Fire Under 18s goalkeeper Damien Cox is one step closer to following in the footsteps of his idols Mitch Langerak and Jerrad Tyson, after he was offered a trial with the Roar Youth Team.
Brisbane Roar and Strikers goalkeeping Coach Jason Kearton offered Cox the trial after watching him play in last Sunday’s NPL game against the Strikers.
Cox said he was excited for the opportunity, which had come after many years of hard work.
He first attempted goalkeeping after switching from rugby league to football at age ten.
“I didn’t know any rules when I started playing football so I stood in goals at school and because I used to play rugby league I thought I would be good with my hands,” he said.
“I just liked being a goalkeeper and the fact that any minute a break could be on and it was a chance to save the game.”
It wasn’t long before Cox started goalkeeper-specific training, first with a coach at Coolum FC and then with John Gorza’s Goalkeeping Academy and the Sunshine Coast Fire.
“Under 18s Fire Coach Paul Arnison has been doing a fantastic job with our team this year, ensuring Matt Birrell (reserve goal keeper) and I are included in each session. I am also doing gym training five days a week to keep up my strength and fitness.”
The Roar trial will require Cox to travel to Brisbane for training each Wednesday.
Under 18s Coach Paul Arnison said he was delighted for Cox to have the opportunity to trial.
“He has done really well this season; he has made some vital saves, including three or four in last Sunday’s game against the Strikers,” Arnison said.
This week he will head down to train with the Roar on Wednesday before celebrating his 18th birthday on Friday and then travelling to Toowoomba with the Fire Under 18 Boys to play for the NPL Premiership.
“I am really looking forward to trailing with the Roar and I am keen to be exposed to an A-League club. I really hope I can get something out of the trial … I have not had an opportunity this big before.”
The trial is a step in the right direction when it comes to Cox’s ultimate ambitions in football.
“I would love to make it to the A League like Langerak and Tyson…Hopefully I can go even further and play in Europe.”
