Queensland Academy of Sport product Jack Bladen is making his mark in the Foxtel National Youth League this summer with his hometown club Adelaide United.

Bladen originally hails from the South Australian capital, however linked up with QAS when his family moved to Queensland after previously being part of the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) programme.

Speaking after a solid showing in his side’s disappointing 4-3 defeat to Brisbane Roar in the NYL fxiture at Goodwin Park, the 18 year old said he was “really enjoying” his time at United, known affectionately as the 'Reds’.

The A-League club have undergone a ‘Spanish revolution’ since former FC Barlecona youth coach Josep Gombau took the reins in July, and Bladen said that philosophy had trickled down to the youth side.

“Everything we do is based around what the first team put into play and it makes the transition easier if we do get a call-up to the first team,” Bladen explained.

“I find the style Adelaide plays suits my game – a lot of short passing, possession football, a lot of movement off the ball,” he added.

“It’s possession football, patient football, attack-minded football and keeping the ball at all costs.”

Bladen said the emphasis at QAS on a similar style of play, which is part of the National Coaching Curriculum adhered to by all NPL Queensland clubs, makes the transition to the National Youth League smoother for youth players.

“With QAS, and all the institutes, they do try to play football, so it was a fairly easy transition for me going to Adelaide.”

Bladen said his QAS coaches had a noticeable influence on his game and technical development, and reserved special praise for former Brisbane Roar defender Josh McCloughan, who guided Bladen in the NPL Men’s competition in 2013.

“Josh is a brilliant coach and a brilliant mentor as well,” Bladen explained.

“He understands the game really well and he was a big part in my development all through last year, and credit to him because he’s a great coach.”

Bladen is encouraged that fellow NPL talents are starting to gain recognition at the higher level, and pointed to former QAS team-mate Alistair Quinn’s recent signing with NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie.

“I think the NPL is a great pathway for young players to come through,” he explained.

“It gives players who maybe missed out when they were a bit younger the opportunity to prove themselves in first team football.”

While Brisbane Roar’s Youth side will compete in NPL Queensland this season, no such agreement is in place in South Australia for the Reds, and Bladen said he was unsure where he would be following the summer season.

“I’ve got to see what pans out at the end of the season but I haven’t made any decisions yet,” he explained before adding he wouldn’t rule out a return to NPL Queensland.

He said he believed the concept behind National Youth League teams playing in the National Premier Leagues was sound.

“It gives train on players as well, who aren’t getting game time in the NYL, to play regular matches in the NPL and gives them a good chance to come through.”

Several of Bladen’s former QAS teammates such as Sam Cronin, Ben Litfin and Brandon Borrello lined up for Roar against United on Sunday, and he said he enjoyed the experience.

“I had a chat to a few of the lads today but I probably won’t get a chance to catch up with them because we have to head back (to Adelaide) today,” he explained.

“But it’s always good to see the boys and there’s always a bit of banter floating around which is good,” he concluded with a smile.

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Adelaide United FC