Football Federation Australia (FFA) this week released the inaugural National Youth League 2008/09 season draw (see above). The seven Australian based Hyundai A-League clubs will participate in the 21 round competition which will begin on Friday 26 September 2008.
This is long overdue in the opinion of this writer, although the distractions of other priorities and the real challenge of funding such a move are acknowledged. I can hardly wait. These games, like the women's, are often a delight and less cynical than a hard-nosed league winning approach requires.
With the call-up rule applying for short term injuries to the first squad, it may be the quality and depth of the NYL squad that tells over 21 rounds.
"The establishment of a National Youth League competition is an important component of the National Football Development Plan,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley at the launch.
Observers who have been waiting and debating since earlier in the year - trying to understand just how the league will work, how players will move between leagues in the winter, how the league will stay viable with players as first call up to the senior teams on injury, how Wellington will fare, why Canberra (AIS & ACTAS) isn't there but Tasmania gets some sort of look-in, and many more questions - are still somewhat in the dark! I suspect a lot will be either revealed (or made up as it happens) to meet the needs as we go along.
Still, never look a gift horse in the mouth - BOTN applauds the return of a national youth league after over 4 years, and looks forward to seeing some great talent developing into stars over the years!
Buckley added, “This is a competition which will provide an important link between elite youth football, the Hyundai A-League competition and the national representative teams, not only for players, but also coaches and referees.
“For the first time, talented young players will have an opportunity to play regular, quality competitive games regardless of whether they are part of the AIS program, the State sports institutes or the State football leagues.
“Football offers young, talented male athletes fantastic opportunities within Australia as well as unparalleled opportunities to represent Australia on the biggest stage in world sport,” Buckley said.
Of the 63 regular round fixtures, 32 matches will be played as curtain raisers to Hyundai A-League matches, whilst the remaining matches will be played at alternate venues on other dates.
At the end of the 21 rounds, the top two teams will play-off in the National Youth League Grand Final on Saturday 21 February 2009, one week prior to the Grand Final in the Hyundai A-League competition.
Already Central Coast Mariners have unveiled their first two signings and Roar have completed their sqaud - over coming weeks we will see who has the cream and who will make-do.
The Queensland Roar Youth squad has been competed by coach Rado Vidosic ahead of the club's National Youth League campaign, starting on September 26.
Vidosic and head coach Frank Farina drew upon talent in the local Brisbane leagues in selecting the 12-man squad, which is made up of players aged between 17 and 21. Goalkeeper: Luke Muir (16/06/90), Magic United; Defenders: Will Tumusiime (27/01/87), Rochedale Rovers, Michael Ryan (04/02/91), Toowoomba Raiders, Brad McDonald (17/02/90), Brisbane City, Matt Mundy (08/05/87), Rochedale Rovers, Daniel Bowls (19/10/91), Australian Institute of Sport;
Midfielders: Adam Sarota (28/12/88), Brisbane Strikers, Michael Angus (20/02/90), Taringa Rovers, Luke Brattan (08/03/90), Rochedale Rovers, Josh McVey (09/08/91), Brisbane City, Mitchell Bevan (20/02/91), Brisbane City; Striker: Tyler Thurtell (18/05/91), Magic United.
Get out there (see draw) and enjoy!
6 August 2008
