‘It’s a very good place to be’: Crawford sings Reds’ praises after securing first senior contract

Adelaide United has signed Harry Crawford onto a senior contract that will run until 2029, rewarding what has been a crazy month for the Reds youth product.

Crawford has played four games this season for United, all of them coming within the last four rounds. These four games included his first senior start, as well as his first senior goal – a stunning effort to take the lead at home against Brisbane.

Crawford says that Adelaide is the best environment for him to continue his development, owing to the opportunities and pathways the club has built for it’s young talent.

“It’s good that we promote youth players here and that the main goal is to always promote youth players,” he said.

“Our youth coach Airton (Andrioli) works with us very well and I think that foundation there is very good.

“And that’s why signing here, where they want to play young players and get them as many minutes in the A-League as possible … it’s a very good place to be.”

The pathways that Adelaide offer have often been the envy of other A-League clubs, and while the club is one of the league leaders in senior minutes to youth players, it’s also done well to establish itself in the NPLSA competition – providing valuable development minutes to it’s young players.

“[The NPL] is overlooked a little bit, and especially with the youth team we’ve got heaps of players there that are showing and improving a lot,” Crawford said.

“I think the physicality, because we play NPL at a young age either in reserves or the first team, there are a lot of bigger bodies than us so that helps us improve quickly and develop playing against bigger and more experienced players.”

The 18-year-old joins the likes of youth teammates Feyzo Kasumović, Malual Nichola, and Amlani Tatu who all signed senior deals in the off-season, reflecting an even bigger push to keep talented young players at the club for longer periods of time.

Speaking to Adelaide United’s media team, Adelaide United Head of Football Marius Zanin says the club is delighted to be able to continue developing a player with Crawford’s potential.

“Harry’s hard work has paid off, and this is a great example of how commitment and perseverance are rewarded,” he said

“He has an exciting future ahead, and we’re looking forward to watching him develop further.

“He’s another talented South Australian player coming through, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our future.”