Australia’s next generation of football talent has been unveiled with the announcement of the new Australia U17 squad. These young players are gearing up to represent the nation on the international stage, and it’s an exciting time for Australian football. We’ll take a look at who’s been selected, the coaches guiding them, and the path ahead for these future stars.
Key Takeaways
- The Subway Joeys, Australia’s U17 squad, has been named for upcoming international competitions, including the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
- Carl Veart has taken the helm as the new Subway Joeys Head Coach, bringing his experience from Adelaide United.
- Talent identification for the australia u17 squad involves scouting across the entire country, including through the National Youth Championships.
- The team has participated in various international tournaments like the Hohhot U16 Tournament and the Antalya Youth Cup to gain valuable experience.
- Several young players from the A-League and overseas are being given opportunities, with some already signing professional contracts.
Meet The New Australia U17 Squad
Subway Joeys Squad Named For International Youth Football
Football Australia has recently confirmed the 20-player squad that will be heading off to represent Australia at the 27th International Youth Football tournament. This is a pretty big deal for these young lads, giving them a chance to test their skills on a global stage. Coach Carl Veart has made some interesting choices, with a good chunk of the squad coming straight from the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships Under 16 Team of the Tournament. It shows a real commitment to building on existing talent and giving these players a pathway.
Key Selections For The Australia U17 Squad
Looking at the squad list, a few names jump out. There’s a strong contingent of players who have already shown promise in domestic competitions, and importantly, several talents who have been developed overseas. This mix is exactly what you want to see – a blend of local knowledge and international exposure. It’s not just about picking the best players right now, but also about who has the potential to grow into future Socceroos. The selection process seems to have focused on players who can adapt and learn quickly, which is vital at this age group.
Future Stars Emerge For The Joeys
This squad is packed with players who are genuinely considered future stars of Australian football. We’re talking about lads who are already signing professional contracts and making waves in their respective leagues, both here and abroad. It’s exciting to see players like those coming through the A-League system getting a look-in, alongside those who have been honing their skills in European academies. The depth of talent being nurtured through programs like the CommBank Emerging Socceroos Championships is really starting to pay off.
Here’s a look at some of the key areas the selectors have focused on:
- Domestic Talent: A solid base of players from Australian clubs, showing the strength of our local leagues.
- Overseas Prospects: Young Aussies playing abroad, bringing diverse experiences and skills.
- Proven Performers: Players who have excelled in recent youth tournaments and championships.
The development of these young footballers is a long-term project. It’s not just about the next tournament, but about building a sustainable pipeline of talent that can serve the national teams for years to come. This squad represents the next wave, and it’s up to them to seize the opportunity.
Coaching And Development Pathways
Carl Veart Appointed Subway Joeys Head Coach
Football Australia has brought in Carl Veart to lead the Subway Joeys. Veart, who played 23 times for the Socceroos, comes with a good amount of coaching experience, having spent five years at the helm of Adelaide United FC. Before that, he was an assistant and interim coach there too. His appointment signals a new direction for the U17 program, aiming to build on existing talent and prepare players for the next level.
Brad Maloney’s Tenure With The Australia U17 Team
We also want to acknowledge Brad Maloney’s time as the Head Coach of the Australia U17 men’s national team. He stepped down recently, and Football Australia thanked him for his contributions since July 2022. During his tenure, Maloney was instrumental in shaping the team’s development and guiding them through various competitions. His efforts have laid some groundwork for the future of the Joeys.
Talent Identification Across Australia
Finding young talent across Australia is a big job, especially with the distances involved. The coaching staff has to travel far and wide to scout players from every corner of the country. It’s not just about what they can do on the field, either. Meeting players face-to-face to check their attitude and willingness to work hard is a massive part of the selection process. They look for players with good character who are keen to achieve their goals and represent Australia.
- National Youth Championships: This annual event is a key starting point for spotting future Joeys. It brings together the best young players from different states and territories.
- Centralised Camps: After initial scouting, players are brought into camps. This allows coaches and technical directors to assess their abilities and potential more closely.
