A new team for a new season with high expectations are on the cards for Perth Glory’s Youth team which starts its Foxtel National Youth League 2016/17 campaign with a home game against Brisbane Roar at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday November 20.
Glory Coach John Gibson said it will be another tough season, but one he and the player group are looking forward too.
“We love this time of year and are super excited about the start of the NYL Season – we can’t wait till the 20th of November,” he said.
“The competition is a sprint – it starts and then it quickly finishes – it’s a tough format. Our squad as always is cyclical and we will be seriously competitive this season.
“It’s the first year of having the entire Elite Player Pathway from U12s to NPL First team – all our teams performed fantastically during the NPL Season, the U18’s won the Top Four Finals and the U20s lost in the semi-finals, while the first team matched it in every game against the best teams in WA, so things are looking positive.”
Gibson, who goes into his third season in charge of the Glory youngsters believes the competition is unearthing some talented players, who have gone on to play Hyundai A-League games.
“Last season we had Jordan Thurtell, Joe Knowles, Jamal Reiners, Ross Millard and Kosta Petratos who played for us and were involved with the HAL side, hopefuly that trend will continue this season,” he said.
“Across the whole league the clubs are giving players the opportunity to play in the first team. This is a very good competition and an opportunity to test ourselves against the best youth players and teams from around the country. What a great challenge.”
It’s the first game for the side at Dorrien Gardens, the home ground of Perth Soccer Club.
Gibson said it’s a great venue and is looking forward to playing there.
“We’re really excited to get the Foxtel National Youth League underway, and it’s always nice to play at Dorrien,” he said.
“The ground is in good condition and one of the best in the state league, and we will be looking to put in a strong performance in our first game against a good Brisbane side.”
The Glory had a bye in week one, while Brisbane opened their season last week with a 3-3 draw against Melbourne Victory.
Admission to all Foxtel National Youth League games is free to Perth Glory members and kick-off is at 10.30am.
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