The 17-year-old centre-back has taken the first step towards fulfilling his dream to becoming a professional footballer, signing with Sydney FC for the National Premier League.

Strong performances for the Sky Blues in the NPL could lead to him winning a spot in the club's National Youth League squad for the 2016-17 season.

From there, all roads lead to the A-League.

Van Meurs had the option of remaining in Canberra and trialling for the inaugural Canberra United Academy, which will play in the ACT NPL this season.

But the Australian Schoolboys representative wanted to take himself out of his comfort zone and could not turn down an opportunity with the Sky Blues.

"I'm in the NPL squad with 30 or 40 boys and that leads into the youth league season," Van Meurs said.

"In Canberra, there's not a huge pool of talent, but in Sydney there's a bigger pool of talent and it makes you work harder for your spot and makes you want to become a better player.

"It's a big advantage fighting for your spot ahead of someone else and it makes you a better player.

"I've worked really hard the last couple of years and starting to reap some reward for it, but the hard work starts now.

"It's going to be tough, but I'm ready for it."

Van Meurs is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in Canberra after two impressive seasons in first grade.

He made his debut as a 16-year-old at Canberra FC in 2014 under then coach and former Socceroos defender Andy Bernal.

Van Meurs continued his development at Belconnen United last year, becoming an integral part of the Blue Devils' back four.

He also more than held his own against more accomplished rivals in the mid-year friendly against Sydney FC.

Van Meurs could have remained in Canberra to be a part of the CU Academy, which will offer a professional training environment to the city's most promising players.

"It's really good they have started it up," Van Meurs said.

"There's always been a gap in development from 17 to 20 where there's no pathway to an A-League club.

"Now, that the Canberra United Academy has started it's a really good opportunity for people like me and younger to have a chance and achieve their dreams of playing in the A-League and to go higher."

Van Meurs will go head-to-head with fellow Canberra product George Timotheou for a spot in the Sydney FC back four.

Young Socceroos representative Timotheou has performed strongly for the Sky Blues in the NYL and for Blacktown in the NPL.

"I know George, he's a good player," Van Meurs said.

"We're in the same position, but when you go to Europe there's going to be four or five players in your position, so you've got to fight for it."