TWO Sunraysia soccer graduates have their eyes set on a career in the game they love.
Former Irymple Knights juniors Alexis Pantazopoulos and Luka Primarano, both 14, harbour ambitions of becoming a Matilda and a Socceroo respectively, and their performances so far have them in the eyes of coaches at higher levels.
Heading into 2024, the duo are members of A-League academy programs, Pantazopoulos for Melbourne Victory and Primarano at Western United.
Striker Pantazopoulos has been the leading goal scorer at the National Training Centre for Victoria in the past two years, and played an important role in Victoria’s National Youth Championship victory at Under 14 level.
The emerging talent has since earned a scholarship to renowned sports school Penleigh and Essendon Grammar, which will lead to a two-week trip to the UK next year.
Pantazopoulos said none of her achievements would be possible without the support from Knights.
“It made me better, I was always here originally with Sam (Primarano) as my coach for a couple of years, and he really helped me grow,” she said.
“I’ve met amazing people down there and it’s felt like home and everyone has made me feel welcome.
“I want to play overseas, potentially in England and one day play for the Matildas, hopefully.
“The Victory have taken some girls (from the academy) to play with the side or train there, so hopefully there’s an opportunity for me.”
Primarano captained Geelong Soccer Club’s Under 14 side at NPL3 level, scoring 15 goals as a midfielder.
Following his good form there, and as part of the regional Football Victoria Talent Identification Centre squad, the youngster has found himself among the next generation of potential Western United players.
Primarano played alongside another Knights export John Holani, who has since signed with NPL1 club North Geelong.
“I was very excited when I first heard the news because I had worked hard for it and ended up getting what I was hoping for,” Primarano said.
“Knowing that I’m in that area and if I stay in the academy, I could end up in the A-League team is something the drives me to be my best.
“I’d love to go play for any team in Europe, that would be an honour, and to be listed as a Socceroos player would be an honour.
“Almost every day I’ve got something on with soccer, and I love it.”
Irymple president Sam Primarano has witnessed the development of the promising juniors up-close as a coach.
“I and other coaches at the club have had these kids since MiniRoos days, under 6 and under 8 along the way, so I’ve seen these kids grow,” he said.
“We produce some really talented kids here, which is something I’m really proud of.
“Giving these players that next pathway locally is a challenge because we’re so far away (from Melbourne) but when they go there, they’ve got that drive and those that have the desire to go to the next level often succeed. How far they can go is up to them.”
