Just two years ago, a 13-year-old Keron Longhe was playing B Division JPL football for Playford.
Now, at 15, the exciting Adelaide United youngster has earned a call-up to the Joeys, selected by former Reds Head Coach and current Australia U17 Men’s National Team Head Coach, Carl Veart.
It is a rapid rise, but also a reminder of what can happen when young players are given an opportunity, backed by the right people, and supported through a clear football pathway. We caught up with Keron before the CFA U17 Invitational 2026 in China.
“When I look back, it has happened pretty quickly,” Longhe said.
“Two years ago I was playing JPL, and now I’m getting the chance to be part of a Joeys camp. It’s something I’m really grateful for.
“It has come from a lot of hard work, the support of my family, coaches and teammates, and just staying focused on improving every day.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know there’s still a long way to go, so I’m focused on making the most of this opportunity.”
Longhe’s journey began to shift when Playford nominated him to trial for Football South Australia’s Singapore Cup tour. At the time, he was not already part of the recognised elite pathway, but his performances quickly caught the eye of those watching on.
Adelaide United Head of Youth Football and A-League Assistant Coach, Paul Vanis, was then working closely within the Football SA NTC environment with Richie Alagich and remembers the first impression clearly.
“He caught our eye straight away,” Vanis said.
“There were a lot of players involved, but when we watched Keron, we thought, ‘this kid has something’.
“What stood out was his calmness on the ball, his technical ability, how he controlled the ball in tight spaces, and the way he carried it. He is silky on the ball.”
From there, Longhe was invited to train with the Football SA NTC squad, before earning a place in the program for the following season.
His development continued quickly. After impressing at Football SA level, Longhe represented South Australia at the National Championships, where he was identified by national team staff.
Since joining Adelaide United’s youth program, Longhe has continued to take important steps in his development, playing 16 matches across the RAA NPL and Reserves competitions this season and scoring five goals, making his senior NPL debut this season against West Adelaide in Round 13.
Longhe said the support he has received at Adelaide United has been crucial in helping him adjust to a higher level.
“Paul and all the Adelaide United staff have been massive for my development,” Longhe said.
“They’ve believed in me, pushed me to improve every day, and helped me understand what it takes to play at a higher level.
“I’m really grateful for all the support they’ve given me. It has played a big part in helping me get to this point.”
That exposure has now led to his Joeys selection – and what makes the achievement even more impressive is that Longhe is playing above his age group.
While most of the current Joeys group is made up of 2009-born players, Longhe is a 2010-born player, meaning he would ordinarily fall into the next national team cycle.
Instead, his performances have pushed him into the frame early.
“This group is mostly 2009s, and Keron is a 2010,” Vanis explained.
“So he is a year younger. Only exceptional 2010s were invited in, and that shows how well he has done.
“He was identified at the National Championships and now he has this opportunity with the Joeys.”
For Longhe, the call-up is a proud moment and another chance to keep learning.
“It’s honestly an unreal feeling to represent my country and show what I can do,” Longhe said.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity, and I’m just looking forward to learning, working hard and making the most of it.”
For Adelaide United, Longhe’s story is another example of the Club’s commitment to finding, developing and backing young South Australian talent.
It also highlights the important role local clubs and Football South Australia continue to play in giving players platforms to be seen.
Playford gave Longhe his football grounding and nominated him for the Singapore Cup opportunity. Football SA then provided the representative and NTC environment that allowed his talent to be further exposed and developed. Adelaide United has since brought him into its youth program, where he continues to take the next steps in his football journey.
For Vanis, the message is simple: talented players can come from anywhere.
“Keron’s story shows there is not just one way,” Vanis said.
“He was playing at Playford, got an opportunity through Football SA, came into the NTC environment, represented South Australia, and now he is at Adelaide United and involved with the Joeys.
“It shows that if a young player is good enough and willing to work, there are opportunities there.”
Longhe’s call-up follows an exciting period for Adelaide United’s youth program, with a growing number of players continuing to earn national team recognition.
For young footballers across South Australia, his rise is proof that the pathway is open.
From B Division JPL football to a Joeys camp in just two years, Keron Longhe’s journey is only just beginning – but it is already a story worth celebrating.
Keron features for the Joey’s on Wednesday night when they take on Nigeria.
CommBank Joeys v Nigeria U17
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Yinchuan Sports Centre Helanshan Stadium, Yinchuan
Kick-off: 4.00pm local / 6.00pm AEST