- International Exposure: Events like the Antalya Youth Cup in Turkey and the Hohhot U16 Tournament provide invaluable experience against different styles of play.
International matches are vital for these young players. Facing different teams and conditions helps them mature and understand the game at a higher level. It shows them what it takes to compete against full-time, well-developed young athletes from other nations.
Players like Anthony Pavlesic, who signed with Bayern Munich after gaining international experience, show the impact these opportunities can have. Many others have secured A-League contracts after performing well on the international stage, proving that these pathways are working. For those looking to improve their coaching skills, there are opportunities like Chris Ramsey MBE’s youth coaching CPD session to gain fresh perspectives.
The Road To The AFC U17 Asian Cup
AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Draw
The journey for the CommBank Joeys to reach the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 has officially begun with the draw for the qualifiers. Held at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 7, the draw mapped out the path for Australia’s U17 side. The Joeys discovered their opponents for this crucial stage, setting the scene for what promises to be a challenging but exciting qualification campaign. This draw is the first step in a long process, determining the group stage matchups that will ultimately decide who progresses to the main tournament.
CommBank Joeys Qualify For The 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup
Great news for Australian football fans! The CommBank Joeys have successfully booked their spot in the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia. This qualification was secured following a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Iraq in Jordan. Max Court, a midfielder from APIA Leichhardt, was instrumental, netting two goals in quick succession during the first half. While Iraq fought back, the draw was enough to see the Joeys through. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the young squad, showcasing their development and potential on the continental stage.
Journey Through The U17 Asian Cup
Qualifying for the AFC U17 Asian Cup is just the start. The tournament itself presents a significant test, pitting Australia’s best young talent against the cream of Asia. The Joeys’ path has previously included tough matches, like their quarter-final exit against eventual champions Japan in the 2023 edition held in Thailand. Despite limited preparation time and facing well-resourced opponents, the team showed real grit. Coach Brad Maloney at the time highlighted the value of playing every 72 hours, dealing with different conditions, and facing varied styles of play as a massive learning curve. These experiences, like the Antalya Youth Cup in Turkey and camps in Sydney, are vital for building resilience and tactical awareness. The upcoming tournament in Saudi Arabia will be another chance for these players to gain invaluable international exposure and prove their mettle.
International Exposure And Development
PacificAus Sports Football Tour
The CommBank Joeys are heading back to the Pacific in January 2026 for a series of matches against the U-19 national teams of Fiji and the Solomon Islands. This tour, backed by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports, gives our young players a chance to test themselves against different styles of play and gain valuable international experience.
Hohhot U16 Tournament Experience
While specific details for this tournament aren’t readily available, these kinds of events are vital. Playing against international opposition, especially in a tournament setting, exposes players to different tactical approaches and the pressure of competing on a bigger stage. It’s a learning curve that helps them understand where they stand globally.
Antalya Youth Cup Learning Curve
Last year’s trip to the Antalya Youth Cup in Turkey proved to be a real eye-opener for many of the squad. It was the first time some of these lads had travelled overseas to play football, and they came up against teams that train and play professionally day in, day out.
The experience highlighted the gap in development and maturity some international teams possess. It showed our players what it takes to compete at a higher level, forcing them to adapt and learn quickly.
This kind of exposure is exactly what’s needed to fast-track their development. Captain Anthony Pavlesic, for instance, impressed so much he earned a contract with Bayern Munich after the tournament. Others, like Mitch Glasson and Zac De Jesus, secured A-League deals upon their return. It proves that performing well on the international stage can open doors to professional opportunities.
Here’s a look at some of the recent international outings:
- PacificAus Sports Football Tour (Jan 2026): Matches against Fiji U19 and Solomon Islands U19.
- AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers (2025): Successful qualification for the 2026 tournament in Saudi Arabia.
- Antalya Youth Cup (Previous Year): Provided significant learning experiences against established youth programs.
Player Spotlights And Future Prospects
Emerging Talent From The A-League
The A-League Men is really starting to churn out some serious talent, and it’s exciting to see these young fellas getting a crack with the U17s. We’re talking about players who are already getting regular game time at a senior level, which is no small feat. They’ve got that grit and determination you only really get from playing week-in, week-out in a competitive league. It’s not just about their skills on the ball, but how they handle the pressure and the physical demands. These guys are the ones who are going to be pushing for spots in the Subway Socceroos down the track, no doubt about it.
Overseas Based Talent In The Mix
It’s not just the local lads making waves. We’ve got a good contingent of players developing their game in football academies and clubs overseas. These players often get exposure to different styles of play and higher intensity training environments. Think about players who might be in European youth systems; they’re getting a different kind of education. It’s all about bringing that diverse experience back to the national setup. We’re seeing players who have been identified as having real potential, like those featured in global talent lists like this one, getting a chance to represent Australia.
Youngsters Signing Professional Contracts
This is where you really see the reward for all the hard work. A bunch of these lads have already inked professional deals, either with A-League clubs or overseas outfits. It’s a massive step, showing that clubs see a long-term future for them. For example, after some international tournaments, players like Mitch Glasson, Zac De Jesus, Daniel Bennie, and Nathan Amanatidis have secured A-League contracts. And then there’s the standout case of Anthony Pavlesic landing a contract with Bayern Munich – that’s just incredible for a young Aussie keeper. It proves that the pathway is there if you’ve got the talent and the drive.
The journey from junior ranks to professional football is a tough one, but seeing these young players get rewarded with contracts is a huge positive. It validates the development systems and gives aspiring youngsters something concrete to aim for. It’s not just about the individual success, but about building a stronger future for Australian football overall.
Here’s a look at some of the key areas where talent is being nurtured:
- A-League Academies: Providing structured development and pathways to senior football.
- Overseas Development: Exposure to international academies and leagues, broadening skill sets.
- National Youth Competitions: Platforms like the National Youth Championships are vital for identification and showcasing talent from across the country.
- International Tournaments: Experience gained from events like the AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers and other youth tournaments is invaluable for growth.
Looking Ahead
So, that’s a look at the young guns heading into the U17 squad. It’s always a bit of a gamble picking these teams, you never quite know who’s going to step up and who might fade a bit. But honestly, the talent pool seems pretty decent this time around. We’ve seen some of these lads already making waves in their leagues or getting a sniff of overseas action, which is a good sign. The coaches have a tough job, no doubt, scouting talent across the whole country is a massive task. But seeing them get these opportunities, like playing in tournaments overseas and getting proper game time, that’s what it’s all about. Hopefully, this squad can go on to do some great things and maybe even become the next big stars for the Socceroos down the track. Fingers crossed they get the right guidance and keep putting in the hard yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Subway Joeys?
The Subway Joeys are the Australian Under-17 men’s national football team. They’re like the stepping stone for young Aussie footballers aiming to play for the Socceroos one day!
How is the squad picked?
Selectors watch games all over Australia and even overseas. They look for players with good skills, a strong attitude, and a real desire to work hard and represent their country. Tournaments like the National Youth Championships are a big part of finding these talents.
What’s the goal for the U17 team?
A major aim is to qualify for and perform well in the AFC U17 Asian Cup. This tournament is a massive chance for the players to test themselves against the best young teams in Asia and hopefully move on to bigger things like the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Why is international experience important?
Playing against teams from other countries, especially in tough tournaments, helps the players grow heaps. They learn about different playing styles, deal with new environments, and understand what it takes to compete at a higher level. It’s a massive learning curve!
Are there coaches who help the team?
Absolutely! Coaches like Carl Veart and previously Brad Maloney lead the Subway Joeys. They guide the players, help them develop their skills, and prepare them for the challenges ahead, both on and off the field.
Do players from overseas get a look-in?
Yes, Football Australia keeps an eye on talented young Aussies playing abroad. Players who were born or developed overseas but have Australian heritage can also be considered for the squad, adding to the team’s depth and talent.
