Adelaide United can confirm Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Isaac Richards have signed senior contracts with the Club.
The pair had previously been on youth scholarship deals but have since been rewarded for their increasing potential and continuous hard work.
Stamatelopoulos has played 13 matches with the Reds since being elevated to the senior side and scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers in January 2018.
His strong form during the recent pre-season, where he scored six goals, coincided with him making the 23-man Young Socceroos squad for the AFC U19 Championship in Indonesia. Upon his return to United, Stamatelopoulos scored and provided an assist in the team’s 3-0 win over Central Coast Mariners at the start of November.
Stamatelopoulos said he was delighted to secure his future at United, saying: “It’s a great feeling to have signed with the Club after signing my scholarship last season.
“At the moment I have a good chance to play some more A-League games and I’m doing everything I can to make the most of them.
“There’s still a lot I can improve on and I’m determined to keep working hard, scoring more goals, and contributing as much as possible.”
Meanwhile, Richards, 19, has demonstrated his potential on a consistent basis with the Club’s Youth Team.
The gloveman enjoyed a standout campaign in the Young Reds’ most recent National Premier League SA season, and was recognised for his exploits by rightfully claiming the Goalkeeper of the Year Award at the FFSA Celebration of Football Awards Night.
Speaking on his deal, Richards said he was excited for the next stage of his career with the Reds, saying: “I’m very happy to have committed to Adelaide United and this is a good opportunity for me and my career.
“I guess my hard work has paid off after being with the Club for a few years now, but I have to keep working hard.
“This is only the beginning and if I get the opportunity to feature in the first team, I have to take it and perform as best as I can for myself, but also for the team.”
