Words: Sam Attwood
Image: Sunshine Coast FC

Sunshine Coast FC have confirmed Cameron Nairn and Kobe Fuller have been promoted to Fire’s senior squad for the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.

Nairn, 17, and Fuller, 16, are products of Fire’s elite pathway with both players rising through the club’s junior ranks to be part of coach Paul Arnison’s squad.

Nairn (pictured) was brought into Fire’s senior team late in 2015 and proved a stand-out in seven senior appearances while also netting nine goals in 18 appearances for the Under-18s.

He was also the youngest member of the inaugural PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Stars side that faced Hyundai A-League powerhouse Brisbane Roar.

Nairn said his promotion to the senior squad is an example of how players can progress through the juniors to the senior team and hopes it inspires other players to follow the pathway.

“It’s what everyone works towards, Paul and (Technical Director) Melvyn (Wilkes) gave me the opportunity last season to step up,” he said.

Nairn added that his experience in 2015 drove him to secure a spot in the senior set-up for next season.

“Those seven games gave me a head start for next year and I want to keep that spot as long as I can,” he said.

Fuller, who will turn 17 before the start of next season, is making a bigger jump as the youngest player on Fire’s roster after progressing from Fire’s Under 16’s to the Under 18 team last year.

He said that his inclusion in the senior squad is an opportunity that he will not take for granted in 2016.

“Paul has given me a huge opportunity. It means a lot to me, and to the guys still waiting for that opportunity to see young players reaching the senior team because that’s where we all want to be,” he said.