South Melbourne FC is proud to announce that it has promoted Youth player Joshua Hodes to the Senior Roster for the 2017 NPL Victoria season.
Hodes was identified by Sasa Kolman three years ago during Pre-Season and has been a standout performer, including winning the Club’s Under 20s Player of the Year in 2016. His performance was also rewarded during the 2016 season by being selected and playing in a senior team match, as well as training with the seniors on a full-time basis.
Hodes is a composed and talented right-back, with not only the ability to shut his opponent down, but to also push forward and attack down the right-hand side of the park. Through the tutorage of his coaches throughout his time with the club, Josh has also gained the confidence to do this at a higher senior level at a young age through his interaction with the senior team.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, Youth Director Andrew Mesourouni was elated to see Joshua formally join the Senior Team. “We are all extremely excited to see Joshua formally join the Senior Squad for the upcoming season. While Joshua has joined on a full-time basis, there are also many of our Under 20s players from 2016 who have already joined the Senior Squad for the Pre-Season and will also be pushing for senior team selection throughout 2017. The Club is focussed on its youth and will be giving them every opportunity to experience life as a senior footballer wherever possible. It is a very exciting time for our club, with 5 members of our senior team to date under the age of 20, with Chris Taylor a firm believer also of giving our youth products an opportunity”
When interviewed, Hodes was equally excited. “I can’t thank the club enough for the amazing opportunity. To firstly be given the chance to train with the club in 2016 and then to receive a senior team appearance was phenomenal, but to now be a senior player is surreal. Though the hard work starts now, I’ve extremely grateful and excited to be working with Chris Taylor, Sasa Kolman and the Senior Team.
We welcome Josh to the Senior Team and look forward to seeing him in our shirt once again in 2017.