Young Socceroos World Cup Prep in Blacktown City

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Under 20 Australian Football Team, the Qantas Young Socceroos have participated in a five day Training Camp at Blacktown International Sportspark (Formerly Blacktown Olympic Park) as part of their preparation for the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Columbia later this month.

Led by Head Coach Jan Versleijen, the 19 man squad includes Hyundai 'A' League players Kofi Danning (Brisbane Roar, formerly Sydney FC) and Sam Gallagher (Central Coast Mariners).

Fellow Central Coast Mariners stars Trent Sainsbury and Bernie Ibini-Isea returned to the Young Socceroos squad after taking part in the Mariners 1-0 victory over Scottish Premier League Team Celtic on Saturday night.

Mayor of Blacktown City officially welcomed the team to Blacktown City at today's training session that also saw members of the FFA Skillaroos Development Program based at Blacktown International Sportspark see Australia's Football stars of the future in action.

'Blacktown International Sportspark and Blacktown City are pleased to play a role in the Young Socceroos World Cup preparation and we wish them all the best for the competition' said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Alan Pendleton.

The Qantas Young Socceroos will now travel to the USA in mid-July for a pre-tournament camp in Denver, Colorado before moving to their base camp in the Colombian city of Manizales.

The team have been drawn in Group C, alongside Ecuador, Costa Rica and Spain, for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 which will be played from 29 July to 20 August.

The Young Socceroos will take on Ecuador in their first match on July 31.

The Qantas Young Socceroos qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after reaching the final of the AFC U19 Youth Championships in Zibo, China last year.

Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6593