WHO COULD YOU BECOME?
SUCCESS STORIES
CITY FOOTBALL SCHOOL TO THE
A-LEAGUES
LAWRENCE WONG
One of the Club’s brightest Academy talents, 16-year-old midfielder Lawrence Wong signing a three-year scholarship contract with an option for a further season ahead of the 2024/25 season.
A creative attacking midfielder with the speed and technical ability to also play out wide, Wong has a strong futsal background through his junior years and only took up the outdoor game in 2018. His introduction to the Club came via the City Football Schools program and his skills were quickly evident, Wong accepting a place in the Club’s Academy in July 2019.
Wong has completed City’s full Player Development Pathway, transitioning from City Football Schools through the Club’s Academy teams to signing a first-team contract
JAYDEN NECOVSKI
Talented 16-year-old defender and Australian U17s Joeys captain, Jayden Necovski, signed a scholarship contract until the end of the 2026/27 A-League Men’s season.
Necovski’s journey has come full circle, becoming the first player in Club history to progress through the entire Melbourne City FC Player Development Pathway; from the City Football School, to the Youth Academy, and now to the Men’s senior squad.
LACHIE CHARLES
Charles, who started his journey with the Melbourne City Football School, becomes the fourth player to progress through City’s entire Player Development Pathway, following in the footsteps of Jayden Necovski, Peter Antoniou, and Lawrence Wong.
Before dedicating himself to goalkeeping, Charles played both as a striker and a goalkeeper, honing elite foot skills that are now integral to his playing style.
It’s Charles’ play with the ball at his feet paired with his impressive decision-making ability which makes his playing out from the back extremely strong — a desirable trait for all Melbourne City teams.
His strength in the air and shot-stopping abilities have earned him recognition as one of the Academy’s most promising goalkeepers.
PETER ANTONIOU
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, City secured the long-term future of exciting 17-year-old Academy product, Peter Antoniou, with the full-back signing a three-year scholarship contract with an option for a further year.
A modern-day defender who is comfortable playing on either side of defence or as a holding midfielder, the right-footed Antoniou becomes the third player in Club history to progress through City’s entire Player Development Pathway.
