Taras Gomulka admits it is a huge privilege to be a dual winner of the Youth Player of the Year Award with teammate Lachlan Brook also receiving the accolade.
Gomulka was a mainstay with the Young Reds during in both the local National Premier League and Foxtel Y-League last season.
“I feel very honoured to win it,” Gomulka said.
“It came out of nowhere to be honest, but very grateful for it and hope to continue my success into the future.”
The 18-year-old’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed, regularly training with the senior side and was subsequently rewarded following the Hyundai A-League’s resumption from the COVID-19 enforced hiatus.
The midfielder was given his starting debut by interim boss Carl Veart against Brisbane Roar and seized the opportunity, becoming the latest revelation in Adelaide’s side.
He started the remaining four games of Adelaide United’s regular season, displaying composure and cutting an unflappable presence rarely seen for someone at that age.
“I’ve always put my head down and worked as hard as I can,” the defensive midfielder said.
“I’ve always tried to be the hardest working player in the team and it’s slowly starting to pay off now.”
Gomulka felt the Reds were unlucky to miss out on a finals spot as they went undefeated post lockdown with two wins and three draws, but was indebted to Veart and his fellow teammates for giving him confidence.
“I thought we played well, we didn’t lose any of the five games which was positive,” he believed.
“Personally, I thought I played quite well. I was happy with myself the way I played and just thankful to the coaching staff and players for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to play.”
He added that he hoped to continue his progression next season, refusing to rest on his laurels.
“This is the start of hopefully my long career,” he stated.
“I’m taking it step by step at the moment and then just seeing what happens in the near future.”
