The Newcastle Jets are pleased to secure the signature of Australian Joeys captain Connor Chapman for the rest of this season and two more.
The Newcastle Jets are pleased to secure the signature of Australian Joeys captain Connor Chapman for the rest of this season and two more thereafter.
The 17-year old has knocked back approaches from clubs overseas as well as domestically to join the Jets.
Connor has recently completed a two-year scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he first met Jets coach Gary van Egmond and Youth Coach Arthur Pappas.
“The fact that we knew Gary and Arthur was a big part in Connor-s decision to join the Jets and he is excited to work under them again,” Connor-s father Craig Chapman said.
“From our point of view, we are happy he is joining the Jets who seem to be one of the go-forward Clubs in the competition since the Hunter Sports Group takeover.
“We feel it will be a great environment for our son to be in and with Connor looking to take the next step in his development, the stars have really aligned for him to be at the Jets.”
Van Egmond said Chapman will play for the Youth team but doesn’t rule out the possibility of a debut in the A-League before the 2011/12 season ends.
The 186-centimetre central defender from Sydney-s south-west will move in with Mark Trenter and his family after the club explored housing options through the ‘Men of Football-.
“We are very grateful to the Club for going to the lengths they have and through the Men of Football, for Mark to take Connor into his home,” Craig said.
“Mark had a similar experience of boarding with a family when he chased his football dream at the same age as Connor, so we know he will be able to provide Connor with some good advice.”
Connor has just turned 17 and will continue to study year 12 by correspondence. The youngest of three children, he is looking forward to getting to Newcastle in early January to meet his new teammates.
