Words: Staff Writers
Image (top): Chris Simpson
Image (middle): Paul Smith
Image (bottom): Patrick Kearney

Three of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland’s finest young talents have earned a priceless shot at the big time after being selected as PS4 Player Pathway Award invitees.

Western Pride midfielder Joseph Duckworth and defender Jesse Rigby, as well as Sunshine Coast FC midfielder Grant De Chastel, will head to Sydney at the end of the month to stake their claim for a much-coveted place with Hyundai A-League club Sydney FC.

The trio were announced today alongside 21 other young players from across the eight PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues competitions as finalists for the PS4 Player Pathway Award - a year-long search to find the most talented young footballer in the country.

Rigby, Duckworth and De Chastel have proven themselves amongst the most consistent performers in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland – the highest level of club football in the Sunshine State – this season.

Rigby, 19, is a product of the Queensland Academy of Sport and has been a constant presence in the Ipswich club’s backline for the past two seasons – amassing 41 senior appearances.

Last year he was also selected to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Under 23 All-Star team.

Attack-minded Duckworth, also 19, joined Pride in 2015 and has slotted a handy 14 goals in 43 appearances over two seasons with the club.

De Chastel, 18, is the youngest of the Queensland selections and made his senior debut in the second tier in 2013 before cementing his place in the Fire team – accruing 62 senior appearances for the club in the second tier.

The PS4 Player Pathway Award Camp will be held from 26-28 September 2016 at Valentine Sports Park.

The 24 selected players will be put through their paces through a series of on-field and off-field testing, whilst under the watchful eye of one of the most decorated selection panels in Australian football.

Assessing the players – in addition to selecting the ultimate winner – is a judging panel comprising Ante Milicic (Socceroos Assistant Coach), John Kosmina (former Socceroo and PS4 NPL Ambassador), Rob Stanton (Sydney FC Youth Head Coach) and Craig Foster (former Socceroo and Chairman of the PFA)

The winner of the inaugural PS4 Player Pathway Award will win a two-week trial with Sydney FC’s Youth League team, where, if selected, will be presented with the opportunity to be signed onto the team.

All coaches and scouts from each Hyundai A-League club will be invited to attend the PS4 Player Pathway Award Camp.

For the full list of PS4 Player Pathway finalists visit http://www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au/article/nominees-revealed-for-ps4-player-pathway-award/16x4p5qthevui1j5bsid8wr8tq