The Newcastle Jets have signed goalkeeper John Solari to a one-year deal following a successful trial with the Club this week.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets have signed goalkeeper John Solari to a one-year deal following a successful trial with the Club last week.
The 19-year-old joins the Jets after progressing through the ranks of the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) and spending time with Adelaide United-s National Youth League team.
Solari most recently played for White City in the South Australian Premier League. He is eligible to compete for the Jets Youth team in both the NBN State League and National Youth League competitions.
“I-m rapt to be joining the Jets. It-s a dream come true to become a pro because it-s something I-ve been working hard for my whole career,” Solari said.
“It-s a huge opportunity for me, I-m going to learn so much and I really can-t wait to get started.
“I-ve trained with Mark (Birighitti) before while I was with Adelaide. I-m going to learn as much as I can from him and Ben (Kennedy) because they-re two excellent goalkeepers and fantastic blokes as well.”
Newcastle head coach Gary van Egmond said Solari-s signing would add further depth to the Jets- goalkeeping ranks.
“His physical capabilities look very good. He-s got some work to do in trying to realise his potential, but he-s got the right mindset to achieve that,” he said.
“We-re prepared to work with him and he-s prepared to work hard to forge a career as a professional.”
Jets goalkeeper coach Bob Catlin was similarly pleased to have Solari in Newcastle for the 2013/14 A-League season.
“He came in and showed a good attitude, good work ethic and good talent and we felt he deserved the opportunity,” Catlin said.
“Hopefully we can develop him further and make a good goalkeeper out of him.”
Solari will join his Newcastle Jets teammates for pre-season training at Ray Watt Oval this week.
