Gawler Eagles have produced many A-League guns recently, but how have they done it?
It was the original home of Riley McGree and Ben Warland, but the Gawler Eagles’ youth products are making their presence felt at A-League level.
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The Gawler Eagles have produced some top level A-League talent.
Adelaide United star and best and fairest winner Riley McGree kick started his career at Karbeethan Reserve, Sydney FC premiership winner Ben Warland did as well, as did Reds duo Lachlan Brook and Pacifique Niyongabire.
The Eagles’ development is to be commended despite sitting in State League 2, and president Joe Ridenti said the junior numbers continue to grow.
“We only had only 136 kids a few years ago, now we have 207, so it’s going well,” he said.
“We’ve got two girls teams, we’re looking at getting four next year.”
Ridenti said the success of the four boys at A-League level has been “amazing”.
“A lot of the kids look up to them,” he said.
“Riley McGree comes back a lot, when he’s down in Gawler he comes and trains and has photos with the boys.
“It’s a good feeling that he came from our club.
“We’ve got heaps of different cultures at our club, we’re open arms to anyone who wants to have a kick.
“We don’t try and knock anyone back.”