John Solari has described his first week of training with the Jets as flat out, but admits he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets goalkeeper John Solari has described his first week of training as a professional footballer as ‘flat out’, but is adamant he wouldn-t have it any other way.
The 19-year-old commenced full-time training with the Jets on Monday after impressing the Club-s coaching staff during a trial last week.
Originally from Adelaide, Solari said he is settling into his new surroundings well.
“It-s been fantastic,” Solari said.
“It-s pretty different because I-m used to playing State League and only training three nights a week.
“It-s flat out training five days a week, but it-s been a good start and I-m enjoying it.
“It-s always been my dream to do this, and here I am doing it – I-m living the dream.”
Solari comes to the Jets with a rich sporting pedigree.
He honed his goalkeeping skills during fierce battles in the backyard with his twin brother Daniel, while his father David was an Olympic cyclist having won national titles in both Australia and Italy.
“Sport was a huge part of my life growing up. Dad was a cyclist, he went to the Olympics where he raced for Italy and he won six World Championship medals,” Solari said.
“My grandfather was a head coach of Australia and Italy in cycling and my uncle played footy in the SANFL and now he-s at Hawthorn.
“I have a twin and a 15-year-old brother as well, so it was always very competitive amongst ourselves growing up, but it was good fun.
“We-d compete and train together all the time, which helped me a lot, the more training the better.”
Solari is eligible to compete for the Jets youth team in both the NBN State League and this season-s National Youth League Competition.
