Blacktown City’s 17-year-old goalkeeper Alex Robinson has been one of the success stories of the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, so much so, he caught the attention of recently appointed Young Socceroos boss Trevor Morgan who invited him to next Monday’s three-day Talent Identification Camp in the nation’s capital.
Robinson will join 29 other young guns from across Australia at the AIS with the hope of holding down a permanent position with the national team squad.
“It’s an exhilarating feeling making the Young Socceroos camp,” Robinson told Football NSW.
“I feel very proud at the hard work I have put in thus far and it is paying dividends.”
The up-and-coming keeper has had a sterling year with Blacktown City and has played every match thus far, following the unfortunate injury to the club’s number one Tristan Prendergast in pre-season.
The rise to fame for the Springwood resident has been evident week in week out pulling out quality performances for the City squad as the young gun has featured in a number of the NPL NSW Men’s Team of the Week segments.
“If you’d asked me at the start of the season whether I’d be in this position, I’d tell you no way.
“I definitely did not expect to be where I am at the moment.
“My main focus for 2022 was to be in selection for Blacktown City’s senior squad, this call-up was an absolute bonus.”
His success this year has been thanks to a few key people in Robinson’s life whom he regards as “very special”.
“I would like to thank the staff and footballers at Westfields Sports High School as they’ve put me in good stead to progress further with my football.
“I’d also like to thank Mark Crittenden, the coaching staff and the players at Blacktown City. They have guided me along this journey and have helped me every step of the way.
“I’d also like to thank my mum and dad and family for supporting me on my dreams as well.”
Before Robinson dons the green and gold on Monday, he will have one massive match in hoping to steer City to next weekend’s Major Semi-Final against Sydney Olympic as he and his fellow chargers tackle Manly United at Cromer Park this Sunday in the Preliminary Semi-Final.
Lucky for Crittenden, Robinson will not be missing any finals series matches with the Young Socceroos camp commencing on the 8th of August and concluding on the 11th.
“I don’t envisage I will miss any NPL NSW Men’s action.
“The camp will be running through the week so I will miss one training session with the boys.
“It is an important week leading up to a semi-final clash with Manly but I’m confident the training I receive at the Young Socceroos camp will put me in good stead for a great game on the weekend with my club.”
lia’s leading youth footballers testing themselves against players in their own age group.”