Moreton Bay United’s team sheet for Sunday’s clash against Lions told two great stories – a fantastic 2-1 win and our development pathway is paying dividends.
In Jets’ starting XI against the NPL Queensland Premiers were three young players who have all risen through the junior ranks.
Making his debut in the starting XI was Wil Edmiston, while on the bench were squad regular Danny Champness and for the first time Liam Brown.
Jets’ Technical Director Matt Poole said: “It is fantastic for the club that we are now starting to see players who were in our first U12 team in 2013 make the progression to our senior team.
“Having had a lot to do with these players through their MBU journeys, I am extremely pleased to see them reach this point.
“At 14 and 15 years of age Wil was relatively small and slight, but good technically and an intelligent player. When he developed physically, he already had the technical base and game intelligence, which has accelerated his progression.
“Danny’s story is quite similar in that up until he was 15, he was a highly technical player but not as developed physically. Like his brother (Joey), when he hit 16 and 17 he suddenly developed this explosiveness, which was a game changer for him.”
“Browny was another of those small, highly technical players whose strength was and still is beating players 1 v 1. It’s great to see him rewarded with opportunities in the senior team because I believe he can make an impact."
“They are prime examples to young players at the club that there is a clear pathway from our junior teams into our first team.
“Royce (Brownlie) and Rich (Greer) have come in and created a great environment whereby the U20s train with the senior players each session.
“No doubt that has accelerated their development into senior players and provided some proof our youth development philosophy at the club works.
“We are starting to get a real consistency in each age-group, which will ensure we always have players coming through the system."
Jets' Men’s team coach Royce Brownlie said the step up to senior football should not be underestimated.
“The big difference is the speed of the game,” said Royce, “Wil got his first start for the club and it blew him out the water how quick the game was. He couldn’t get his second breathe.
“We’ve blooded Wil over time and he has thrived on the step up. Danny we’re also bringing on slowly. Browny is another one.
“We’re also starting to look at next year to see how we bring the boys through and who else can make the step.”
Wil admitted the game was much quicker from the start: “That was surprising and it was a lot more physical," he said. "It’s different to coming off the bench, but the boys really encouraged me and helped me settle.”