The 2025 RAA NPLSA season is here! The Young Reds kick off their campaign against Adelaide Croatia Raiders after a strong preseason, featuring new signings and some solid performances. With ServiceFM Stadium as our home once more, get the full season preview, squad updates, and key insights from Head of Youth Football, Airton Andrioli.
How we start..
The RAA NPLSA season is back for 2025, with Campbelltown City and MetroStars kicking things off on Friday night. Our Young Reds begin their campaign on Sunday against Adelaide Croatia Raiders, with the match rescheduled from Saturday due to hot weather.
In Round 2, United travels to LJ Hooker-Mile End Sports Park (Ellis Park) to face Adelaide Comets, helping celebrate the official grand opening of their new facility.
Round 3 sees United take on FK Beograd at Coopers Stadium, which will be a curtain raiser for the Isuzu Ute A League Men’s match between Adelaide United and MaCarthur FC.
Click here to view full fixtures
Pre-Season Recap
Results
- 7 Dec | Sturt Lions 2-4 Adelaide United
OG, Brody Burkitt (2), Yaya Dukuly - 14 Dec | WT Birkalla 1-5 Adelaide United Harry Crawford, (Trialist), Luke Duzel, Alex Battistella, Joey Garuccio
- 14 Jan | West Adelaide 1-3 Adelaide United Austin Ayoubi (2), Joey Garuccio
- 21 Jan | Adelaide United 4-0 Para Hills Knights Vinko Stanisic, Liam Stam, Emerson Koenig, Henry Lynch
- 28 Jan | Adelaide Olympic 1-1 Adelaide United Fabian Grelli
- 6 Feb | Adelaide Blue Eagles 5-0 Adelaide United
- 15 Feb | MetroStars 1-2 Adelaide United Alex Battistella, Brody Burkitt
Pre-Season Summary
Adelaide United’s NPL preseason has been a productive period, with strong training sessions and smooth squad integration. The focus has been on reinforcing key tactical principles, particularly for the younger players.
Head of Youth Football, Airton Andrioli:
“Preseason went really well. We had some new players join the squad, so our focus was on establishing the key concepts we normally instill in the younger boys. Training has been very good, and we’re happy with how things have progressed. We’re looking forward to the season ahead.”
Andrioli has also taken on additional responsibilities with the A-League team, working closely with Carl Veart. This dual role strengthens the link between the NPL and senior squad, ensuring consistent player development across both levels.
Squad Update – Ins & Outs
The Young Reds have welcomed several new faces, with nine players promoted from the NTC program and three external signings:
New Signings:
- Alex Battistella (Adelaide City)
- Frank Busasa (Adelaide Croatia Raiders)
- Sidiki Dukuly (MacArthur FC)
Departures:
- Four to five players have moved on, while others remain in the squad for further development.
2025 Squad List
Goalkeepers
Laris Cesko, Ethan Cox, Hugo Ng, Oscar Page, Max Vartuli
Defenders
Harry Crawford, Cameron Harris, Panagiotis Kikianis, Feyzo Kasumovic, Emerson Koenig, Henry Lynch, Panashe Madanha, Malual Nichola, Bailey O’Neil, Jerome Scarfo, Phillis Sotiris, Vinko Stanisic, Fabian Talladira
Midfielders
Sajjad Ali Nasiri, Alex Battistella, Luka Blazevic, Brody Burkitt, Frank Busasa, Jacob David Kabazo, Luke Duzel, Fabian Grellu, Ali Mohtashami, Giorgio Parhas, Liam Stam, Ryan White, Jonny Yull
Forwards
Yaya Dukuly, Sidiki Dukuly, Joey Garuccio, Mohammed Hassan, Chris Irakoze, Luka Jovanović, Mutsa Mupandawana, Sebastian Tarasenko, Amlani Tatu
Coaching & Support Staff
Head of Youth Football – Airton Andrioli Assistant Coach – Elvis Markov Assistant Coach – Deng Akoy
Goalkeeper Coach – Joe Verringer
Video Analyst – Felipe Ragel
Strength & Conditioning Coach – Luke Harris Strength & Conditioning Assistant – Brodie Dickeson
Head Physiotherapist – Emily Thorn
Physiotherapist – Harry Saleeba
Football Operations Officer – Campbell Arnold
