A STIRLING Lions young gun has his sights set on Europe after winning the 2012 State League Under-18s Player of the Year Award.
Robert Petkov took out the award after dominating with his club and across the league.
Stirling Lions U18 coach Joe Pugliese said it was an apt reward for a dedicated player who has come through the Stirling Lions Junior ranks with drive and ambition, and a passion for the game.
“He’s a great lad,” Pugliese said. “He is a very mature boy who clearly loves the game.”
Robert was playing in the Stirling U15 Shadow Squad when he was noticed and earmarked for the U18s team.
He was awarded the George Mitsopoulis Youth Trophy in 2011 as the most improved U18 player of the season.
As well as the prestigious State League award, Robert was also crowned the Stirling Lions U18s Fairest and Best.
Robert has his sights set high and hopes to play professionally in Europe.
“I’m taking it step by step,” he said.
“But I’m pretty happy with everything and I’ll be playing with Stirling this year. For now I’m just training and seeing how it all goes.”
Former club president Don Evans said he was proud of Petkov.
“Robbie is a credit to himself and the coaching staff who have helped develop him into one of the most exciting strikers in the Football West Premier League,” Evans said.