Two of a kind … Melbourne Knights Josh Berrios and Brandon Zezovski are thrilled to be a part of the Melbourne Victoria Talented Player Program. 60101 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Michael Esposito
DEER Park teenagers and best mates Joshua Berrios and Brandon Zezovski are among 50 students experiencing a once-in-lifetime opportunity as members of a talent and education program with Melbourne Victory.
Berrios and Zezovski, both 17, were ecstatic to be accepted into the Talented Player Program, which was established by Sports Education and Development Australia (SEDA) to help school students get a head-start in the sports industry.
“I wasn’t too confident going into it, to tell you the truth. There were thousands trying to get into this program and for me to be selected was pretty big. Hopefully it can help with my career in the future,” Brandon Zezovski said.
Both boys are terrifically talented soccer players. Zezovski has been playing for premier league club Melbourne Knights’ under-21 side since he was 14. The striker made an immediate impact on the team, scoring in his debut.
Since then he has become an integral part of the side, and believes he is on the cusp of breaking into the first team.
“I’ve got a lot to work on but I think I’m pretty close. I set high expectations for myself,” he said.
Berrios is also playing for Knights this year after transferring from South Melbourne. He will also push for senior selection but his ultimate goal is to play professionally in Spain or England.
He said the talent program will give his career goals a major boost.
“It’s giving me extra training during the day, and I’m learning about fitness and the right foods to eat, so it is helping with my diet as well,” Berrios said.
Participants will train with FFV approved coaches and study sport and recreation, leading to a Diploma in Sport.
Students had orientation at AAMI Park last fortnight and watched Victory player train ahead of the side’s clash with Adelaide on 11 February. Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick spoke to the boys about what was involved in training at the elite level.
The full north-west squad: Aydin Sipahi, Yanco Castro, Daniel Zahra, Christopher Dib, Alier Alier, Brandon Scerri, Turgut Fanoscu, Adam Richardson, Aziz Paytoncular, Thomas Meletis, Matko Budimir, Duglas Barahona-Mendez, Brandon Defina, Brandon Zezovski, Carlo Cirillo, Gokalp Sinanoglu, Daniel Petrovski, Adam Hamze, John Di Stefano, Ersin Kaya, Kieran Ower, Christopher Maynard, Josh Berrios, Mauricio Cazon, George Calleja, Daniel Sweeney.
