Adrian Leijer is a half Dutch, half English footballer born on March 25, 1986 in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. As of 2008, he plays in the centre-back position for the Fulham Football Club.
Adrian Leijer started his international career as a trainee with the senior Australia national football team, the Socceroos. Following a short training session with the senior team, he was put into Young Socceroos, the Under-20 squad of the national team. As of 2008, Adrian Leijer plays for the Australia’s Under-23 football team, also known as the Olyroos. On March 22, 2008, he made his debut as a senior player of the national team in a match against Singapore. He was also selected to represent Australia in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Before embarking on his international career, Adrian Leijer played with all the Under-10 through Under-14 teams of the SASS Strikers Junior Soccer Club in the Dubbo & District Soccer Association. He also represented Western New South Wales and New South Wales Country when he was associated with SASS. At the age of 15, Adrian Leijer moved with his family to Jan Juc, where he joined the Geelong football team and played in Victorian Country’s Under-15 team. He moved to the Victorian Institute of Sport after he was noticed by Ian Greener, the former Head of Coaching & Development at the Victorian Soccer Federation, and recommended him to Ernie Merrick, the head coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Football program. During the 2003-04 season of the National Soccer League, Adrian Leijer switched to the Melbourne Knights Football Club and made 18 appearances.
In 2005, after his trial with the Everton F.C. for the English Premier Club, Adrian Leijer joined Melbourne Victory, a team that participates in A-League competitions. Although Adrian Leijer was the second youngest player of the Melbourne Victory team, he was considered to be a mature and an uncompromising defender for the club. He made 20 appearances for Melbourne Victory and helped the team win seven matches and the grand final 6-0 against Adelaide United. In 2006, he was awarded the Player’s Player of the Year, and Clubman of the Year, and, at the A-League’s end of season awards, he was given the Young Player of the Year title.
Adrian Leijer moved to the Fulham F.C. by signing a three year contract on August 10, 2007. He remained in Fulham’s reserve team during the 2007-08 season and was also a part of the squad that went up against Liverpool and Reading.
Apart from playing football, Adrian Leijer enjoys swimming, as well as playing cricket and rugby. During his leisure hours, he likes to spend time with his family and friends.
