He’s had a taste of training with the Hyundai A-League squad, and it’s that experience that’s helping Levi Kaye thrive in Sydney FC’s stunning start to the NPL NSW 2020 campaign.
The young shotstopper spent time training with the Sky Blues’ squad alongside Andrew Redmayne, Tom Heward-Belle and Adam Pavlesic, and it’s those experiences that the 19-year-old credits with his current form that’s seen Sydney FC sit in joint second on the table after six games.
“I think my time with the A-League squad did two things for me,” Kaye said.
“First it matured me, and showed me what real men’s football is like, the quality and consistency that needs to be provided day in day out.
“This is all from having the right mentality and routine so that you can perform on the field.
“I also think it’s made me more proactive in terms of being constantly thinking whether it is technique, game management, managing the team etc.
“In such a short amount of time I think the training really developed my performances as well as my mentality.
“I think my development has grown immensely. Since the return I’ve found a real maturity in my approach to training and games after spending time with the A-League squad,” he continued.
“And I think that’s really helping the team having a few boys stepping up and growing from U20’s and U18’s players into first grade and further.”
Kaye said the Sky Blues’ start to the season was exactly what they were expecting, and while there was a brief stutter with a break due to COVID-19, the glovesman believes there’ll be no abating in the Sky Blues’ current form.
“I think this is the start we were all hoping for,” he said.
“I know we’re a young side in a very physical competition but the work we’re putting in on the training field is definitely shining through in our performances.
“The coaches are all very supportive and motivated to make sure we’re doing our jobs so we can win the games like we have been doing.
“After the first week of training coming back from the break I think we all knew we were going to be a competitive side,” he continued.
“The way we train is how you see us on the park, very determined and hungry, which is why I think we’ve been such a competitive side this season and all credit the coaches keeping us to a high quality during our sessions.
“The minimum target that the team wants is to reach finals. We’ve had an amazing start and we know we have the ability to get there.”
Sydney FC return to NPL NSW action on Friday night away against Blacktown City (kick off 7:30pm AEST). Tune in to npl.tv to catch the game streamed live.
