Emerging defender Mark Barnett has vowed to make the most of his opportunities during his first winter with Inglewood United. Rated amongst the best young talent on the local scene, 18-year old Barnett has set his sights on gleaming all he can from the likes of Scott Blackmore, Jovo Pavlovic and Rikki Smith next year and, with a little luck, enjoy an extended run in Michael Garcia’s first eleven.

“I’ve set myself the goal of playing as many first team games possible, so I can be challenged by stronger and more skilful opponents,” said Barnett, who has worn Perth Glory colours the past couple of years. “I want to get maximum exposure to training and playing with seasoned professionals. This will further develop me as an individual, and that can only be of benefit to the team.”

“Regular first team game time doesn’t come easy, as I’ve learned over the past two years. It has to be earned, and the respect has to be earned,” he added. “I need to make the most of every training session so that I am pushing myself for selection at every opportunity. Inglewood has a good track record when it comes to youth development, and also has the players and coaches that I can learn from.”

Barnett was just 5 years of age when he first played the world game, initially for Gosnells City and later Forrestfield United. A year with Balcatta preceded an early 2013 move to Floreat Athena, with whom he made his first team debut late that season. Barnett was a Glory Youth team regular last summer, and in 2014 he furthered his development in the National Premier Leagues.

Inglewood has set the bar high for 2015 and Barnett is determined to play his role. “I’m thrilled and motivated to be joining Inglewood, a club with such a proud history and a great football culture,” he said. “I want to be a part of a club that strives for success. I’ve been made very aware of the clubs goals for the next season and beyond … it’s going to be a very exciting journey.”