Hamish Lamberton is set to follow in the path of fellow Bathurst ’75 Western products Rhyan Grant and Nathan Sherlock, after joining Sydney FC’s under 20s side.
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He makes the move from Sydney United 58, after two years with the Edensor Park-based club.
The last game Lamberton played for United was his team’s 3-2 under 18s grand final defeat to Sydney FC.
Sydney FC must have liked what they saw, as they approach the striker to come on aboard in their youth setup.
Lamberton said he is excited to take on a new challenge next season.
“I had my first meeting with the team on Sunday. They didn’t mention much on the team, like positions, but more on my expectations,” he said.
“They want me to focus on discipline, a high work rate and they start training at seven in the morning.”
After Lamberton got the call from the sky blues, he said he was thrilled.
“I was excited when I got the offer. I think they’ve got a bit more to offer than Sydney United, with the club being in the National Youth League and the A-League,” he said.
“It’s a good chance to showcase my talent at a national level.”
Lamberton played a total of 28 games for United last season – 23 games in under 18s and five games in under 20s.
The striker also had a handy record up front, scoring 12 goals in under 18s and three in under 20s.
Before United, Lamberton was playing football in the United States, in the city of Boise, Idaho.
After playing in both the States and Australia, he has noticed the difference in intensity at the junior levels.
“It’s been more intense in Australia. It’s a different game in America,” he said.
“At United, it’s a more professional environment. I’ve developed a lot as a player and United.
“I couldn’t actually play the first 10 games because I needed an international clearance.”
Robert Stanton will be Lamberton’s coach, with former Socceroo David Zdrilic filling the role as assistant coach.
His first day of training is meant to be on October 16 but dates conflict with his first High School Certificate exam.
“They were very understanding that I couldn’t make it,” he said.
“As soon as the HSC finishes, I’m moving to Sydney and I’ll take a year off.
“I’ll see if I can take it to the next level.”
Lamberton has been a football fanatic for as long as he remembers,
“I been playing since I was four-years-old,” he said.
“No idea [how I got into it], I was born into it. Once I found out I was good at it, I worked really hard.
“There’s been sometimes when I’ve been studying [for the HSC] on the way down to Sydney.”