It could be a historic day for Perth Glory Football Club on Sunday, when the club’s young guns fight for the National Youth-Y-League championship.
Glory head into the final game of the season against Brisbane Roar, knowing that a win, and providing other results go their way, will earn them a premiers plate.
Glory sits level on points at the top of the table with Melbourne City, and only three goals separate the two sides.
Glory host Brisbane Roar at Ashfield Sports Club on Sunday at 11am. .
The result of City’s game against the Newcastle Jets will already be known before kick-off.
If City loses, Glory will only need a draw to secure the title but if Brisbane win, the Queenslanders, who only sit two points behind City and Glory, will take away the premier’s plate.
Winger Borbor Sam believes the team can take out the title.
“For everyone, this game is very important, we all know what is up for grabs, and we hope the Jets can do us a favour,” he said.
“We have performed well and have a good home record, so all we can do is, go out and try to win, and we will be doing our best.”
Sam, who came through the Football West National Training Centre under the tutelage of Glory senior Coach Kenny Lowe and youth team coach John Gibson, says the players are united, which has been a major factor in their success.
“Our team isn’t full of individuals, we work as a team, and we’re more like a family,” he explained.
“Everyone respects each other and everyone puts in a shift for each other, we attack as a team and we defend as a team”.
“No matter who is selected this week for the game everyone will be ready to give their best. I spoke to Joe Knowles before the start of the season and I told him we can win this league, and now we are one win away from doing so.”
Knowles, who is leading the Youth League goal scoring charts, bagging his 10th goal in the 2-1 win against Adelaide United last week, is ready for a huge game, and is looking to fire the side to the title.
“It has been a great season, and I’ve enjoyed helping the side out with a few goals, but without the help of my team mates I wouldn’t be able to do so,” he said.
“Goals will be vital on Sunday, for both sides but if we can stick to our game plan and follow the instructions from Gibbo and the coaching staff, I’m confident we can get the right result,” Knowles added.
The side has been led all season by defender Jacob Collard, and he says whatever happens on Sunday he’s been proud to have captained the side.
“This year has been a great and enjoyable season, a lot of fun and banter, but also a lot of hard work has been involved by all the players,” he said.
“This weekend will be a great challenge and we will be up for it, as we have a chance of winning the league. Nothing will be left on the pitch by anybody, and we will be doing everything we can to create a bit of history for the club.”
The players have the upmost respect for head coach John Gibson, but he believes the player’s work rate and attitude has been spot on from the first training session.
“Like I’ve said all season, the players deserve all the credit, they have been superb,” Gibson said.
“We have been consistent all season, and have improved dramatically over the course of the season.”
“Our journey continues, we have one more game to go and the challenge will be fun this Sunday, the boys will be playing with their mates, so life is pretty good.”
Gibson, who has been instrumental in nurturing many of the players in the side, through their junior football, believes the current success and the positive vibe at the club, has permeated throughout the Foxtel NYL squad.
“Lowesy is doing an incredible job with the Hyundai A-League team, and Jamie has done a fantastic job with the Westfield W-League team,” he said.
Get along and support the youngsters – Kick-off is 11am on Sunday morning at Ashfield Sports Club.
