A state league premiership with Western Sydney is just the start for our teen star Josh Bartolotto

Even at just 17, Joshua Bartolotto is already ever the professional sportsman.

Joshua Bartolotto from Putney is part of Western Sydney Wanderers U18s team that won the NPL2 minor premiership in the club’s first season in the competition. Pictures: Adam Ward

Even at just 17, Joshua Bartolotto is already ever the professional sportsman.

Having just claimed the premiership for Western Sydney Wanderers in the club’s debut NSW National Premier Leagues 2 season, the Putney resident could easily be forgiven for basking in the achievement, even just a little bit.

“Job’s only half done,” Bartolotto said sternly, but still with a hint of pride in his voice.

“Obviously it’s great to get the premiers plate, but we want the championship (in the grand final).”

Joshua Bartalotto from Putney was part of Western Sydney Wanderers U18s team that won the NPL2 premiership in the clubÕs first season in the competition. Josh played 19 games for the team and scored two goals. Pictured at his local field, Morrison Bay Park. Photo: Adam Ward

The centre midfielder from Holy Cross College began playing football when he was five with his local team, Putney Rangers.

Josh spent three years learning the ins and outs of the game with Rangers before a move to the Gladesville Ravens in 2008 saw his career skyrocket.

His representative honours began in 2010 when he spent the year with Football NSW’s Project 22 developmental squad before earning a spot with the NSW Skillaroos in 2011 and ’12.

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Having spent the past three years with semi-professional club Sydney United 58 while he focused on his school-work, Bartolotto admits he was more than a little surprised when he was called up to the Wanderers Academy under-18 side at the start of this year.

“At first it was a bit of a surprise, I didn’t really expect it,” he said.

“It’s been a really good experience so far.”

Joshua Bartalotto from Putney was part of Western Sydney Wanderers U18s team that won the NPL2 premiership in the clubÕs first season in the competition. Josh played 19 games for the team and scored two goals. Pictured at his local field, Morrison Bay Park. Photo: Adam Ward

While Bartolotto’s immediate future involves a successful career with the Wanderers, his ultimate goal is to make it overseas.

“It’s my dream to play in Europe,” he said.

“But for now I’m focused on making it here first and hopefully becoming a professional footballer with the Wanderers.”