Western United set for NPL debut against Box Hill

Western United will start a new chapter on Sunday with the Club’s inaugural NPL season kicking off this weekend.

United, who are competing in the NPL 3 competition, will face Box Hill United Soccer Club at Wembley Park in their round 1 fixture.

NPL3 Senior Head Coach, Ante Moric believes the club has recruited some of the best talent in the West of Melbourne and Victoria and is excited to get the season underway.

“I’m excited, they’re excited and the club’s excited,” Moric said.

“We believe that we picked out some of the best talent in the west that hadn’t had an opportunity.

“There’s so much talent in the west. There’s so much talent everywhere in Australia but especially here in Melbourne.

“You go down to Geelong and Ballarat – they came from everywhere to have a go.”

Two of the Western United academy players have already had the experience of being part of an A-League match day squad.

Goalkeeper Charlie Emery, formally of Werribee City FC, was promoted to the A-League squad while United’s number one keeper Filip Kurto recovered from a concussion.

Emery travelled with the team to Sydney for their match against Sydney FC as well as being part of the squad for last weekend’s home game against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park.

A-League Goalkeeper Coach Frank Juric described the 18-year-old Werribee product as extremely calm.

Emery hopes to bring his experience of training with the A-League squad to the NPL this season.

“It’s been really good taking that step up,” Emery said.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot and it’s given me a lot of lessons, shown me where I can improve as an individual and within the team as well – it’s been a really good experience.

“Filip Kurto and Ryan Scott have rubbed off on me and hopefully being over here for the last couple months has given me a bit of an edge for the NPL competition.”

Also named in the squad for the Roar clash was 19-year-old Adisu Bayew. Born to Ethiopian parents in Sudan, Bayew moved to Australia when he was four years old and is a true ‘westie’ having grown up in St Albans.

The central midfielder joined United from Green Gully, where he broke into their senior team during the 2019 NPL Victoria season and will play an important role in the NPL squad.

United face Box Hill United this Sunday at Wembley Park in Box Hill South.

The Under 21’s kick off at 12:30pm, before the Seniors get their season underway at 3:15pm.