Ahead of his side’s season opener against Sydney FC this weekend, Brisbane Roar Youth coach John Sime says to expect the same football philosophy in his youth team that Ange Postecoglou has implemented in the senior side.
The squad, with players ranging from the ages of 15-19, comprises of players from local competitions and interstate as well as the winner of this year-s edition of Football Superstar, Liam McCormick.
Nine players were released from last season when Brisbane finished second last in the competition, and coach Sime says the mentality of the team has been built around that of their Hyundai A-League counterparts.
“The pleasing factor is that we-ve changed the whole culture of the youth team,” he said.
“We-ve had discussions with Ange to try and base the team in the same direction of the senior team.
“We-ve worked on a lot of systems like the first team and our system of play will be designed in the same lines as them.”
With twenty games in total, including ten at home, Sime also highlighted the backroom staff as key in making a difference throughout the lengthy season.
“We-ve now got the same package as the A-League, with dieticians, strength and conditioning, sports medicine – it-s all been put in place,” he said.
“We-ve got really excellent support right through the club, which I am very happy about.
“To be successful, you need a full package and I-m a big believer in having the best possible people around you so I-m very happy with the backroom staff.”
The NYL coach said he was focused on both the long-term and short-term goals of the club, and trying to create a good balance between the two.
“In the past the youth team has produced some good players, so now we-ve got to start bringing the next batch through,” he said.
“This doesn-t happen overnight, it-s a long term project and we-ve got to try and combine the winning culture and the development culture.”
In terms of setting a target for the season, Sime said the results would take care of themselves and was looking forward to developing players that would be worthy to fill-in or step up to the first team squad.
“Obviously you want to end up as high as possible, and I think the club demands that and expects that,” he said.
“Our goal is to establish ourselves in a good position in the youth league but also to look at the end of the day to produce players for the A-League.
“That-s my biggest goal and that-s the target I set myself as coach.”
Looking ahead to their opening match against traditional rivals Sydney FC, Sime said he couldn-t wait for his side to take the field at Spencer Park, the Roar-s home ground for this National Youth League season.
“It doesn-t really get bigger than Sydney,” he said.
“Everyone wants to knock off Sydney and we-re no different.
“We-re maybe a little short on preparation but when it comes to Sunday afternoon everyone will be switched on and ready to go.”
Brisbane Roar Youth play Sydney FC Youth on Sunday 19 September, kicking off at 4pm at Spencer Park, Brisbane.
National Youth League squad: Matt ACTON (gk), Ross ARCHIBALD, Daniel BOWLES, Christopher BUSH, Matthew BYRNE, James DONACHIE, Kenneth DOUGALL, Joshua GROENEWALD, Liam McCORMICK, Jacob McLEAN, Joshua McVEY, Dane MILOVANOVIC, Alistair QUINN, Matthew THURTELL, Nicholas TUBBS (gk)
