Subway Joeys say its going to be tough encounter with SI U-19
The Subway Joeys Under 17 of Australia are prepared ahead of their opening match of the PacificAus Sports Football Tour this evening.
The boys had their training runs since their arrival on Sunday night at one of the newly built sports ground near KGVI School, opposite the SIFF Academy.
Supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, the tour will see the Subway Joeys play two matches against Solomon Islands U-19 national team today and the second one on Sunday. Both matches will be played in the evening.
From the Honiara, the youth side travels on to Port Vila for a one fixture against Vanuatu U-19s.
Players and staff are expecting a tough match-up with humid conditions combined with the age of the opposition providing the Australian U-17 national team with a unique challenge that will act as preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025™ Qualifiers, a statement issued by the visiting side said.
Having recently won the ASEAN U-16 Championship, midfielder Alex Bolton said, this tour provides the perfect platform to build on that momentum.
“This tournament is perfect timing, because coming off a win we want to get as many camps in as possible to build our bond stronger for tournaments such as the AFC U-17 Asian Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup coming up next year,” said Bolton.
“This tour is going to be better for us because in the previous tournament we’ve faced smaller players whereas here we’re playing against an U-19 squad so they’re going to be bigger and more of a different challenge.
“These matches are also going to benefit the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. We’ve just come off winning quite a big tournament so for them to play teams like us, it’s good for them to get exposed to the type of football we play.”
Fellow midfielder, Nickolas Alfaro, said while the conditions will be challenging, Solomon Islands have been incredibly welcoming so far.
“So far being in Solomon Islands has been really good. The weather is a little bit wet but the community and the people have all been really welcoming,” said Alfaro.
“With new boys coming into the squad it was good seeing people making new connections, trying out new things and trying to adapt to what we want to try to do. We’ve got a strong side and Solomon Islands are going to come out wanting to win.”
As well as established players, this tour is providing an opportunity for several players who impressed at the recent National Youth Championships, including forward Samuel Stanway.
“I’m very excited to be part of this tour. I’ve been on stand-by for the national team a few times but now I get to prove myself and represent Australia,” said Stanway.
“Training has been of high intensity, it’s a big step-up to international level when playing for Australia. It’s a great opportunity and the nerves are high but the team is very welcoming and [head coach] Brad Maloney and the staff have created a great environment.
“Going into the match against Solomon Islands U-19s is going to be physical. It’ll be a tough game but we will work together, give it a red hot go and play to our best to win.”
