a-league

REMEMBER the name Steve Ugrinovski. At just 14 years old, the Warilla High School student has been picked up by Spanish La Liga side Real Valladolid's Youth Academy. Turning down offers from other European Clubs including Espanyol, the creative attacking midfielder penned a four-year deal to continue his young football career on Spanish soil. "I felt great - it was an amazing feeling to make it," Ugrinovski said. "When I trialled I was really nervous but when I got the news I was pretty happy. "I thought I would just go into the lower division, like division two, but I was lucky and got into the first division." Ugrinovski caught the eye of numerous overseas scouts after winning player of the tournament as a 12-year-old at the Donosti Cup tournament. In a tournament featuring teams from 13 countries, Ugrinovski's attacking prowess stood out. The young craftsmen had been plying his trade with NSW Premier League team Bonnyrigg White Eagles before a move to the big time presented itself last December. On Sunday he will leave these shores, excited by the prospect of living and training overseas. "When I was up there for the two or three months they tried to teach me Spanish, but the problem was they didn't speak English so they couldn't translate it for me," Ugrinovski said. "When I get there and I get signed for the team I get to play Barcelona. "I want to play for them [Barcelona] one day, they are my favourite team." Eventually, he hopes to replicate the feats of Socceroo stars Tim Cahill and Tom Rogic. "I want to play for Australia," Ugrinovski said. "Rogic is the most skilful and he is good at everything. He does everything for the team." Ugrinovski will be accompanied by his father Boro for the early stages of his trip, leaving his mother Karolina behind at the airport. "We are so proud of him," Karolina Ugrinovski said. "He works hard, so to see him fulfilling his dreams is wonderful. "The support of his mentors and coaches Paul Bentveizen, Tim Wilson, Manuel Camara and Steve Gabriel has been amazing. "He couldn't have done it without them, we cannot thank them enough."

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