It’s not a senior debut, but it is the next best thing for James Nieuwenhuizen.
The Shepparton teenager has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at A-League club Melbourne City, the extension keeping him at AAMI Park until at least 2027.
Nieuwenhuizen, 19, has been at the club since 2019 and was contracted through to the end of this season, but the extension is a clear vote of confidence placed in the young goalkeeper by the Cityzens.
Nieuwenhuizen said little time was spent stewing over whether or not to sign on the dotted line.
“I didn’t really think too much about it, re-signing was always going to be a yes for me,” he said.
“My experiences with the club so far have been nothing but positive. Not only do we have great players and staff members here, but they are all great people too.
“For me, one of the most important things is I know I’m going to be coming into training every day learning how to be a better player but also a better person.
“I couldn’t see myself moving anywhere else because I think I’m already at the best place in the country to develop as a player and City feels like home to me.”
Nieuwenhuizen is yet to debut for the senior side, first joining the academy where he has been a permanent fixture in the club’s National Premier League outfit.
He benched for the A-League side on numerous occasions last season and he seemed set for his big break when first and second-choice Sky Blues shot-stoppers Thomas Glover and Matt Sutton departed in the off-season.
However, City has since picked up Jamie Young and Patrick Beach, meaning Nieuwenhuizen will likely understudy the more experienced custodians again this season.
However, the former Goulburn Valley Sun has impressed the coaching staff with his development, earning high praise from City director of football Michael Petrillo.
“James is a player that gives everything, whether that’s in a training session or games and because of this attitude has shown remarkable development over the past couple of seasons,” Petrillo said.
“Young in years, but with a very mature attitude to his game, he has a great career ahead of him if he continues to work hard, listen to his coaches and keep the professional attitude that he has to the game.
“He’s a terrific young man and a great example to all players coming through our academy. We look forward to seeing him develop even further this season and into the future.”