Quartet of re-signings showcases the opportunity for senior football

Box Hill United FC is pleased to confirm four highly talented players as members of the Senior Men’s squad, who have all shown their quality from the U23 level.

Included in the re-signings are Tyrese Tam, James Petheriotis, Alex Tektonopoulos and Etienne Mendoza.

All players have shown great commitment and dedication throughout their years at the Club, and have been recognised with their call ups.

Set to turn 21 in a couple of weeks, Tam is a full back is now ready to establish himself in the squad and will provide great link up play out wide.

Modelling his game on Marcelo, Tam will bring overlapping runs to contribute to the team’s attack from the back.

About to enter his eighth year overall with Box Hill United, Tam is continuing his positive growth from the junior set up.

“It’s a very welcoming club and I always feel at ease with our style of football,” he said.

“The Club always challenges you and gives you opportunities to step up.

“In our team environment it’s an open space where everyone supports each other and you can always talk to someone if you need a hand.”

As he comes up into the senior squad, consistency will be key for Tam as he heads in the upward trajectory.

“I hope to maintain my position and when I get the call up, do everything I can to help the team.”

Tam is eager to see everyone for the first men’s game under lights at Wembley Park.

“I hope you guys are ready because we are fired up for the season,” he concluded.

A key member of the U23 team last season, James Petheriotis is looking forward to stepping up to the senior level.

He is capable of playing down the right hand side, either as a wingback or genuine attacker.

Petheriotis commented on what he can bring to the team in 2024.

“I like to use my pace and win back the ball for the team while also being composed and playing out calmly,” he said.

“It’s important not only to defend, but have that fine balance of being attacking as well and creating chances with assists.

A long-term member of Box Hill United, he reflected on his journey so far.

“I have been at Box Hill since I was five years old, so now being a 20-year-old it is my 15th year overall here.

“I love everything about the Club and it’s great to represent it.”

With his growth within the Club, Petheriotis is thrilled to be part of the Senior Men set up.

“All the boys in the changing room are fantastic, they are all dedicated and committed,” he said.

“Everyone is embracing the culture and it’s a place where everyone feels supported so it’s a great place to be.

“Both Tony and Andrew as our coaches are really motivational and a top four finish or promotion is the ultimate goal for us.”

In his message to fans, Petheriotis is eager to help contribute to the team’s rise up the table.

“Get down to Round 1 and we want to see Wembley Park fully packed,” he said.

“We’ve been working hard and Pascoe Vale will be a great test, but with a great atmosphere that will help spur us on.”

Alex Tektonopoulos is a Box Hill United youth product, has been with the club for many years and is ready to make his mark on senior football. Tektonopoulos made his senior men’s debut in 2022 at just 17 years old and has performed highly at the U23 level ever since.

Tektonopoulos is typically seen playing as an attacking midfielder. He is a true playmaker with the ball at his feet and is ready to showcase his talents at a senior level.

Despite being eager to get his chance on the highest stage, Tektonopoulos’ attitude allows him to stay grounded and his targets for the 2024 season see him prioritising team performance.

“The team’s success is what is on my mind.”

“Promotion and winning the league, that’s the number one goal for us.”

“Individually, I’m just keen to get some minutes under my belt.”

“Obviously a few goals and assists here and there would be fantastic too.”

“Whatever it takes to help the team.”

Tektonopoulos is ready to seize his chance and rounded off his statement with a call to action for the Box Hill United fans.

“Get down and support us – the team is truly something different this year.”

“It’s going to be special.”

Etienne Mendoza is ready to progress to the next level in his career, gearing up for his first season as an NPL senior after two terrific seasons in Box Hill United’s U21 side.

Mendoza is not short of experience at the NPL level, featuring for multiple different clubs across the u16’s, u18’s and u23’s competitions.

“I played at a bunch of other clubs in the NPL system. Portland City was my first club, moved over to Avondale then to Brunswick City before finally arriving here at Box Hill,” he said.

There is no surprise that Mendoza said he models his game on Ronaldo Nazario, showing rapid pace and an incredible goal scoring ability.

In his two seasons at U23 level, Mendoza has scored an incredible 25 goals and been the star of the show in the Pythagoras attack that made the Grand Final in 2022. In season 2024, he finally recieves a call up to the senior squad where he looks to advance his career as a deadly forward.

Mendoza spoke about why the club’s culture and values have made it an great place for him to develop.

“I love Box Hill United, it was the first ever club that ever gave me an opportunity to advance, the people here are so welcoming and hopefully I’m here for many more years to come,” he said.

Mendoza is focused on his own progression as a player in his first season as a senior and hopes to play a role for a Box Hill team that has set the bar high for 2024.

“For myself, the focus is on getting as much game time as I can, getting minutes under my belt and scoring as many goals as I can” he said.

“As a team hopefully we get promotion at the end of the day, that’s our goal.”

Mendoza also had a message of the fans as we arrive upon the start of a big 2024 campaign.

“I would love to see you guys come around, enjoy the spirit of the club and come support the boys over here at Wembley Park.”

Box Hill United looks forward to seeing all four players in action throughout the 2024 season.