Melbourne Victory have announced their 2013/14 youth squad, less than a week out from the start of the National Youth League season.
Ten players have been handed contracts for the youth team, with six new faces joining the defending champions.
Luc Jeggo, Christopher Cristaldo, Dylan Murnane and John Buceto retain their spot in the squad, and they are joined by new faces Keegan Coulter, Anthony Duzel, James Karvelis, Damien Miskulin, Anthony Proia and Milos Ridesic.
As has previously been announced, former squad members Luke O’Dea and Hernan Espindola have transferred to Melbourne Heart while Kwabena Boahene, Daniel Chaabani and Luke Radonich have been moved on.
In a statement released through the club’s website, Victory youth coach Darren Davies described this team as younger but still has first team ambitions for this playing group.
“This season, we have a younger squad, but we’re still have high expectations and are looking forward to seeing the young lads develop into first team players here at Melbourne Victory,” Davies said.
“We aim to produce players that are ready to compete at the highest level and last season we were delighted to see the promotion of several of Youth League players to the senior side, with Nick Ansell, Jordan Brown, Andrew Nabbout and Connor Pain each earning senior contracts.”
Melbourne Victory begin their National Youth League campaign on Saturday when they face Brisbane Roar at Goodwin Park. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 2:30pm.
Their home games are to be played at Lakeside Stadium this year, the first of which being against the Australian Institute of Sport on Sunday November 3 at 2:30pm.
Melbourne Victory NYL:
John Buceto – 18, forward (pictured)
Keegan Coulter – 18, goalkeeper
Christopher Cristaldo – 18, forward
Anthony Duzel – 16, midfielder
Luc Jeggo – 19, midfielder
James Karvelis – 18, defender
Damien Miskulin – 17, forward
Dylan Murnane –18, defender
Anthony Proia – 19, forward
Milos Ridesic – 17, defender