Exciting news for New Zealand and Oceania football broke recently in local media; another young talented player – product of Olé Football Academy – has signed a professional contract in European continent. Olé Football Academy is responsible for developing players as the current All-Whites members Callum McCowatt and Elijah Just.
This time the U17 New Zealand international Matthew Garbett signed for the Swedish first-tier side Falkenbergs FF. The young forward signed for three seasons with the Scandinavian side.
Garbett was able to sign a professional deal before to turn 18 – the player will complete 18 years old this April – due he also holds English citizenship; he was born in London.
Garbett scored twice for the New Zealand side in the U17 FIFA World Cup in 2019 held in Brazil, where the Kiwis were knocked-out in the group stage. Garbett was one of the standout players alongside the goalkeeper Alex Paulsen and the midfielder Marko Stamenic.
Oceania Football Center 