The Australasian Soccer Academy has wrapped up an exhilarating tour of Asia, showcasing the talents of its full-time trainees who diligently train five mornings a week at 6 AM. The academy’s tailored program, renowned as one of the best in the country, integrates rigorous gym sessions, yoga, and psychological training led by esteemed coach Jimmy Petruzzi. This tour served as a crucial test of the program’s effectiveness against some of the best teams in Southeast Asia.
The squad faced formidable competition, including professional under-20 teams and a first-team T3 side, where they notably played against a former academy player who scored a hat trick against his old teammates. Nick Boyd emerged as a standout performer throughout the tour.
Head of Football Tony Basha praised the Johor (JDT) team, noting their aggressive high press that put the academy under significant pressure. “They are coached by a Spanish coach and owned by the Malaysian Prince,” Basha remarked, acknowledging the caliber of competition. Thailand also posed challenges, but Basha expressed some frustration over questionable officiating that seemed to hinder their efforts.
Despite the tough matches, several players caught the attention of scouts with their exceptional performances. Marconi Stallions midfielder and former Spal player Luka Strbac was highlighted as the tour’s best player, showcasing his ability to play with composure and lead the team effectively. Young talents Tommy Aarons and Daniel Sawa, both just 15, impressed with their maturity and skill on the field, drawing interest from influential figures in Asia.
Basha noted the positive blend of hard work and talent within this squad, suggesting that this group had a more cohesive mentality compared to previous tours. Lucas Burbage, the 17-year-old who clinched the golden boot, proved to be a constant threat in the box, while Xavier Dalpra demonstrated flashes of his potential stardom.
The academy finished the tour with three victories, one draw, and two losses. Despite the successes, Basha acknowledged that there is still work to be done, as Southeast Asian teams are rapidly improving while Australia must catch up. However, he remains optimistic about the academy’s future, believing the structured program will nurture players to become world-class Socceroos.
“Our coaches are all highly qualified from Europe, and the improvements in our training are evident,” Basha stated. “In the games we lost, we didn’t look out of place. I am confident we will close the gap with our experienced coaching staff who leave no stone unturned.”
The academy is committed to continuous improvement, with two players set to be scouted in Italy in January 2025 as a result of this tour. The organization extends its gratitude to Pepper Money for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
As the Australasian Soccer Academy looks ahead, the focus remains on hard work and development, ensuring that the next generation of soccer talent is ready to shine on the international stage.
