Canberra United will begin their inaugural Foxtel National Youth League season this weekend as they face Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 1 at Marconi Stadium.
Following the granting of a licence earlier this season, Ryan Grogan and Marcial Munoz have assembled a squad to challenge the four other clubs in Conference B.
Speaking ahead of their first ever match this week, Grogan said while the group have only been together a short time, they can’t wait to get going for Round 1.
“There is definitely a feeling of confidence and excitement in the whole group,” he said.
“It has been a challenge to select and prepare the squad in such a short time frame since being granted the NYL licence, however with the talent that is in the side, and the hard work and commitment that the players have shown in each and every session leading into this competition, the whole playing group, the technical staff and myself are confident and excited to get on the park on Sunday.”
They will face a Wanderers side full of talent and with a new head coach, after it was announced only this week that former assistant coach Arthur Diles would lead the team this season.
Grogan said that the late change contributed to making the Wanderers a little bit of a mystery, but said he believes the squad that himself and Munoz have put together can take them head on.
“They are a bit of an unknown as their previous coach Trevor Morgan has moved on and Arthur Diles has stepped into the Head Coaching role,” he said.
“I’m sure there will be some similarities in the way the Wanderers play however I also think Arthur will have his own style and his team will be a great challenge to play against.”
“We believe the players we have selected are capable of producing a high standard of football and this has been reflected in the training environment as the side has been progressing in leaps and bounds week to week.”
“The players have been quality in taking on and implementing the messages delivered from the technical staff and we are all excited to see them compete against the Wanderers this weekend.”
The final addition to the squad was also announced this weekend, with Tuggeranong United full back Nick Faust completing the lineup, and Grogan spoke highly of the talented youngster.
“It was a no-brainer in bringing him in.,” he said.
“There is a lot of competition for starting positions in the side which from my point of view is perfect as all the boys are pushing each other every session looking to get a start.
“Nick’s addition has increased that competitiveness another notch as all 19 players are more than capable of starting this weekend and that has left Marcial and myself with a welcome headache.”
Match Details
Foxtel National Youth League Round 1
Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United
Sunday 19th November, 4:30pm
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park
