Canberra United head coach Ray Junna is pleasantly surprised by the young talent in Canberra as he prepares to assemble his squad for the second season of the Westfield W-League.
Canberra United head coach Ray Junna is pleasantly surprised by the young talent in Canberra as he prepares to assemble his squad for the second season of the Westfield W-League.
Since the announcement of his appointment, Junna has spent his weekends scouting talent at Club Pink Premier League fixtures in search for potential squad members with a number of players invited to train for the Westfield W-League club.
Trials for the limited spots began this week and will continue for the next couple of weeks with Club Pink Premier League players and country NSW players invited to join ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) training.
“I-ve been in touch with the local coaches who have given me names of athletes who they believe can step up to the Westfield W-League standard and we-ve also got a couple of players from Albury who will be in town for trials,” Junna said.
“It-s hard to make comparisons in their game with the ACTAS players so seeing them train together will give me a better picture.”
“I-ve gone to look at those players in competition and they are probably the better ones and I hope they-re able to step up because they-ll make the squad stronger.”
Unfortunately not all 18 players invited to trial for Canberra United this year will be offered contracts for the second season, however, they may still be involved in the squad.
“Unfortunately we-re only allowed to sign three Under 17 players which is a shame considering much of the better young talent is 15 and 16 years of age, Junna said.”
“Even though these girls might not be contracted to the team this season, we might include the young talented players in a train on squad to help their development and help realize them their dream of one day playing for Canberra United and the Matildas.”
Canberra United can begin signing players on the 17th July.
