It’s not every day a club is able to take a player from a very young age and see them through to the senior team but this is what Redlands United have seen with young defender Craig Peck.
Peck has been with Redlands United since he was three years old, never playing for another club except for the Red Devils.
He has made his way through the NPL system at the club since it was first introduced in 2013, where he played in the U15 boys competition and has excelled.
The 17-year-old recently signed his first senior contract with the club in April this year.
It was an exciting moment for Peck, as he had always had a dream of playing for the senior team and he who told his parents first as they have always been his biggest supporter.
His first senior game came against Lions FC when he came on as a substitute for Jake Sherwood, and alongside Youth players Jackson Hart-Phillips and Byron Mcleod had brilliant debuts for Redlands.
While it wasn't a win as the team went down 3-0 in controversial circumstances, it was a memorable moment and made him want to work harder.
“I was extremely nervous, however, once the game was over, there was pure elation and hunger to play more for the team,” Peck said.
It's not often for clubs in the NPL to see their players move through the program but for Peck he puts it down to one of the most well-known faces in the game.
“Role models like Fyfey [Graham Fyfe] around the club, he boosted my confidence, always reassuring me that if I stayed patient and worked hard I would eventually get my time,” he said.
Currently, Peck shares his time between Youth and senior men’s NPL football but hopes to get more men’s games under his belt first.
“Ultimately, I aim to become a regular starter in Dibbo's [Nick Dibbs] team,” he said.
Redlands United are back at the Cleveland Showgrounds this Saturday at 5:30pm as they take on Cairns FC.
