After months of preparations and hard work the next generation of Perth Glory players are set to kick-off their careers in the new National Youth League.
After months of preparations and hard work the next generation of Perth Glory players are set to kick-off their careers in the new National Youth League.
Under the guidance and watchful eye of inaugural Glory skipper Gareth Naven, the squad has prepared diligently for the season ahead and the opening match against Central Coast in Gosford.
“We-ve had a good preparation and I think the boys are nervously excited about the first game where they-ll create a piece of history for the sport and the club, “Naven said.
“They all have smiles on their faces and can-t wait to get out there,” he said.
The club-s 12 youth team players will each play a part on Friday afternoon alongside A-League players Nick Rizzo, Hayden Doyle and Tando Velaphi who will gain valuable match time as they push for a recall to the senior squad.
While the National Youth League-s primary objective is to enhance the development of young footballers around the country, something Naven passionately promotes, the Glory Youth coach is also aware that a winning start will assist in his objectives.
“Their development is a major factor and their winning mentality and philosophy on how the club wants to be perceived and the work ethic of the club is important as well,” Naven said.
“The results are important for the players I think, they like to win and at this level they want to develop their winning mentality. As a coach I think you have to give them the freedom to make mistakes and to learn from them which is a positive thing as well,” he said.
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Bluetongue Stadium, Friday 26 September
Kick off 3.15pm (AWST)
Referee: Matthew Gillett
Perth Glory squad: Ludovic BOI, Hayden DOYLE, Dean EVANS, Howard FONDYKE, Brent GRIFFITHS, Andrija JUKIC, Frank JURIC (gk) (OA), Adam LUCA, Scott NEVILLE, Ryan PEARSON, Nick RIZZO (OA), James SAMMUT, Anthony SKORICH, Tando VELAPHI (gk), Reece VITTIGLIA
Central Coast Mariners squad: Laurence BRAUDE, David D’APUZZO, Nick KAPSIS, Matthew LEWIS, Sean MITCHELL, Nik MRDJA (OA), Matthew NASH (gk) (OA), Paul O’GRADY (OA), Greg OWENS (OA), Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), Nathan SHERLOCK, Brady SMITH, Steven TIBBETTS, Glen TRIFIRO, Darko VIDOVIC, Scott WRIGHT
*one to be omitted
