Hard work has paid off for Adelaide United duo Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Isaac Richards who have both signed senior contracts with the club.
Previously on youth scholarship deals, the players have been rewarded for continuing to deliver on their potential.
Stamatelopoulos has played 13 matches with the Reds since being elevated to the senior side and scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers in January.
His strong form during the recent pre-season, where he scored six goals, coincided with him making the 23-man Young Socceroos squad for the AFC U19 Championship in Indonesia.
Upon his return to United, Stamatelopoulos scored and provided an assist in the team’s 3-0 win over Central Coast Mariners at the start of the month.
The 19-year-old shows signs of developing a strong on-field partnership with Craig Goodwin and says "it’s a great feeling" to earn a senior deal.
“At the moment I have a good chance to play some more A-League games and I’m doing everything I can to make the most of them," Stamatelopoulos said.
“There’s still a lot I can improve on and I’m determined to keep working hard, scoring more goals, and contributing as much as possible.”

Meanwhile, Richards, also 19, has demonstrated his potential on a consistent basis with the club’s Youth Team.
The gloveman enjoyed a standout campaign in the Young Reds’ most recent National Premier League SA season, and was recognised for his exploits by rightfully claiming the Goalkeeper of the Year Award at the FFSA Celebration of Football Awards Night.
Speaking on his deal, Richards said he was excited for the next stage of his career with the Reds, saying: “I’m very happy to have committed to Adelaide United and this is a good opportunity for me and my career.
“I guess my hard work has paid off after being with the Club for a few years now, but I have to keep working hard.
“This is only the beginning and if I get the opportunity to feature in the first team, I have to take it and perform as best as I can for myself, but also for the team.”
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