Sydney FC’s young Liberty A-League squad are proving to be exactly that!
Ante Juric’s players are not only the youngest squad in Sydney FC’s history but they are also comfortably the youngest starting squad in the whole competition this season.
At 22 years and 187 days, the Sky Blues average starting age for the first 12 matches of the campaign is 236 days younger than the next best, Canberra United Women at 23 years and 58 days.
That equates to seven and a half months younger on average.
The third youngest squad for a starting eleven in the competition is Wellington Phoenix Women which at 23 years and 258 days old is well over a year older on average than the Sky Blues.
It’s a remarkable stat for a team currently sitting third on the ladder and still in with a shout of winning a back-to-back double.
| Team | Average Starting Age (Y, D) | Total Starting XI Changes | Total Players Used | Total Goal Scorers (excl OGs) | Total Games |
| Sydney FC Women | 22y 187d | 22 | 24 | 9 | 12 |
| Canberra United Women | 23y 58d | 12 | 20 | 8 | 11 |
| Wellington Phoenix Women | 23y 258d | 27 | 22 | 9 | 12 |
| Perth Glory Women | 23y 291d | 13 | 19 | 6 | 12 |
| Western Sydney Wanderers Women | 24y 48d | 15 | 22 | 6 | 11 |
| Adelaide United Women | 24y 132d | 21 | 22 | 10 | 12 |
| Newcastle Jets Women | 24y 141d | 21 | 20 | 9 | 12 |
| Melbourne City Women | 24y 152d | 17 | 21 | 8 | 12 |
| Brisbane Roar Women | 24y 343d | 13 | 22 | 9 | 12 |
| Central Coast Mariners Women | 24y 351d | 21 | 21 | 6 | 12 |
| Melbourne Victory Women | 25y 9d | 12 | 22 | 6 | 12 |
| Western United Women | 26y 149d | 15 | 19 | 7 | 12 |
Head Coach Ante Juric says he couldn’t be prouder of his young stars.
“I’m extremely proud of Sydney FC, again leading the way in giving young players an opportunity and developing them as people and players,” he said.
“Over the years many of these young players have gone on to represent the Matildas and / or have continued their career overseas.
“This year our youngsters have led the way in what has been a tough season due to injury, Asian travel and a fixture backlog thus far.
“As examples Holman, Caspers and Kruger have been fantastic and they have been key players for us.
“To currently be third on the ladder with all these youngsters and a number of key experienced players out, I am extremely proud.
“They have shown grit and character.”
The young Sky Blues continue their fight to retain their titles this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval against the Newcastle Jets in a 5pm kick off.
