DEER Park teenagers, best mates and Melbourne Knights Youth team players Joshua Berrios and Brandon Zezovski are among 50 students experiencing a once-in-lifetime opportunity as members of a talent and education program.
Berrios and Zezovski, both 17, were ecstatic to be accepted into the Talented Player Program, which was established by Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA) to help school students get a head-start in the sports industry.
“I wasn’t too confident going into it, to tell you the truth. There were thousands trying to get into this program and for me to be selected was pretty big. Hopefully it can help with my career in the future,” Brandon Zezovski said.
Both boys are terrifically talented soccer players. Zezovski has been playing for premier league club Melbourne Knights’ under-21 side since he was 14. The striker made an immediate impact on the team, scoring in his debut.
Since then he has become an integral part of the side, and believes he is on the cusp of breaking into the first team.
“I’ve got a lot to work on but I think I’m pretty close. I set high expectations for myself,” he said.
Berrios is also playing for Knights this year after transferring from South Melbourne. He will also push for senior selection but his ultimate goal is to play professionally in Spain or England.
He said the talent program will give his career goals a major boost.
“It’s giving me extra training during the day, and I’m learning about fitness and the right foods to eat, so it is helping with my diet as well,” Berrios said.
Participants will train with FFV approved coaches and study sport and recreation, leading to a Diploma in Sport.
Knights’ youth talent
By Michael Esposito (Star News Group)