This week, Olé farewelled two Senior Academy players Josh Rogerson and Ryan Feutz, who have headed to Sweden to join Olé partner club Torslanda IK,
The two will join a number of fellow Olé graduates, training and playing in the Swedish 2nd Division.
In 2018, Olé established Torslanda IK as a partner club in Sweden, run by Olé alumni and former All White Dan Keat. This came about as a way to support young, kiwi players as they transition overseas, giving them a European platform and environment to acclimate and train and play at a professional level. It also serves as a base for players to go and trial at other clubs around Europe.
This is a great next step for Ryan and Josh, who are both coming off a fourth place finish in the ISPS Handa Premiership with Eastern Suburbs AFC. Josh and Ryan are capable and driven young players who are ready to move into a European environment, gain exposure to higher levels of football and take on the next challenge in their journey.
“Both JR and Ryan undoubtedly deserve this opportunity as an extension of Olé’s pathway into Europe,” commented Technical Director Ben Sippola.
Both players have been training full-time at Olé and playing for Western Suburbs for a number of years.
Originally from Ashburton, Ryan moved north to Wellington at the age of 14, living in residence before his family later relocated. Josh is a Wellington local, and has been with Olé since he was 13 years old. He was part of a young Western Suburbs FC team, which included Olé graduates Elijah Just, Xavier Green, Dominic Wooldridge and Dalton Wilkins.
During their time with Olé, Ryan and Josh have made their mark on a National scale as exciting, young players. Both have played a number of years in Central League, and been involved with National League and National Youth League squads. Josh represented New Zealand at the U17 World Cup, and Ryan has recently been included as part of the NZ U20 training group.
Ryan and Josh were integral members of the 2019 Central League title winning side at Western Suburbs FC, a season where Ryan scored 15 goals, and Josh was awarded Central League Men’s Player of the Year.
Off the pitch, both Josh, Ryan and the Rogerson and Feutz families have been a massive part of community and have given so much to Olé and Western Suburbs FC as organisations. The boys are hugely valued by their teammates, Olé staff, and young players who look up to them. While it’s exciting to see them head off, they will definitely be missed!
Ben Sippola added, “The contribution from JR, Ryan and their families over the last 6-9 years has been amazing, the academy is privileged to have worked alongside them and look forward to watching them transition into higher levels of football.”
There is a huge community here in Porirua and New Zealand backing Josh and Ryan and wishing them all the best. Go and kill it guys!
