Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Vince Trovato

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Under 23’s All-Star Christian Trovato is the latest player to advance on the talented player pathway after being lured south to Sydney FC.

Trovato, 18, made his senior PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues debut for Redlands United last year, but will now link up with the Sky Blues for their PlayStation 4 NPL New South Wales Mens 2 campaign starting this weekend.

The left fullback is the second Queenslander from the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues to be confirmed at the Hyundai A-League powerhouse in recent weeks, joining Brisbane Strikers youth product Matthew Green.

Trovato said he is grateful for the opportunities to advance his football via the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues – and singled out last year’s inaugural All-Stars game against Brisbane Roar for praise.

“The NPL All-Stars game was a great opportunity for me to show my ability in front of the right coaches at the right time,” he explained.

“If it wasn’t for the All-Stars then I don’t know if I would have been viewed on that level by those coaches.”

Trovato made his senior debut with Redlands United in 2015 under player-coach Graham Fyfe prior to impressing as a substitute for the All-Stars last September.

He was then invited to train with Brisbane Roar Youth but after being unable to break into the squad ventured to Sydney at the behest of the Sky Blues.

Trovato expressed is gratitude to the coaching staff at Redlands and Roar for developing him to a point where he could make the most of his chance down south.

“I got to thank Fyfey as an older mentor that helped me develop my senior football against men. Also, Roar Youth coach Josh McCloughan helped sharpen me up before I came down to Sydney,” he said.

Sydney FC’s PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Head Coach Rob Stanton said he is impressed by Trovato’s drive and sees plenty of potential in his new recruit.

“He likes to get forward and has a good first touch, he is a natural left footer and they are hard to find at left back,” Stanton explained.

“He has a lot of hunger which you can see and anyone who is willing to move down here and take a chance is very impressive.”

“He has the right character and he is going to have the ability to develop well with the in the next six months, with the extra training sessions and competition the NPL will bring.”

Trovato’s former coach Fyfe said Redlands are always delighted to see their players take the next step on the talented player pathway and he is mindful of helping players find the right Hyundai A-League club at the right time, be it in Queensland or interstate.

“Every A-League club has their own way to play and not every player will suit, for example, Brisbane Roar or a Perth Glory. Their qualities may instead be better suited to Sydney FC or one of the Melbourne clubs.”

“The way I see it is that we want to help these players get opportunities at the clubs where they have the best chance to fit in and progress for their own development.”

To that end, Trovato believes he is fitting in well so far and is now determined to make the most of his opportunity in the New South Wales capital.

“It is my mission to have a really good season here. I have already settled in quite well, so I want to do my best and see where it goes from there,” he said.

“Ultimately I want to push on to the Hyundai A-League definitely. That’s the main goal I am trying to achieve and slowly, slowly I think it might happen.”