The Newcastle Jets are future-proofing their prospects in the A-League Men’s (ALM) competition following several recent scholarship signings.

It comes as the club put pen to paper with Academy youngsters Christian Bracco, Xavier Bertoncello and Max Cooper, as well as Lucas Scicluna and Richard Nkomo, in the past fortnight.

Newcastle, preparing to contest the final of the Australia Cup next month, will tackle F3 Derby rivals Central Coast Mariners at polytec Stadium in round one on 19 October.

But, the organisation still has an eye on what’s in store beyond 2025/26.

Bracco has been an integral player in the Jets’ Youth team over the past few seasons, helping the side to an unbeaten season in 2024.

And, coach Mark Milligan wants to keep him in the fold.

“Christian’s had to be patient for his opportunity,” he said.

“However, coming off the back of another strong NPL season, he fully deserves this opportunity.

“He is a local player, who embodies the direction we want to head in as a club and is a true reflection of the community we represent.

“He’s hardworking, honest… with a determination to be the best footballer he can be.”

Having spent time in England with Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, Malta U21 international Scicluna initially joined Newcastle in July.

He turned out several times for the Youth team, as well as featuring off the bench for the senior side against Adelaide United in the Australia Cup.

“Lucas came to us late and hit the ground running,” Milligan said.

“He’s another we see with a bright future ahead in this game and feel he will thrive and add to the current environment and culture both as a footballer and a person.”

Eighteen-year-old left back Nkomo arrives from the Western Sydney Wanderers, where he spent the past year playing for its Youth team.

He’s also represented Australia at both U17 and U18 level.

“Richie is a player our staff has been monitoring for some time,” Milligan said.

“He fits the football we want to play and, even though he is still very young, I feel that he will be able to have an impact sooner rather than later.

“Richie’s shown great growth through pre-season… and we are excited to continue to work with him in future development.”

New Lambton junior Bertoncello needs no introduction.

He joined the Jets Academy at the age of nine and has since progressed through the ranks, becoming a regular starter for the Youth side at 16.

The now 20-year-old made his debut for Newcastle in this year’s Australia Cup campaign, starting against Adelaide United before scoring his first goal in the round of 16 clash with Cooks Hill.

He topped it off with another in the semi-final win over Avondale.

“Xavier has been fantastic the past few seasons helping the Youth team gain promotion through the NPL ranks,” Milligan said,

“He’s spent time training with the ALM squad, too, and the development he has shown with us through pre-season has been sensational.

“Xavier has worked extremely hard for everything that he has got, matched with his desire to continue to learn are the traits we look for in all players.

“We are proud that we can reward another exciting young local footballer with a scholarship and look forward to his continued growth throughout the year.”

Cooper, on the other hand, agreed to a multi-year contract.

The central defender, 18, who picked up the Players’ Player award for the 2024 Academy season, debuted for the Jets’ ALM against Adelaide United in the Australia Cup.

He’s since played every minute of the campaign.

“Max has shown an understanding of the football we want to play and the club we want to be from the very beginning,” Milligan said.

“He boasts great ambition and displayed he has the desire and work ethic to go a long way in this game.”

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• Holbrook fulfils long-held ambition after landing Knights’ coaching gig

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