Sydney FC Foxtel Y-League Head Coach Jimmy van Weeren has already brought back a title for the club from his maiden season in charge, and he says he has to credit the club’s Academy system, after his side took out the Conference B Premiership on Saturday.
van Weeren, who also coached the Sky Blues NSW National Premier League side to a best ever finish last year, is looking to help younger players further develop their skills and says he is pleased on the progress these players have achieved.
GALLERY: Sky Blues Claim Conference B Title
“The real highlight is to see boys that we’ve worked with here for a long time show signs that they’re reaching their potential,” he said.
“We’ve got some boys that have been here since 2015 and others who have been here for the last two years too.
“There was a significant internal promotion from the Academy where some of the first team have transitioned into the NYL [National Youth League] side,” he added.
The Premiership was wrapped up with one game to play following a one-all draw in the #SydneyDerby, which was enough to move ahead of second placed Central Coast who have completed their season.
The side are undefeated in seven games, picking up four wins and three draws.
However, with a game still to play before the big dance, van Weeren is confident the team won’t take it lightly.
“Every week we want to perform at our best and this weekend is just another opportunity to do that.
“The players understand that it is another opportunity to play and perform well,” he said.
“Obviously the aim is to win the match but it’s just another week for us and another match for us to perform as a group and hopefully get a result to build momentum into the final.”
The young Sky Blues will meet either Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory or Adelaide United from Conference A in the Grand Final but van Weeren says they won’t worry about who the opposition will be.
“It’s completely out of our control. All we can do is sit back and see who wins the other conference, then look forward to the experience with a group of players who have worked really hard over a number of years to get to this Grand Final stage,” he said.
Sydney FC’s last match of the regular season will take place on Saturday 25th January at Leichhardt Oval (kick-off 6pm AEDT) against Canberra United.
The Foxtel Y-League Grand Final location and time is yet to be confirmed.
