Words: Sam Attwood

Sunshine Coast FC has announced English defender Connor Hancock as its first signing for the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.

Hancock previously played for Stockport County FC in England’s sixth tier National League North competition throughout 2014 and 2015.

He also captained Altrincham FC Youth in the fifth-tier National League in 2013, playing over 40 games for the club.

The 18-year-old said he is looking to make his mark in Australia’s national second-tier competition, and wants to bring some of the English style to his new club.

“I want to help to progress the sport in Australia and the NPL is where you go to prove yourself,” Hancock said.

“Even though I’m young, I’m a bit of a leader and I’m pretty well rounded even though I’m a defender.

Hancock added the move to Fire is his chance to become more independent and gain some worldly experience.

“I wanted a bit of a culture change and I couldn’t think of anywhere better than the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

Hancock said he was drawn to the Club’s philosophy of player development and producing elite footballers under Sunshine Coast FC Technical Director Melvyn Wilkes.

“The main thing that brought me to the Club was Melvyn’s philosophy and his approach to football,” Hancock concluded.

Wilkes said that Hancock’s experience will bring a refreshing boost to Fire in their 2016 campaign.

“To have someone at Connor’s age, playing the level that he is now is very unique,” Wilkes said.

“He has a lot of experience for such a young player, he has a great attitude and he’s motivated to give it his all.”