Official release from Melbourne Heart
Melbourne Heart FC has received a significant boost ahead of the most highly anticipated match of the Hyundai A-League season (against Melbourne Victory) by re-signing a quartet of Young Socceroo and Olyroo stars.
Reinforcing Heart's commitment to promoting elite young talent, Eli Babalj, Aziz Behich, Brendan Hamill and Jason Hoffman have all inked new deals, ensuring they will remain at the Club until the end of the Hyundai A-League 2013 season and beyond.
Head Coach John van 't Schip believes the announcement signals an affirmation of Melbourne Heart FC's continued emphasis on providing opportunities for emerging players.
"Our goal is to offer a pathway for future Socceroos. In Eli, Aziz, Brendan and Jason, we believe we have four very talented young players capable of one day doing just that, representing Australia at senior international level if they keep working hard.
"They have all already achieved international recognition at youth level, and represent the future of this Club and what we hope to achieve and become.""Developing the next generation of professional players is an important part of the Club's philosophy. Helping young players is a contribution that goes beyond just our club but helps Australian football overall," van 't Schip said.
