sport, local-sport

FOOTBALL Wolves youngsters Ben Zucco, Jordan Murray and Darcy Madden have been rewarded for their emerging seasons with trials at Sydney FC for the chance to join the Sky Blues youth squad next campaign. The trio, who hadn't even featured in South Coast's first grade side at the beginning of the season, were scouted from strong performances in the NSW National Premier League. Their rise to first-grade prominence has coincided with the Wolves's resurgent season - the club is now in a good position to avoid relegation. For Murray and Zucco, the trial completes a stunning transition from Illawarra Premier League competitors to potential National Youth League combatants. The pair joined the Wolves from local outfits Bulli (Murray) and Tarrwanna (Zucco) at the start of the campaign and have quickly made a name for themselves on the big stage. "We came into the Wolves youth grade knowing each other and how we played. Just for us two to bump up to first grade was a good level, but to even get a trial after coming up from the Illawarra league is even better," Murray said. "We are taking it one step at a time but we will see what happens." While Murray and Zucco joined from the local competition, Madden came to the South Coast Wolves from the AIS. He believes the trials will help solidify the pathway from the region's elite team to the national level competition. "It is always good to have the region represented," Madden said. "It is good because the Wolves are a big club and they deserve to have players go through the system. "It is a club that has produced players and they have players who can take it to the next step, so it is good to see that finally recognised." All three players will attend their first trial on July 15, with weekly training sessions for six weeks. It doesn't guarantee them a place in the Sky Blues squad, but Madden said the trio wouldn't be wasting their opportunity with one of the country's premier sides. "It is a privilege but I recognise that it is only one small step. Being recognised is nice but then you have to act on it," he said. The trio are hoping to get the nod for the Premier League clash with Sydney United at WIN Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off has been moved to 4pm to avoid a clash with the Bert Bampton Cup final.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/c89cebff-2b1e-4ccc-b71b-e2dd974b53b8.jpg/r0_546_4079_2851_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg