Subway Joeys Gear Up for AFC U-17 Asian Cup with Local Training

Subway Joeys' Head Coach Brad Maloney has called up 30-players for a five-day camp later this month, as the team continue their preparations for June's AFC U-17 Asian Cup™ in Thailand.

Taking place at Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation at Narrabeen, Maloney has selected Australian-based players only for this camp that will run 16 - 21 April 2023.

Speaking about the upcoming camp and player selections, Head Coach Brad Maloney said: "If we wish to achieve our goal of qualifying for this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup, it's important that we maximise every available opportunity to come together and build upon the foundations we first set during last year's qualifiers," said Maloney.

"For this camp, we have deliberately called up Australian-based players, where several fresh faces will join the existing core group, providing an opportunity for as many players as possible to push their case for Asian Cup selection.

"Following last week's Asian Cup draw, we now know who our group opponents will be, where this intensive camp will enable us to prepare tactically for the challenge that lays ahead in Thailand," explained Maloney.

Due to this camp being conducted outside of a FIFA international men's window, Adelaide United FC's Nestory Irankunda was unavailable for selection.

"I'm in regular contact with Carl Veart around my plans for Nestory (Irankunda), where it's my strong desire for him to be in the Subway Joeys' squad for the Asian Cup," continued Maloney.

"With Adelaide United pushing for an A-League men's finals berth, it was agreed that it's best for right now that Nestory remain with his club and not join this month's camp," concluded Maloney.

Having finished top of their qualifying group hosted in Shepparton (Victoria) during October 2022, the Australians have been drawn in Group C for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ alongside Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, and China PR for the tournament to be contested in Bangkok and Chonburi from June 15 - July 2, 2023.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup™ is back after a hiatus of almost five years due to the COVID pandemic and features the 10 group winners and five best runners-up from the Qualifiers, along with hosts Thailand.

Australia will the need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023™, set to run 10 November - 2 December 2023, with the host country to be confirmed by FIFA following Peru's withdrawal as tournament host earlier this week.

SUBWAY JOEYS SQUAD | DOMESTIC CAMP I 16 - 21 APRIL 2023