Revealed: The best under-16 and under-18 footballers on the Gold Coast

The football stars of tomorrow are proving, today, what they’re capable of – these are the 11 best young talents on the Gold Coast to keep an eye on.

The Gold Coast has made habit of producing quality footballing talent that goes on to excel at a club, state, national and even international level.

While past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, being a star of today can go a long way to building a long a prosperous future in the world game.

See below for the five best homegrown talents in Coast football from both the U16 and U18 Junior Premier League this season – and remember the names.

Under 16 JPL

Cody Andrew (Magic United)

The Magic striker has been pivotal in pushing his team to third on the ladder. Andrew’s aggressive style often turns games for his squad, forcing turnovers from opposition defenders. He played exceptionally in his team’s round five win over Broadbeach, assisting on one goal and scoring another himself.

Noah Colbert (Palm Beach)

There is no scarier man in the under 16 JPL from long range. Colbert showcased his incredible long-range prowess in round nine when he scorched the net twice from well outside the box.

Tahj Ferguson (Runaway Bay)

If there were an award for effort on the field, Ferguson would win, and it wouldn’t even be close. Night in night out, Ferguson defended his heart out for his Runaway Bay, repelling countless attacks.

Burleigh Heads U16s footballer Zane Perkins. Photo: Supplied

Zane Perkins (Burleigh)

The Burleigh winger might hold the award for the best individual game played this season. In round seven, Perkins had an electric performance, scoring twice. One of his goals was a contender for the goal of the year with his miraculous longshot from just in his attacking half cannoning into the top right corner.

Anthony Lekanis (Burleigh)

Paired with Perkins in Burleigh’s attack Lekanis is extremely dangerous around the goal. He often gets in behind the opposition’s defence and has found the net with regularity.

Under 18 JPL

Julius Srhoj (Surfers Paradise)

Dawning on finals, unbelievably Surfers Paradise keeper Julius Srhoj is yet to let a ball past him. He has had some remarkable saves using his large athletic frame to fend off every shot on his goal this year. The question remains can he keep a clean sheet for the whole year?

Tin Ngo (Burleigh Blue)

Speed combined with magical footwork makes Ngo a handful for opposition defences. Burleigh’s go-to man in attack has been critical to his Burleigh team that sits second on the ladder.

Samuel Barac (Surfers Paradise)

We’ll have to check the record books, but Barac’s nine-goal effort in the year’s opening rounds might be one of the best performances in Gold Coast soccer history. He has rained in many goals for the dominant Surfers Paradise side this year.

Ethan Benigno (Surfers Paradise)

When Benigno’s decides to turn it on, there is no better player to watch in the under 18 JPL. His blend of elite footwork and passing combined with an ability to fire on goal from any spot on the pitch gives opposition coaches nightmares and leaves fans breathless.

Connor Bridges (Tweed United)

No team depends on a player more than Tweed United depends on Bridges. Often the only man upfront, Bridges delivers for his team more often than not dragging Tweed to fourth on the ladder.

Surfers Paradise U18s footballer Micah Martin. Photo: Supplied

Micah Martin (Surfers Paradise)

He’s the glue that keeps the Apollo midfield together. An energiser bunny whose incredible tackling technique and penchant for gut running, Martin does all the hard work so that his creative midfielders can work their magic going forward. A coach’s dream player who just loves to work hard for his team.