A regional football player from South Australia made the rare jump on the European scene, signing a professional contract at the age of 18.
Mount Gambier midfielder Bae Versace signed with FK Budućnost Podgorica in the capital of Montenegro, after several years in the Adelaide United system.
The European club senior team won six MONTÉNEGRIN first league championships, with its youth team by participating in the UEFA Young League alongside the best teams on the continent, notably Barcelona, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Versace said that he was more a dream than a goal for him.
“I was just focused on the game at Adelaide United and I was trying to make my debut there,” he said.
“”But when an offer comes from Europe, you don’t want to refuse it because you might no longer have this opportunity.“”
Versace began his career with Inter SC in Mount Gambier at the age of 8. (Supplied: Mark Versace))
Versace said he was settled in life in the Balkans.
“Food and language are certainly the two main ones I get used to it,” he said.
“I came here and I made people greeted me in front of the club and I had meetings with the club. And the boys were all very good with me.”
Long path to Europe
Versace played a season as a junior at the International Soccer Club in Mount Gambier before moving to Metrostars in Adélaide and being selected in the United Junior teams.
Melbourne coach Neb Stojkovic worked with Versace from a young age and helped him obtain tests in Europe.
“For them, football is a lifestyle … So they do it with a goal and everyone is fighting for this next level, and this contract, among the elders,” he said.
“For Bae, it’s a great opportunity to measure yourself.”
Nick Morony was one of the Versace coaches when he played for those under 12 years of Inter at only eight years old.
“He lived and breathed all football,” he said.
“”When he did not do his homework, he was kicking the football ball or working on some of the exercises we did.“”
Inter Sc Nick Morony, Matthew Bueti and Casey players at the club’s home, Casadio Park. (ABC South East SA: Josh Brine))
Improve opportunities for regions
Versace would be the second original player of Mont Gambier to break the European game after the old-Soccero Josip Skoko, who started playing in the city before moving to Geelong at the age of nine.
Versace said her young career showed that country athletes have paths to become professionals.
“I don’t think they have to look at me in any way, but I don’t see why they can’t do the high levels”, “
He said.
Versace has developed in the Adelaide United youth system. (Supplied: Mark Versace))
Mr. Stojkovic said that federations and coaches should work together to improve the identification of talents for regional players.
“We have to go out and dig for them, they should not be short of opportunities,” he said.
Nathan Koopman, head of regional development development of the SA football coast, said that the federations were working to improve the tracks.
“If we find a player who is of a level to go higher, we know that we can have them (initiated) conversations and establish relations with city coaches,” he said.
“When they make this call to move, they can do it with a little confidence.
“Of course, it’s very exciting to look at the best players in the world and their stories as inspiration, but I think it’s just as precious – if not more – to be able to talk to someone who came from your city, that they can see that this is possible.”
