club on such a big stage.
“I’m desperate to do well for this football club and I look forward to the season ahead.”
Wanderers Academy Technical Director Ian Crook congratulated the players.
“I am delighted and very proud to see another three players from our Wanderers Academy set-up promoted to the A-League team,” said Crook.
“All three players have had very different journeys at the Wanderers but have ended up at the same destination with the opportunity to work closely with our A-League team.
“I look forward to continuing to watch their development and support them in the next stage of their professional journey.”
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas praised the pathway the Wanderers Academy was created for.
“The promotion of these three young men once again solidifies the Academy program we have built here at the Wanderers with a pathway into the first team,” said Tsatsimas.
“As we saw last season with the likes of Keanu Baccus, Tate Russell, Tass Mourdoukoutas, Thomas Aquilina, Daniel Wilmering and Mark Natta all of these players from the Wanderers Academy played a crucial role in our A-League campaign.
“We are excited to see Alex, Nectar and Jarrod continue their progress in our system and their promotions is a testament to their hard-work in their time at the club.”
