Brisbane Roar is delighted to confirm talented Queensland youngster Thomas Waddingham has been upgraded to an A-League scholarship deal.
Born and raised in Cairns, Waddingham was brought into the Roar Academy after being identified in 2019 through the Football QLD Talent Support Program (TSP).
18-year-old Waddingham joins the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s squad, having displayed outstanding performances in the NPL QLD before quickly being promoted to A-League Men’s training.
He has now played in three pre-season matches and has impressed Head Coach Ross Aloisi in the central striking role, whilst offering versatility to Aloisi’s attack.
Waddingham is looking forward to starting his A-League career and is determined to develop and grow as a player.
“I’m very excited. Ross has put a lot of hope in me, a lot on confidence, as well as the other players so it’s good to be in and around the A-League squad. I think it’ll be very useful for me for the future,” he said.
“I want to be able to play more A-League games, make my debut and score quite a few goals,” he added.
The striker is ready to focus on his game and push himself to an A-League level.
“Being around a professional environment, it’s definitely increased the intensity and the quality as well to help me get to that high standard,” Waddingham said.
“I’m not too worried about anything else, if my coach backs me and the players back me, I feel confident and just ready to play football.”
“Thomas is a very good young footballer with a great physical presence for a striker. He impressed me while watching the NPL and has gone from strength to strength since the start of preseason, scoring goals both in the NPL and A-League Men’s pre-season games,” Aloisi said.
“He is only 18 years old but shows maturity as a footballer beyond his age. It is very important for us as a football club to have the capability to bring through our youth,” he added.
“Thomas is a Queensland product, who deserves this opportunity through great performances over the past 12 months and in preseason thus far,” COO Zac Anderson said.
“Our focus is to rebuild and develop a strong DNA for Brisbane Roar of nurturing and developing young talent. We believe Thomas has a very bright future, and we are excited to see him continue to develop,” Anderson added.
