New signing Riley Stephenson’s first impressions of life at Inglewood United have been positive.   Stephenson, one of the best young goalkeepers in Western Australia, recently became Inglewood’s first signing ahead of the 2017 National Premier League seasons after agreeing terms with the club.

“There is a fantastic culture and a winning attitude throughout Inglewood … it’s something I very much want to be part of,” said Stephenson, who will celebrate his 19th birthday early next month.   “Inglewood has very good facilities and everyone puts their best foot forward for the club.”

“I’ve had only a few sessions with the playing squad but I’m loving training and being part of Inglewood.   All the players and coaching staff have been really welcoming and easy to get along with.   There is a real competitiveness to every aspect of training and that will drive me to do my best.”

Stephenson joins Inglewood fresh from a three-season stint with NPL rivals Perth Glory.   “The chance to play for Inglewood came through goalkeeper coach Dave Whalley, who has been a big part of my development,” he explained.   “Dave introduced me to head coach Taki (Nicolaidis) and he invited me to join them for training.”

“As a player, I’m always looking to keep improving myself and Inglewood will provide me that opportunity.   Alex (Dunn) is a very good goalkeeper and is understandably the number one so I’ll be learning all I can from him.   And I’ve known Dave for a few years and it’s great to be working with him again.”

“My goal for this year is to push Alex and bring the best out in both of us.   Obviously I want to be starting games for the first team and I might have to bide my time with that.   But I know I can play at NPL level and if I keep training well I’ll be ready for when Taki throws me into the mix.”