The new Foxtel National Youth League kicks off this weekend, with Perth Glory entertaining Brisbane Roar at Ashfield Reserve on Saturday morning.
The league has changed its format for 2015-16, with the ten teams being split into two conferences.
The Glory has been placed in Conference A for the new season, along with the Roar, Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City.
All teams will play all other teams in their Conference home and away, and the Grand Final will be played between the top two teams from each Conference.
The Glory youngsters went within one win of taking out last season’s title and coach John Gibson said they will be doing all they can to go one step further this campaign.
“We were rewarded for our hard work last season, but that is in the past we are looking forward and preparing for another tough campaign,” he said.
“We have a similar group of players, who are gelling well together, and were always searching to be better.”
Gibson said the potential that has emerged from the group this season is exciting and he will be looking for them to continue to work on improving their processes.
“Each season represents a fresh challenge for all involved, but we have been really pleased with the attitude, positivity and application of the whole group,” Gibson said.
“The squad is similar to the National Premier League Squad. The experience and lessons learnt from this competition will put us in a good space for the Youth League, and the group will be looking to continue on from where they left off, where they were rewarded for their performances and effort. ”
Saturday will be a return to football for striker Joe Knowles, who missed most of the PS4 NPLWA season due to injury, and he is looking forward to getting back on the park.
“I can tell you being out for that long you definitely take what you’ve got for granted,” he said.
“The injury is all good now, and I’ve worked hard to get back to match fitness and I can’t wait to get some game time if selected.”
The match kicks-off on Saturday morning at 10.30am.
The 2015-16 Perth Glory Foxtel National Youth League squad is:
Jacob COLLARD (C)
Stef VALENTINI
Joe KNOWLES
Joel DRISCOLL (GK)
Henry DERR
Slob VULIN
Dejan SPASESKI
Ross MILLARD
Calvin WHITNEY
Sean TROUP
Waliedin ISMAIL
Nic TALIMDZIOSKI
Aleks SUSJNAR
FNYL Replacement Players:
Sam McKEARNEN
Dylan WILSON (GK)
Cameron TEECE
Jackson AMOSA
Ollie ANNIS
Daniel STYNES
Alex TANEVSKI
Hayden STEVENS
