Four to trial with Shonan Bellmare
Sunshine Coast FC is proud to announce that four of the club’s brightest young prospects will soon travel to Japan to trial with J. League club Shonan Bellmare.
Alex Henderson, Josh Taylor, James Stinson and Ryan Delahunty will spend a week training and playing practice games for the club, in a bid to earn a youth contract.
Currently plying their trade in J. League Division 1, Shonan Bellmare possess strong ties with Sunshine Coast FC, which has helped to create this opportunity for the four teenagers.
After 10 seasons in J. League Division 2, the Hiratsuka-based club were promoted after last season and are midway through the 2010 competition.
The players set off for Japan on August 17, and will get the opportunity to witness top-flight Japanese football and make an impression on the club’s recruiters.
Delahunty and Henderson will train with the senior squad, while Stinson and Taylor will train with the youth squad. All of the players will be closely monitored by members of Shonan Bellmare’s coaching staff.
Each of the four players has fulfilled important roles for the Sunshine Coast Fire this season.
Alex Henderson has held down a starting position in central defence for the Fire during the 2010 season, boasting strong aerial ability as well as positioning and organisation. Although excited by the prospect of training with such a high calibre club, Henderson is not getting carried away.
“There are going to be plenty of quality players over there, I won’t be making the trip with any expectations of getting a contract. I’m just going to put my best foot forward and see how I go.”
After starting the season playing for the Fire’s Under-19 squad, Ryan Delahunty has made a big impact at senior level in attack and on the left wing, and is capable of unlocking defences with his pace. Travelling overseas will be a new experience for Delahunty.
“I can’t wait to get over there, it’s going to be my first time leaving Australia. Hopefully I get a chance to play on the wing and up forward.”
Usually deployed at right-fullback, James Stinson has been one of the most consistent performers for the Fire this season. Hardworking and disciplined in defence, Stinson can also do damage when roaming forward with accurate passing.
Captain of the Fire’s Under-19 side, Josh Taylor has stepped up to play for the senior team late in the season and has impressed in central midfield. Taylor is looking forward to seeing Japanese club football first-hand.
“I know some Australians are having success over there, such as Josh Kennedy (for Nagoya Grampus). It’s going to be a great experience.”
If the players make an impression on Shonan Bellmare’s recruiters, they will be contacted later in the season for further trial. Sunshine Coast FC wishes the players the best of luck in showcasing their skills.
