With the start of RAA NPLSA season on the horizon, the spotlight once again turns to South Australia’s burgeoning football ecosystem, where Adelaide United’s commitment to youth development is laying the foundation for long-term success. Under Head Coach Carl Veart, the Reds have championed the integration of young talent into the first team, creating a model for success that is as inspiring as it is effective.
In an interview with the Box2Box podcast, Reds coach Veart spoke about youth development, the state of South Australian football, and what the future may look like.
A Vision for Youth Development
Since taking charge, Veart has made no secret of his philosophy: building a competitive team starts with nurturing local talent. The connection between Adelaide United and Football South Australia (FSA) is central to this vision. The FSA’s elite pathways, strengthened by strong grassroots club partnerships, have built a robust talent pipeline that feeds into the senior squad, reinforcing the South Australian DNA—an integral part of the Club’s philosophy.
This collaboration is paying dividends, with four United youngsters and two former Reds recently earning call-ups to the AFC U-20 Asian Cup squad. Veart’s focus on youth is not just about providing opportunities but also about cultivating a winning culture.
“We have to produce our own players,” he explains. “It’s no secret since I’ve taken control of the club that I want to play our young players. You know, we have to produce our own players, and we’ve been doing that. Again, we’ve had the same sort of consistency with that youth development at the club and from the Federation.”
Veart adds: “The Football Federation of South Australia runs the elite pathway for us, and they do a fantastic job. And, you know, I suppose we’re very fortunate that we have that connection and that we can work together.”
A Diverse and Growing Talent Pool
One of the standout stories in South Australian football is the impact of the state’s African migrant communities. Their contribution to the sport has been transformative, introducing a dynamic, skillful, and passionate edge to the local game. Adelaide United has embraced this growing talent pool, working closely with community clubs and Football SA to identify and nurture young players who might otherwise be overlooked.
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Veart acknowledges this unique aspect of South Australian football: “We’re just getting now, we’re starting to see a lot of young Africans come through as well in South Australia.” He credits FSA for their role: “They do great work in the suburbs in developing these young players that, you know, find it difficult to play at NPL clubs. We’re sort of able to cast our net very wide to make sure we pick up any young talent that has sort of shown an interest in our game.”
Strong NPL Foundations
The RAA NPLSA competition plays a crucial role in South Australia’s football ecosystem. With strong clubs that focus on player development and community engagement, the league serves as a vital stepping stone for aspiring professionals. Adelaide United’s active involvement in scouting and supporting NPL players underscores their commitment to fostering local talent.
“I suppose we’ve always had success in South Australia,” Veart says. “You know, with Adelaide City [NSL], and on and off with Adelaide United. So there’s always been that long history of the game in Adelaide. And I suppose we’re very fortunate that we have some strong NPL clubs that do quite a good job in developing young players as well.”
A Bright Future
As the new RAA NPLSA season begins next month, the relationship between Adelaide United, Football SA, and local clubs continues to be a cornerstone of football in South Australia. With a clear focus on developing young talent and embracing the state’s diverse player base, the Reds are setting an example for clubs across the country.
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Image: Austin Ayoubi in action for MetroStars in the Australia Cup, before he joined the Reds
Veart’s vision for Adelaide United extends far beyond immediate results: “It’s important that we keep developing these young players and producing our own talent. That’s what football in South Australia has always been about—creating opportunities for players and making sure the next generation has a pathway to succeed.”
Under Veart’s leadership, Adelaide United is proving that investing in youth and community is not just about winning games—it’s about creating a brighter future for South Australian football that will resonate for generations to come.