Promising 15 year-old midfielder Ben Kantarovski fulfilled a dream last night and signed a four-year deal with the Newcastle Jets.
The Lambton school student is the youngest player ever signed to an A-League contract and may even figure in the Jets’ 2007/08 A-League campaign in place of the injured Steve Eagleton.

He has been a Jets trainee squad member, is a member of the Qantas Joeys and has played with the NSW Institute of Sport and Broadmeadow Magic.

Turning 16 on January 20, Ben will be available for selection for the Jets’ final home match against Perth on January 18 – as a 15 year-old.

“Obviously he has a lot of talent. He now has the opportunity to hone his craft and needs to establish himself in the squad and push for selection in the 11. His future is very bright,” said Jets Coach Gary van Egmond today.

“His signature was hotly contested – I know the AIS was also looking for him to sign.

“He would have been their youngest signing but he has chosen to play for his local club and represent his hometown and I think that says a lot about the Jets and Ben.

“It is part of our commitment to provide a pathway for the best young players Northern New South Wales all the way from their junior club to professionalism.”

Ben will continue to study whilst playing for the Jets, going in to Year 11 at Lambton High later this month.

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