Paulo Retre’s journey to professional football has seen him work through the National Youth League ranks to earn a coveted spot on Melbourne City FC’s senior list.
Retre made headlines this week after the Club announced it had offered the 21 year-old a senior contract.
The talented young midfielder played four senior games last season—starting in two against Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC—and featured in Joe Palatsides’ youth side who finished fifth last season.
Retre played 90 minutes against Hume City on Tuesday night and starred in the second-half, pulling the strings in the midfield. His path to senior football has seen him ply his trade in local leagues.
However, Head Coach John van’t Schip says Retre’s time in the National Youth League proved pivotal in his decision to sign him.
“Paulo has been working with us for some time and his signing builds on our tradition of developing and promoting players from the youth team to senior contracts,” van’t Schip said.
“For me, it shows all young players the value of committing to a team in the NYL.”
The National Youth League was created in 2008 as a pathway for junior players to develop in a professional environment. Retre’s pathway is testament to this system and van’t Schip believes it will open doors to future A-League and Socceroo stars.
“If I could give young players who aspire to play in the A-League any advice, it is that the NYL team is where we are looking for our emerging professional players.”
The NYL kicks-off in October with Melbourne City FC building a very exciting side.
