Sunshine Coast Fire and Sunshine Coast Wanderers rising stars

Sunshine Coast academy coaches from Wanderers FC and Sunshine Coast Fire FC have revealed a number of junior players that are tipped to become future stars. See the full list.

Coaches and academy directors from the Sunshine Coast Fire and Sunshine Coast Wanderers have identified 12 junior players across separate divisions that have proved themselves as future stars.

After already taking a look at which rising talents were ones to watch at a club level here’s some players that have already signed or are on the radar of elite-level academies.

The list is in no particular order and each player identified has comments from their coach or club personnel.

Sunshine Coast Fire FC

George Collins

Division: U9 FQ Academy

Position: Attacker

George Collins has been named as a standout talent for the Sunshine Coast Fire.

“Little George is a bundle of energy with pace to burn and a desire to chase down every ball,” Gareth Thomson said.

“Playing up an age group this year was an adjustment for George but he rose to the challenge at every point.

“If he keeps up his enthusiasm for the game, he has a great path ahead of him.”

Thomas Aarons

Division: U15 NPL

Position: Forward

Thomas Aarons has been named as a standout talent for the Sunshine Coast Fire.

“Recently selected for the Queensland state side, Thomas played up in our under-15s this season and handled it very well,” Gareth Thomson said.

“He’s athletic and extremely technical.

“Thomas has a great balance of ability and athleticism and will be a great prospect for the future.”

Ania Mann

Division: U15 Girls

Position: Defender

Ania Mann has been named as a standout talent for the Sunshine Coast Fire.

“Ania is part of our super talented under-15 girls side and has received state wide recognition as part of the girl's Queensland state side,” Gareth Thomson said.

“She’s super calm on the ball and tough to tackle, Ania has all the makings of a top level defender!”

Hudson Hart

Division: U10 FQ Academy

Position: Midfielder

Hudson Hart has been named as a standout talent for the Sunshine Coast Fire.

“Hudson is a fantastic playmaker in the middle of the park, doing a great job linking the defence and midfield together,” Gareth Thomson said.

“With fantastic technical ability and the attitude to always improve, Hudson is another player to watch.”

Jett Ford

Division: U13 NPL

Position: Midfielder

Jett Ford has been named as a standout talent for the Sunshine Coast Fire.

“With the club since under-9s, Jett is a talented young midfielder who recently made the Queensland representative squad,” Gareth Thomson said.

“He’s a playmaker with vision above his age range.

“Jett has played up over the last couple of years and is a key player within the under-13s squad.”

Leo Robinson

Division: U14 NPL

Position: Defender

Leo Robinson has been named as a standout talent for the Sunshine Coast Fire.

“Leo is a dedicated and hard working young man,” Gareth Thomson said.

“He’s tough to tackle and great at distributing the ball at all distances.

“Leo is progressing really well and keeps standards high for his teammates.”

Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC

Madison Hartley

Division: U14 NPL girls

Position: Central defender

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Madison Hartley.

“Madison is a calm and composed centre back, the kind every coach dreams of having,” her coaches said.

“She’s a leader from the back who guides her team each game.

“She’s not only a strong and athletic defender, she’s got the ball skills to match.

“An extremely intelligent player, Madison is the complete package as a central defender.

Jesse Levenson

Division: U14 NPL girls

Position: Attacking Midfield

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Jesse Levenson.

“Jesse is a skilled player extremely comfortable on both feet,” her coaches said.

“She has the speed and skill to take players on as well as the passing accuracy to be a creative midfielder.

“She is an asset to her team, both creating and scoring goals.

“Jesse has all the foundational skills to make a great player and will be one to watch in the future.”

Dante Portea

Division: U13s NPL Academy

Position: Striker; Left wing

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Dante Portea has been named as a player to watch. Picture: Contributed

“Dante’s speed and strength along with his wicked left foot make him a handful for any defence,” his coaches said.

“His ability to make runs in behind the opposition and finishing skills are exciting to watch.

“Not just happy to score his work rate off the ball and competitiveness means the opposition doesn‘t have a chance to rest.

“He’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.”

Emmanuel Lewis

Division: U13s NPL Academy

Position: Goalkeeper

Sunshine Coast Wanderers player Emmanuel Lewis has been named as a player to watch. Picture: Contributed

“Manu has everything it takes to be a top class goal keeper, demonstrating a skill set well advanced for his age,” his coaches said.

“His ability to make an acrobatic save, play the ball out from the back or save a penalty he can do it all.

“Apart from his amazing talent Manu is the perfect example of a young man that wants to conquer the football world.”

Riley Shortland

Division: U15 NPL

Position: Goalkeeper

Riley Shortland from the Sunshine Coast Wanderers has been named as a player to watch. Picture: Carl Harrison Photography

“Riley is a fantastic goalkeeper,” his coaches said.

“Not only in his ability to save the ball but being able to use his feet as well.

“He’s a great team player who always puts in 100 per cent.”

Harry Neal

Division: U15 NPL

Position: Attacking Midfield

Harry Neal from the Sunshine Coast Wanderers has been named as a player to watch. Picture: Carl Harrison Photography

“Harry is an amazing footballer who has grown as a player in his first season in the NPL,” his coaches said.

“His ability to score from crosses is unbelievable.”