Twins Melissa and Adriana Taranto have become the latest NTC graduates to join Vicenzo Ierardo’s Galaxy United side in 2016.
They re-join their former state mentor after turning out for Melbourne Victory in the W-League this season.
The highly touted midfield duo both scored twice in the 2015 WPL Victoria season, leading their side to a respectable mid-table finish, including a memorable double over Bulleen Lions.
Their form earned them both a maiden W-League contract with Victory, where they’ve featured regularly in the middle of the park.
Ierardo was delighted at the double coup, having coaching the twins at state team level as well as working with them this year at W-League level.
“Adriana and Melissa are both very talented footballers looking for opportunity. Both have massive loads of potential for the future,” Ierardo said.
“At only 16 and both contracted to Melbourne Victory in the W-League tells you something. Having coached them in the state program in the under 15’s and taking them away to the Nationals, they were both a year younger and playing up an age group and in the top two or three players that season.
“I truly believe in them and want to see them reach the highest level. I’m excited that they have decided to join Galaxy. The young girls of the club will look up to them that’s for sure.”
They link up with fellow NTC graduates Whitney Knight, Annabel Martin and Sky Jensen, along with Victory teammate Laura Spiranovic, who is on the road to recovery from a knee injury.
Kariah White, Sarah Sumner and Aneta Komijat are the other players to have also committed for the 2016 NPLW Victoria season as the Galaxy squad continues to take shape.
Photo: Backline Photography