Homegrown soccer talent Liam Haintz has left state league soccer for the National Premier League.
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The 21-year-old will join the ranks of Ballarat City in 2020.
He will play under head coach James Robinson in the newly-formed National Premier League three competition.
It's a big step up for Haintz, who only two seasons ago was playing in the Ballarat District Soccer Association.
After making the jump to state league in 2019, Hanitz never imagined he'd be among the elite so soon.
"It happened over a couple of weeks," he said.
"I was scouted by a few guys over a couple of games during preseason and got offered the opportunity to come down and train, and everything clicked."
Haintz emerged as a key player for Ballarat, in what was an injury-plagued 2019 in the Football Victoria state league five west competition.
Still, Haintz made the most of his chances, establishing himself as a top defender as the club pushed for promotion.
People took notice. And pretty soon an opportunity came knocking.
"I've always been a local kid from the BDSA and the opportunity to step up last year opened a few doors for me," Haintz said.
Haintz said the skills he gained last season would prepare him for the next step.
"Games were quicker and I had to think faster and now it will be another level again."
Haintz will provide depth at centre-half for City as the club to looks to solidify itself in the NPL3. Ballarat City head coach James Robinson said Haintz possessed potential to go beyond an NPL level.
"When I first heard about him I took an opportunity to observe and watch him over a couple of games and see how he wen't," he said.
"He's quick, he's tall, he's strong and he reads the game well. There is still a few layers we need to add to him, but his raw ability and decision making is a great foundation to which to build upon.
"It is a credit to his education at Ballarat Soccer Club and local league.
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