Joeys prepare for Shepparton test, McEwen Reserve pitch labelled ‘best in Victoria’

By Daniel Webb

Sep 29, 2022

Joeys alumni: Socceroo Joel King took part in the previous edition of the tournament Photo: AAP Image/Darren England

Preparation is well under way for the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup qualifiers in Shepparton next week, with Australia’s youth side holding a training camp in Melbourne.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Held from Saturday, September 17, through to Friday, September 30, the Joeys’ newly-appointed head coach Brad Maloney has been putting 30 of the nation’s brightest talents through their paces before selecting a final 23-man squad to bring to Shepparton.

Taking to the pitch at McEwen Reserve next week, Maloney’s men will be vying for one of 16 spots at the continent’s under-17 tournament next year.

“After being in hiatus for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s exciting for all concerned to convene this Joeys camp as we prepare for what we hope and plan will be a busy and fruitful two years for this age group,” Maloney told footballaustralia.com.au

“We will face tough opposition in Shepparton, particularly from China and Cambodia whose youth programs continued throughout the pandemic, so ensuring both the technical staff and players make the most of this two-week training camp is important to put ourselves in a strong position heading into the qualifiers.”

Set to battle China, Cambodia and the Northern Mariana Islands from October 5 to 9, Australia’s young prospects will need to be at their best to qualify for the Under-17 Asian Cup — and a vocal Shepparton crowd is sure to help.

The young charges will be bolstered by playing at McEwen Reserve, with Shepparton soccer export Garang Kuol full of praise for the venue.

“The main pitch there is probably the best in Victoria,” Kuol said.

“You wouldn’t really expect it, a place two hours away from Melbourne to be the best in Victoria, but I reckon it is.”

Fresh off a debut for the Socceroos and on the cusp of a move to English Premier League side Newcastle United, Kuol said next week’s tournament in Shepparton was exciting for the whole region.

“It’s exciting for Shepparton as a whole,” he said.

“The sporting side of the community is a big part of Shepparton and to host international football is exciting for the region and hopefully it can inspire kids around the area to get into football and sport, get active, and push themselves.”

Tickets for next week’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup are now available for free at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/afc-u17-asian-cup-qualifiers-group-g-1089649

For those who are unable to head along The News will be providing extensive coverage of the event.