Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ray Gardner/Redlands United FC

Redlands United product Jayden Prasad will remain a regular figure at Cleveland Showgrounds this summer as part of Brisbane Roar Youth’s Foxtel National Youth League campaign.

The 18-year-old winger is one of three PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland senior men’s players announced as part of the 16 player Young Roar squad for the Foxtel National Youth League season, starting this weekend.

Prasad earned his call-up after impressing for Redlands United at senior level over the past two PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland campaigns - making 26 appearances and scoring eight goals.

With the Young Roar set to play their home fixtures at Cleveland Showgrounds throughout the Foxtel National Youth League campaign, Prasad said his familiarity with the venue could only benefit him as he seeks to take the next step in his burgeoning career.

“I absolutely love playing at Redlands and, while I have to leave the club to take this opportunity, I am really happy that I get the chance to keep playing at the same ground,” Prasad explained.

“It’s an amazing field and hopefully I will get some of the coaches and familiar faces there to support me. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Prasad joined the Red Devils at Under-14 level, and progressed through the junior ranks to earn his first senior appearance in 2014 - scoring a headline grabbing double against Brisbane City on debut.

He said he was grateful for the opportunities provided by the Redlands United coaching staff including Technical Director Matt Chandler and Men’s player-coach Graham Fyfe.

“Redlands has a good reputation for giving young players a chance and I was just privileged to be able to go into the first team at a young age and it really improved me as a player.”

“Without them I would not be where I am today. Fyfey mentored me up until now and I also owe a big thanks for Matt for giving me the opportunity in the first team and supporting me along the way.”

Prasad said he was aiming to make the most of his hard-fought opportunity with Young Roar and said he was already benefitting from his time with Queensland’s only Hyundai A-League club.

“I’ve really enjoyed being part of the professional environment and culture at Roar and I can already see it improving my game day-by-day.”

“The aim is to play professional football one day. So hopefully if I keep training hard and play well in the NYL with Roar I can get a shot at the A-League in the future - that’s the goal for me,” he concluded.