Scholarship for Sutherland Shire junior

Badolato, who has been in the Wanderers Academy set-up since the U13s joins other local juniors made good in one of the three Sydney A-League teams.

A standout striker in the Academy, Badolato was named the U14s Wanderers Player of the Year in 2019 before breaking into the club's senior sides.

Badolato has represented the Red and Black on the international stage in Japan's Suruga Cup and has experienced an A-League pre-season, having trained with the team last season.

The youngster featured in the Wanderers National Premier League 2 (NPL 2) campaign this season and has already gotten onto the scoresheet.

Badolato said he wants to give back to the club that has helped him develop over the last few years.

"Earning a scholarship means everything to me. I have been at the Wanderers for so long and made my way up, so it means that I have a deal with the club to showcase what I've learnt throughout the years and hopefully try and help the team get some success "

"It's amazing to know that there were players before me who have been in my situation and know what it takes to get to the first team, and that there is a clear pathway from the Wanderers Academy to the firsts." Badolato said

"It gives you confidence, that if you keep working and you keep improving that you will get a chance to play in the Wanderers first team."

Defender Nectar Triantis has also been promoted, with NPL 2 club captain Jarrod Carluccio, who has re-signed for his second season as a scholarship player .

Wanderers Academy Technical Director Ian Crook congratulated the players.

"I am delighted and very proud to see another three players from our Wanderers Academy set-up promoted to the A-League team," Crook said

"All three players have had very different journeys at the Wanderers but have ended up at the same destination with the opportunity to work closely with our A-League team.

"I look forward to continuing to watch their development and support them in the next stage of their professional journey."

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas praised the pathway the Wanderers Academy was created for.

"The promotion of these three young men once again solidifies the Academy program we have built here with a pathway into the first team"

Badolato said he wants to achieve a lot with the club, and to contribute in whatever way he can to showcase what the club has done for him over the years.