Ayrton Redmore – Q&A

Ayrton Redmore was a member of our U17 squad, a hard working defender that was given the opportunity of a lifetime to go and play for Tusculum University in America. Since his move abroad Ayrton has had a phenomenal experience that has included playing along side youth internationals from around the world and winning the Conference Championships after a slow start to the season.

What are your favourite memories from your time with The Eastern Lions?

My memories of Eastern Lions are nothing but good memories. Witnessing the club beat Richmond 2-0 in my last weekend to help ensure survival from relegation to the great social banter the club has and how close together the players are on and off the pitch. But also beating Melbourne victory and Melbourne city in the same season was something I was very happy about.

How did the opportunity to play abroad come about?

I was about 15 when I got an offer to come to a tryout to play against other players for an agency to get scouted to play abroad and I got the all good and I began to work with the agency called NSR and they helped me get scouted over here In USA.

Were you nervous about going to play abroad?

Not really, I was definitely more excited than nervous, I felt excited at every point till the final goodbye at the airport as I was going to learn about myself and what type of character I am and what type of man I was without my parents, they were the only nerves but I was definitely more excited than nervous.

What is your favourite moment from America so far?

Definitely when we won the conference tournament. Because we had such a unsuccessful 2017 we were written off by every team and coach and to come from a 2-5 record to recover and go 12-1-2 in the final 15 games I think that summed up the mentality to prove people wrong and to win the conference tournament and qualify for the NCAA National Tournament and to win the first round game and get knocked out by #1 in the nation, definitely my proudest moment.

Who is the best player you have played with so far in the USA?

That’s so difficult, I can’t pick just one, so many talented players coming from professional backgrounds it’s too hard to pick.

Would you recommend the American adventure to other Aussie kids?

Definitely, it’s an opportunity to experience a different style of football in a different culture with people from all around the world while getting your degree. It’s a great chance to experience something you are not going to experience back home

What are your plans for the future?

The next couple of years are up in the air and there are no certainties. There are many options out there for me, which is a good thing. Staying out in USA is an option whether that is transferring or staying at my current school. Everybody has aspirations of turning pro and I would love to do that back in the UK where I originate. But also coming home and finishing my studies and football

out in Australia is an option. The USA gives you a strong platform, which is a good thing. But the future remains clouded but the good thing is I have plenty of options.

 

Good Luck Ayrton, From Everybody at The Eastern Lions.

 

If you are interested in finding out more about playing college football in the USA and the NSR

program please feel free to call Roy on 0452490424.

Former Eastern Lions player makes W-League

FORMER EASTERN LIONS PLAYER MAKES W-LEAGUE
Fifteen year old right back Lia Muldeary, made her W League debut for Melbourne City against Newcastle Jets in November last year, she commented that it was an incredible feeling walking out onto AAMI Park. A fantastic achievement which all started as a seven year old at Eastern Lions!
Lia started at EL playing in the boys under nine team, soccer was her sport of choice because it was played on a Sunday. Saturday was taken up with Japanese School (Lia’s mum Chiho is Japanese). Lia was always kicking a ball around at home and was enjoying the game so decided it was time to join a club, luckily she chose our club!
Lia remained at EL for four years always playing in the boy’s team, and at the end of her last season with the Lions Lia completed a Skill Acquisition Program from October-January and hasn’t looked back.
The last four years Lia has been based at Darebin playing with the FFV team (once known as the Skillaroos) competing in the under 18 Girls and Seniors WNPL competition. During this time Lia attended The National Titles which were held at Coffs Harbour for three years and then last year at the AIS in Canberra it was from here that Lia was selected for the junior Matildas training camp.
During Lia’s time with NTC she also received a call to be a train on at Melbourne City, she trained with them all W-league pre-season and was later offered a contract. Lia said that, “Everyone there has been so welcoming and I’ve gained a lot of experience over the past five months”.
This type of achievement doesn’t come without a lot of hard work, Lia trains five mornings a week from 8.00 am and arrives at school after 10.00 am every morning. Lia said her school Carey Grammar are supportive of her sporting commitments but she does still have to make up her missed classes outside of hours.
Her ambition is to play for the Matildas in a world cup. She obviously follows Melbourne City where she has learnt so much playing alongside world class players such as Jess Fishlock and her hero Steph Catley who plays left back.
Apart from soccer Lia follows Essendon in the AFL, she also enjoys spending time with her friends as well as all types of music especially alternative and her favourite foods are Japanese and Pasta.
Lia is still only fifteen and has already achieved something others can only dream about, we wish Lia all the very best for the 2018 season and for a very long and successful sporting career.
Go Lia!!