{"id":323030,"date":"2024-10-07T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellingtonphoenix.com\/?p=323030"},"modified":"2024-10-08T12:33:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T23:33:05","slug":"young-nelson-defender-signs-first-pro-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellingtonphoenix.com\/news\/young-nelson-defender-signs-first-pro-deal\/","title":{"rendered":"Young Nelson defender signs first pro deal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Wellington Phoenix have further bolstered the men\u2019s defensive stocks for the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Phoenix have signed young centre back Jayden Smith to a three-year contract, the first two years of which are on scholarship terms, after he impressed in training with the first team over the past three months.

Smith, 17, graduates from the club\u2019s academy, where he has been since the start of last year after playing his junior football for FC Nelson.

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano believes Smith is ready to make the step up to the A-League.

\u201cJayden\u2019s already played three A-League sides in pre-season friendlies and he hasn\u2019t looked out of place,\u201d\u00a0 Italiano said.

\u201cHe has real physicality for a young player and his big stature is always good for a central defender.

\u201cJayden\u2019s also really good with his feet as he\u2019s previously played as a six.

\u201cI feel like a couple of years in this environment will do him the best. If he can get a chunk of games by the time he\u2019s 19\/20 he\u2019ll be pushing to be a starter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jayden Smith (right) in training at NZCIS. Photo: Cam McIntosh\/Photomac.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Signing with the Nix is the realisation of a childhood dream for Jayden Smith.

\u201cSince I started playing football my goal has been to play professionally,\u201d Smith said. \u201cAnd I\u2019m lucky I got the opportunity at the start of last year to join the Phoenix academy and from there I\u2019ve worked as hard as I can to climb the ranks.

\u201cI\u2019m really grateful for this opportunity the Phoenix have given to me and I\u2019m really surprised how quickly it has come, but I try and stay in the present moment and work as hard as I can.

\u201cI\u2019ve just tried to be myself on and off the pitch and show what I\u2019m capable of doing.

\u201cA big thank you to the academy, Chris Greenacre especially, and everyone that has helped me get this far.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jayden Smith signs his autograph for a young fan after the Wellington Phoenix community day at Martin Luckie Park. Photo: Cam McIntosh\/Photomac.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Smith was converted into a centre back when he arrived at the club, having been a midfielder in Nelson.

\u201cThe first time I played there I was quite sceptical but after playing there for a few weeks I started really enjoying it.

\u201cMy instincts defensively are pretty good, and I like the ball at my feet and try to dictate the game from the back with my passing.

\u201cI look up to a lot of defenders, but the main one is probably William Saliba from Arsenal. I really like how he plays and how calm and composed he is on the ball.

\u201cThere\u2019s still a lot for me to improve on and I\u2019ll work hard each day to get as good as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Jayden Smith (right) warms up for training at NZCIS. Photo: Cam McIntosh\/Photomac.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Standing 1.90m tall is an advantage for the young defender.

\u201cI\u2019ve always been quite tall. I had my main growth spurt when I was 11 or 12 so I was nearly six foot tall by the start of year eight.

\u201cMy height obviously helps winning headers, but I think I need to improve my strength. I need to get stronger and get as good as I can in those aerial battles.\u201d

Jayden Smith is the Wellington Phoenix men\u2019s 24th<\/sup> and final signing before they begin their 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season against Western United at Sky Stadium on Sunday week (October 20).

Smith will wear the no. 39 shirt for the Phoenix.

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