PGFC Academy duo Alex Bolton and Christian Pullella have been named in the Subway Joeys’ (Australia U-17s) squad for the Hattrick U17 International Tournament which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from 17-25 February.
The young Aussies are set to face Korea Republic, Oman and Saudi Arabia in the round-robin competition which will form an important part of their preparation for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025.
Joeys Head Coach and former Glory midfielder, Brad Maloney, believes the experience will prove vital for his young charges.
“Our preparation for the Asian Cup has been progressing well and following the confirmation of our Group Stage opponents, we’ve been able to dive into more detailed planning ahead of the tournament,” he said.
“To be involved in this tournament as part of our preparation for the Asian Cup is extremely valuable, as we face strong opposition in conditions that are largely similar to what we can expect in Saudi Arabia.
“It’ll be our last set of competitive matches prior to the Asian Cup, so it’s important we make the most of this time together as we build on foundations that have been laid throughout this cycle.
“We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of consistency in selection throughout this cycle, which has allowed this group to better develop the way we play, as well as foster a set of standards and expectations off the pitch that we feel will be vital to success at the Asian Cup and beyond.”
The AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025, which serves as qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, will be contested between 3-20 April 2025, with the top eight teams earning their place at the age group’s showpiece event.
Australia has drawn into Group B alongside Japan, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.
Midfielder Bolton and defender Pullella have both featured prominently for the PGFC Academy First Team during the build up to the 2025 NPL WA season which is due to get underway next month.
In other international news, Jaylan Pearman started for the Young Socceroos as they began their AFC U-20 Asian Cup campaign earlier this week with a resounding 5-1 win over Kyrgyz Republic in Shenzhen.
Pearman’s Glory teammates Zach Lisolajski and Adam Bugarija were both included on the bench.
The Young Socceroos return to action for their second Group Stage game on Saturday when they will face Qatar in Shenzhen, with a kick-off time of 5.15pm WST.
U-17s MATCH DETAILS:
Korea Republic v Subway Joeys
Thursday, 20 February 2025
Ras Al-Khaimah Stadium, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: 1.00pm local/5.00pm WST
Subway Joeys v Saudi Arabia
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Ras Al-Khaimah Stadium, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: 4.30pm local/8.30pm WST
Subway Joeys v Oman
Monday, 24 February 2025
Ras Al-Khaimah Stadium, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: 1.00pm local/5.00pm WST
#ONEGlory
