Evan Alexandrow-Ridley back where it all began
Article: Nathanael Merchant
After eight years away from home, Evan Alexandrow-Ridley has found himself back where it all began.
Growing up in the Bega Valley, Alexandrow-Ridley traveled the long road to Canberra multiple times a week to train and play football.
His football ability caught the attention of scouts at ACT Academy of Sport, where he continued to develop his craft before a big move overseas.
As a teenager, Alexandrow-Ridely signed with Fulham FC in the English Premier League, spending a year playing with their U18 and U21 squads. Adjusting to life away from home and understanding more of what it meant to be a full-time football player were his biggest challenges.
“It was very different," Alexandrow-Ridley. "I wasn’t in the first team but I played with really good players and learned a lot from my time there.
"Things didn't work out there for various reasons so I returned back home to Canberra, where I played for Woden Valley FC in the NPL for a short while before moving to Melbourne to play with Hume City."
The Australian born keeper came across an opportunity to represent the national team, but not the green and gold that we are accustomed to.
Because of his Lithuanian heritage through his mother's side of the family, Alexandrow-Ridley was eligible to compete for the U21s Lithuanian national team at the Baltic Cup, which he grabbed with both hands.
“The call up to the U21 National Team was quite a surprise really,” he said. “I knew I was eligible to play for Lithuania, however, it wasn't something I had thought about too much."
After eight years of playing in countries like Lithuania, Czech Republic and Norway, Alexandrow-Ridley has returned to Canberra, signing with Monaro Panthers for the 2020 NPL1 season.
Being back home for an extended period of time for the first time in eight years has been a good change of speed for the goalkeeper.
“It’s a different life," he said. "It is nice to slow down a bit. I like being home and where I am at right now."
Match Details |
NPL1 Round 5
Belconnen United vs Monaro Panthers
Kick-off 3pm, 15 August 2020
Riverside Football Stadium
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