sport
Stead Park FC academy draws national scouts amid World Cup window
Geelong's premier junior soccer outfit reports record interest from A-League clubs after standout results in the opening weeks of July.
How we reported this
Stead Park FC under-18 side defeated rivals Corio SC 3-0 at home on July 11, extending an unbeaten run that began on June 28 and placing three academy graduates on A-League watch lists.
The result arrives while Geelong residents follow England’s extra-time progress past Norway and Argentina’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland, prompting local clubs to accelerate talent identification before the next transfer window closes on August 31.
Training sessions now run daily at Stead Park in Newtown and share facilities with the Geelong Cats junior program at Kardinia Park on Saturday mornings, allowing 14- to 17-year-olds to combine codes without leaving the city.
Club records show junior registrations rose from 312 on 1 March to 402 by 1 July, an increase of 29 percent, with season fees listed at $265 and match-day entry at $12 for adults.
Scout activity on the rise
Three scouts from Melbourne Victory and Western United attended the July 11 fixture, the first time the club has hosted representatives from outside Victoria in a single month since 2023. The academy’s director confirmed additional visits scheduled for the next home game on July 19 against Bellarine United at Stead Park.
Next steps for local players
Interested families can register for the remaining July trials by emailing the club office before July 15 or attending the open session at Kardinia Park on July 14 at 9 am. Those selected will train through the school holidays ahead of the national youth championships in September.