Sunshine Coast FC has announced English defender Connor Hancock as its first signing for the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season.
Hancock previously played for Stockport County FC in England’s National League North throughout 2014 and 2015.
He also captained Altrincham FC Youth in the National League in 2013, playing over 40 games for the club.
Hancock said he is looking to make his mark in Australia’s second-tier football competition.
“I want to help to progress the sport in Australia and the NPL is where you go to prove yourself,” Hancock said.
The 18-year-old wants to bring some of the English style to Australia.
“Even though I’m young, I’m a bit of a leader and I’m pretty well rounded even though I’m a defender,” Hancock said.
Hancock also said he was drawn to the Club’s philosophy of player development and producing elite footballers.
“The main thing that brought me to the Club was Melvyn’s (Sunshine Coast FC Technical Director) philosophy and his approach to football,” he said.
Hancock said he also sees this as a chance to become more independent and gain some worldly experience.
“I wanted a bit of a culture change and I couldn’t think of anywhere better than the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Technical Director Melvyn Wilkes said that Connor’s experience will bring a refreshing boost to Fire in their 2016 campaign.
“To have someone at Connor’s age, playing the level that he is now is very unique,” Wilkes said.
“He has a lot of experience for such a young player, he has a great attitude and he’s motivated to give it his all,” Wilkes concluded.
