Cameron Peupion Brighton: From Sydney FC Academy to EPL club
In normal life Cameron Peupion would be preparing for his trial exams in Sydney. Instead the northern beaches teenager is learning different skills at an English Premier League club.
Manly
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Sydney FC Academy graduate Cameron Peupion is living his dream thousands of miles from family and friends after agreeing professional terms with the English south coast club Brighton.
The former Pittwater House student from Curl Curl, who honed his skills at Manly United before being spotted by the Sky Blues, is now three weeks into his stint at the Brighton EPL club where he is part of their under 18s program.
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“The last few two weeks have been great. Mum came with me for two weeks but has left now,” said Peupion, who trialled with Brighton in January, in a call from the UK.
“I’ve settled in, been visiting Brighton, the people at the club are really nice.
“I’ve done a week and a half of training. The comp starts on September 12 so we have a friendly on Saturday against Fulham. I can’t wait.”
The young midfielder is at the Seagulls with Socceroos stars Mat Ryan and Aaron Mooy after turning heads at last years under 17‘s World Cup.
Peupion, with the Sydney FC Academy from the age of 14 and now living with a host family in the UK, was given an exemption to travel to the UK and join up with the club.
“Before then it was a battle to get over here, not knowing when I could leave, when things would start,” he said.
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“This is a dream I have had since I was a little kid. I’m still pinching myself.”
Sydney FC will receive an undisclosed transfer fee while Manly United and Peupion’s junior club will also receive a sum in training compensation.
“I’ve been at Sydney FC’s Academy for five years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” said the former Many Warringah Football Associaton junior.
“They’ve really made me the player I am today, but I know I’ve still got a lot to work on and I’ve got to keep going and pushing hard.’’
Peupion said from the initial talks with Brighton and meeting both Ryan and Mooy, he felt at home.
“Right away it was a good fit for me,” he said. “The people were really nice and I met Aaron and Ryan.
“The coach and staff were lovely and Brighton is a nice place to live.”