Sydney FC name National Youth Squad with one eye on the future

Sydney FC has named a young and talented National Youth League squad for the 2011/12 NYL competition with all of the 16 players capable of playing A-League football in the future.

Sydney FC has named a young and talented National Youth League squad for the 2011/12 NYL competition with all of the 16 players capable of playing A-League football in the future.

Sydney FC NYL Coach Ian Crook, along with his fellow first team coaching staff members Vitezslav Lavicka, Steve Corica and Zeljko Kalac and NYL assistant coach Brian Dene have picked players with the technique and skill to one day progress to the Hyundai A-League squad.

Only Blake Powell and Jared Lum will back up from the NYL squad in 2010/11 while Joe Gibbs returns to the Sydney FC NYL set up after spending a year playing in Belgium and the NSW State League.

The trio will be joined by a young but very talented team with four players aged 16, three aged 17 and another three players just 18 years of age – in the U20 competition. Powell is the only 20-year-old in the squad.

“We have a very talented group of players in the National Youth League team this year,” Crook said. “As a coaching staff we believe it is important that we use the Youth Team as a springboard to the first team and as a support to the first team.

“We have only selected players who we believe have the potential to play in the A-League. Some of them may be able to achieve that this year and for others it might take some time but we have picked a team where everyone has the technique and attributes to make that step up.

“They have been given a great opportunity to learn and become professional football players and as a coaching staff we are excited to have them in working with us and wearing the Sydney FC shirt.

“It is now up to the young boys to take the next step and realise that with hard work, dedication and discipline they can continue on the path they have started.

“It is a great achievement for the boys and recognition of the hard work put in by them and the coaches they have had at State League and junior level, but they will have to work even harder now because the next step is a big one.”

The Sydney FC squad was selected after all members of the coaching staff spent time at NSW Premier League and State League matches throughout the winter, watching players in the first grade, as well as scouring the U20s and U18s for young talent.

Sydney FC starts the NYL season with a home game against Adelaide United at Leichhardt Oval next Saturday (22 October). Kick off is 12pm.

The Sydney FC NYL squad is: