Name: Will Wilson
Position: Central midfielder
Age: 19
Joined Victory: 2017
Youth teams: Box Hill United SC
Joining Victory
It was a Victory Medallist who provided Will Wilson with the platform to impress the Club’s coaches four years ago.
Rodrigo Vargas, who taught football at Wilson’s school, put the youngster on Victory’s radar which soon led to a trial.
After a successful period with Victory, Wilson became part of the Club’s youth development program.
Youth
Wilson, who plays a central role in Victory’s NPL outfit, inherited his passion for football from his stepdad while living in London.
“He bought me a ball and I remember we went to a car park to practice shooting.
“Since then, I’ve always wanted to play and for it to become my career,” said Wilson.
“My mum has also been a huge influence. She’s always pushing me to achieve my dreams, encouraging me to do more and I am very grateful for that.”
NPL
Wilson has made nine appearances for Victory in the NPL 3 Victoria this season and contributed three goals from midfield.
“I’m definitely starting to understand my position better and I’m becoming more disciplined as a central player,” he said.
“Since COVID, I believe I have levelled-up my game. My mentality has changed and I am very focused.”
In March, Wilson scored a late equaliser against Western United – rescuing a point for ten-man Victory.
“Collectively, we need to aim for promotion. I believe we can play at a higher level than NPL 3 and the higher we go, the better,” Wilson said.
Lleyton Brooks and William Wilson scored as we came from behind twice against Western United in the #NPLVIC on Saturday #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/qyj4WCKnsI
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 29, 2021
First team
After weeks of training with the first team on Gosch’s Paddock, Wilson earned a place in Victory’s squad for an away trip to Macarthur FC in May.
Despite not making his A-League debut, Wilson is motivated by the experience and intends to gain recognition by playing a pivotal role in Victory’s NPL season.
“The intensity [on Gosch’s Paddock] is great and I’ve learnt more about the step between youth and professional football,” he said.
“I was buzzing when I got the call up for the Macarthur fixture and determined to make an impression.
“Watching the game from the bench, I wasn’t nervous at all. I just wanted to get on the pitch and show why I deserve to be there.”
Victory hosts Preston Lions in the NPL 3 Victoria tomorrow afternoon at Epping Stadium.