Sydney FC’s Academy has stunned a number of top European clubs at the 60th anniversary of a prestigious Under 19’s tournament in Germany, winning their group and semi-final before drawing 0-0 with English Premier League Academy side Everton in the Final.
The Sky Blues missed out 3-1 on penalties in that game, however it did not detract from a remarkable performance at the tournament where they defeated Academy teams from German Bundesliga sides Mainz 2-0 in the group stage, and Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2 in the semi-final, coming back from 2-0 down.
READ MORE: “WE SHOWED EUROPE WHO WE ARE” – SYDNEY FC ACADEMY REFLECT ON EUROPEAN ASCENDANCY
Led by Head Coach Jimmy van Weeren, the Sky Blues also beat Belgian Pro League club Royal Charleroi 4-1 and Danish Superliga club FC Nordsjaelland 2-1 to win their group ahead of the hosts Fortuna Düsseldorf.
They had also defeated the Academy team of German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen’s 5-4 but lost 3-0 to Schalke’s U19 Academy side in friendly matches earlier in the week.
“We have genuinely put Sydney FC on the map in Europe, not just because of the tournament results but because of the playing style and individual performances across the group,” said van Weeren.
“The feedback and comments received from the other coaches such as (former England international) Leighton Baines, who is Everton’s U19 coach has been phenomenal.
“Every player has played close to, if not 100% of their current potential and they are returning home inspired to take their football to new levels and push their limits.”
It was a tough challenge with eight matches in eight days for the 20-player squad at a lower average age than their rivals of under 17.5.
“When you compare our players to the players in European clubs, we are at their level despite us having a relatively younger group,” van Weeren continued.
“Our Academy has an absolute abundance of talent coming through. We are excited to see them continue to grow and develop.”
The competition is known for hosting the ‘creme-de-la-crème of international youth football’, where players such as AC Milan and Real Madrid legend Kaka, World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, and one of England’s most famous strikers, Michael Owen, have featured.
Even the tournament website mentioned the performances of the Sky Blues in glowing terms.
For four days there was top-class U19 football at the BV 04 facility.
The Australians in particular have gained many new fans.
In the semi-final, for example, they won the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2 after being 2-0 down.
Jacob Brazete’s dream shot to score the winning goal in particular sparked enthusiasm.
60th BV 04 Easter tournament for the U19 Champions Trophy website.
Earlier in the week Sydney FC had also defeated the Academy team of German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen’s 5-4 but lost 3-0 to Schalke’s U19 Academy side.
“It would not have been possible without the players’ application both on and off the field and the staff who have made this tour such a successful and seamless experience,” van Weeren added.
Each game of the tournament consisted of 50 minute matches rather than the full 90 minutes.
Form more news and details about the tournament – click here for the official website.
Sydney FC’s squad for the 60th BV 04 Easter tournament for the U19 Champions Trophy.
| Alexander | Zaverdinos |
| Bailey | Callaghan |
| Blake | Bolwell |
| Dylan | Rose |
| Jacob | Brazete |
| Jacob | McLachlan |
| Jai | Rose |
| Jared | Middleton |
| Lachlan | Middleton |
| Marin | France |
| Mathias | Macallister |
| Max | Buratto |
| Richard | Nkomo |
| Munib | Smajic |
| Noah | Mathie |
| Sean | Suzuki |
| Stanley | Wilson |
| Tiago | Quintal |
| Tyler | Williams |
| Will | Kennedy |
| Head Coach: | Jim van Weeren |
Match Details:
Monday, 25 March 2024 – Friendly
Sydney FC Academy 0-3 FC Schalke 04 U-19
Wednesday, 27 March 2024 – Friendly
Sydney FC Academy 5-4 Bayer Leverkusen U-19
Thursday, 28 March 2024
Sydney FC Academy 0-1 Fortuna Düsseldorf U-19
Saturday, 30 March 2024
Sydney FC Academy 2-1 FC Nordsjaelland U-19
Sydney FC Academy 4-1 Royal Charleroi U-19
Sunday, 31 March 2024
Sydney FC Academy 2-0 FSV Mainz 05 U-19
Monday 1st April, 2024
Semi Final
Sydney FC Academy 3-2 Borussia Monchengladbach
Final
Sydney FC Academy 0-0 Everton (Everton win 3-1 on penalties)
