Australian U20 representative James Brown has signed a three-year contract with A-League newcomer Gold Coast United. The 18-year old grew up on the Gold Coast and has been more recently on duty for the Qantas Young Socceroos at the Asian Football Confederations U19 Championships in Saudi Arabia as well as being involved with the Australian Institute of Sport.

Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg was excited about having Brown at the club.

"James can play in a number of positions; anywhere in the midfield or as striker. He's big, strong and quick; hopefully he can realise his potential with us," said the United Coach.

"According to the staff at the AIS, James was in the top 10% of players they had there. He was out for almost a year with osteitis pubis, but has come back well and is now in the Australian Under 20 side.

"He's a Kingscliff boy and was an outstanding junior on the Gold Coast. It's great to be able to sign a local youngster with so much potential and I'm sure he can look forward to a good career in the game."