17-year-old Alessandro Circati has become the latest PGFC Academy player to complete a move to Europe, joining the youth academy at Italian Serie A club Parma.
Circati, whose father Gianfranco made 15 appearances for Glory during the 1998-99 season, spent four years in the PGFC Academy having previously represented Perth SC where Circati senior also played at the end of his career.
The defender’s standout performances for Glory in the NPL WA last season saw him claim the club’s Most Glorious Youth Player award and Head Coach Richard Garcia is delighted to see another local talent earning an opportunity to further his fledgling career in Europe.
“The aim of the PGFC Academy is to create a pathway for young WA players both domestically and internationally,” he said.
“We’re very proud to have played our part in Ale’s progression towards a career in Europe and would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by Perth SC to his development.
“He was someone who was eager to trial overseas and we supported him in that.
“Ale did the right thing in terms of the timing of when he went over to Europe to trial and we reciprocated by allowing him to go and try and secure himself a club over there.
“We’re delighted that he has joined a club of Parma’s stature and wish him all the very best in the next stage of his career.”
Circati himself, meanwhile, was quick to point out how formative his time at the PGFC Academy had been for him.
“It was a great experience,” he said.
“I had the opportunity to be coached by not only great coaches, but great people in general.
“At that adolescent age, it’s an important time to play and grow and I think that’s where most change occurs.”
(picture courtesy of Tom McCarthy)
#OneGlory
