Official release from Football Australia
Football Federation Australia and NAB are proud to announce the first nominee for the 2011/12 NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
James Brown from Gold Coast United was voted as the most outstanding U/21 player for the month of October following standout performances in the Clubs opening matches resulting in three goals.
Determined by a panel of experts the NAB Young Footballer of the Year - October nominee, James Brown, was judged on his performance over weeks 1-4 of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season.
James Brown is the first nominated player to be announced for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year award. Brown will be joined by a further five players in future weeks to qualify to be named the NAB Young Footballer of the Year at the Hyundai A-League Awards in 2012.
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 personal investment portfolio, a NAB Private Client Manager to assist with a range of banking and financial services, and the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
To acknowledge the vital role junior football clubs play in the development of today's young stars as they strive to reach their potential, NAB will also present a $3,000 equipment pack to Kingscliff Wolves Football Club, the football club that Brown nominated for assisting most in his junior development.
Brown is the first Gold Coast United player to receive the award.
"It's an honour for me personally and it's always nice to get recognised," said Brown.
"This wouldn't have happened if I wasn't playing regularly and that's perhaps the most satisfying part of it. You don't think about being noticed when you're out on the field so it has come as a very nice surprise.
"The season has started really well for me and hopefully it will continue if I can maintain my form and stay injury-free.
"It's also great that Kingscliff Wolves will receive the $3000 worth of equipment because every cent counts at local club level, so I'd like to thank NAB and FFA for that initiative. If it helps to bring on another local youngster then that money is invested in the future of the game, which is what we all want."
