Words: Steve Pitman
Image: Brisbane Strikers

Brisbane Strikers youth product Matthew Green is the latest Queenslander to advance on the talented player pathway after signing with Hyundai A-League club Sydney FC.

The 17-year-old defensive utility played with Strikers Youth Men in 2015 and was on the fringes of Strikers’ senior side before the Hyundai A-League powerhouse came calling.

Green played his early junior football with Strikers’ catchment clubs Logan Lightning and Rochedale Rovers before linking up with Strikers Under 14 Boys PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues in 2013.

Former Sydney FC star Terry McFlynn, who now holds the position of General Manager Player Welfare at the Sky Blues, said the club was impressed by Green’s abilities during a trial last year.

“We were alerted to Matthew’s talent and potential midway through 2015 and invited him into our first team pre-season camp held on the Gold Coast,’ McFlynn explained.

“He showed great maturity for a young boy in a very competitive environment, did exceptionally well and was invited to join us for another week in Sydney later in the year when he again impressed everyone at the club – not only with his footballing ability but also with his maturity and strength of character.

“We are delighted to welcome Matthew to Sydney FC and look forward to the role we will play in developing his potential further.”

Green has already relocated to the New South Wales capital and admitted to mixed emotions to the move.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to join Sydney FC but at the same time sad that I’m leaving a great club like Strikers,” Green explained.

“The coaching and support I have received at Strikers has been fantastic and I would like to thank David Large, Kevin A’Herne-Evans and Sean Lane, who have one hundred percent supported me in making the decision and in the subsequent transition to move to Sydney.”

McFlynn praised the role of Strikers in nurturing Green on the talented player pathway.

“We also would like to thank and congratulate Brisbane Strikers for all the hard work they have put into developing Matthew as a footballer.”

“The coaching and technical staff of the Strikers have been a pleasure to work with on this and we wish them good luck and every success at all age levels for the upcoming PlayStation 4 NPL season.”

Strikers Head Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said he was delighted for Green to advance his career, even if it means missing out on the youngsters talents as the club chases maiden PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues silverware.

“I’m delighted for Matthew to get the opportunity to sign for one of the biggest clubs in our country,” A’herne-Evans explained.

“They’ve got a good youth development system down there but if you look at the work that Sean Lane and Mirko Runje did with him last year in our Youth team – they deserve a huge pat on the back for being able to create an environment that could continue Matty’s development.”

A’herne-Evans also suggested that Green will not be the last player that Strikers’ prepare for the next stage in their careers.

I personally believe that Matty will be the first of a conveyor belt of players going from the Strikers youth system to teams in the A-League,” he concluded.