There were a number of young players who were given the opportunity to travel to Kashima with the first team, gaining valuable experience
Angus Reid:
A 19-year-old centre-back, Angus Reid spent several years with the Central Coast Mariners academy, before returning to his hometown club at the start of 2026. Angus played 28 games for the Youth Team this season in FNSW League One, starting 24 and scoring once. His appearance against Kashima was his professional debut.
Ethan Debono:
A name some may remember from the 2025 Australia Cup run, Ethan Debono made his debut off of the bench against Adelaide United in the Round of 32. He also featured on the bench as the Jets beat Sydney FC 2-1 in Round 22. Debono has been a dominant force for the Youth Team in recent years, with the 20-year-old winger scoring 22 goals in 44 games across the last two seasons.
Nicholas Badolato:
The younger brother of Alex Badolato, Nicholas also spent several years with the Western Sydney Wanderers academy before sealing a move to Newcastle at the start of 2026. Since moving to the Hunter, Nicholas has started in 28 out of his 29 appearances for the Youth Team as well as making several appearances for the first team in pre-season friendlies.
Callan Prestwidge:
An industrious left-sided player, Callan worked his way into the Youth Team starting team towards the back-end of the season. He played 26 times for the Youth Team, starting in 10 out of their last 12 games.
Jesse Hill:
Jesse spent several years within the Club’s academy system before joining Broadmeadow Magic in 2022. He featured regularly for their first time in 2025 across the NPL NNSW and Australian Championship, assisting Magic’s second goal in the 2025 NPL NNSW Grand Final. The livewire winger returned to the Club in 2026, playing 25 times for the Youth Team, scoring three.
Kaiden Walshe:
The youngest to travel with the squad, 16-year-old Kaiden Walshe was risen through the academy ranks over the last few years. Kaiden has been called up into two Joeys squads in the last year, as well as being a mainstay across the Club’s U20s and Youth Teams this season.
