A new-look squad of players will represent the Subway Young Socceroos at the upcoming 2024 ASEAN U-19 Boys’ Championship held in Surabaya, Indonesia from 17-29 July.
Head Coach Trevor Morgan explained the decision to name a fresh-looking squad was based on the strength in depth within this age group in Australian football.
“We are at a stage of broadening the player base, and that is in part due to the fact we have a lot of quality players to pick from, the depth of talent in this age group is impressive,” he said.
“We gave a group the chance to play at a top level during the tour to South America, and I felt this ASEAN Championship was another opportunity to give chances to new players.”
Australia has been drawn in Group B for the tournament, alongside Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and will play all their Group Stage fixtures out of Gelora 10 November Stadium.
Morgan said this tournament is a great platform to highlight the strength within Australian youth football and is excited for those players making their debut.
“It’s an exciting time really, there will be many debuts at the championships for our squad, and we are giving these players an opportunity to show their skill.
“They have earned the call-up, and I am excited to see how they get on in Indonesia.”
In terms of expectations and goals, Morgan said the tournament is there to be won.
“There’s some must win games coming up, so the boys have to apply what they’ve learned, but also believe in their ability,” he said.
“Everyone wants to win international football tournament and we will certainly be going there to try and do so.”
Following this tournament, Morgan will select a squad for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup China PR 2025™ Qualifiers in September.
The U-20 Asian Cup will also act as World Cup qualifiers, raising the stakes higher for the Young Socceroos over the coming months.
“It is coming up to the beginning of World Cup qualifying, and if you do well, win one game at a time, you could end up at a World Cup next year,” he said.
“It will be a massive period for the boys, some of the life experiences will be incredible over the next 12 months or so and I am excited for the group.”
The ultimate goal for Morgan, and the rest of the Young Socceroos coaching staff is to develop players for the future.
“We want to expose as many young players as possible to top level international football, that’s the goal, to see players progress into the Olyroos and Socceroos,” he said.
Match Details
Laos v Subway Young Socceroos
Thursday, 18 July 2024
Gelora 10 November Stadium, Surabaya
Kick-off: 3.00pm local / 6.00pm AEST
Subway Young Socceroos v Vietnam
Sunday, 21 July 2024
Gelora 10 November Stadium, Surabaya
Kick-off: 3.00pm local / 6.00pm AEST
Myanmar v Subway Young Socceroos
Wednesday, 24 July 2024
Gelora 10 November Stadium, Surabaya
Kick-off: 3.00pm local / 6.00pm AEST