Subway Joeys squad named for Antalya Youth Cup in Turkey

The Subway Joeys commence their preparations for June’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ when they compete in the four nations U-17 Antalya Youth Cup in Turkey next month.

The Australians will face U-17 national men’s teams representing Czechia, Morocco, and Uzbekistan from 8 – 18 February 2023, with Subway Joeys’ Head Coach Brad Maloney selecting a 23-player squad for this tournament.

Speaking about the tournament, Brad Maloney said: “The Antalya Youth Cup presents an exciting opportunity to pit some of the country’s best emerging footballers against leading opposition from three different continents.

“To be able to play the likes of Czechia, Morocco, and Uzbekistan within the space of six days presents an ideal learning experience for this squad as we prepare for June’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup and hopefully the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru later this year,” said Maloney.

This will be the first time the Subway Joeys have come together for a camp or tournament since topping their respective Group during the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers held in Shepparton, Victoria, during October 2022.

Maloney – appointed to the Head Coach role in August of last year – and his coaching staff have spent the past three months watching matches from both home and abroad to support their planning for 2023 and beyond, with seven new faces being selected in the squad for the Antalya Youth Cup.

“With our elite youth pathways in hiatus for almost three years due to the pandemic, it’s more important than ever we are continually monitoring, scouting, and unearthing talent to ensure every eligible player is on our radar and considered for national team honours,” explained Maloney.

“We have made several changes to the squad who contested the qualifiers in October, with the view to providing international exposure to as many players as possible and to build depth as part of our preparations for this year’s Asian Cup,” concluded Maloney.

Due to this tournament being played outside a FIFA window, Adelaide United FC’s Nestory Irankunda was unavailable for selection.

The Asian Football Confederation confirmed earlier this month that Thailand will host the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023™, with the tournament to now take place, 15 June – 2 July 2023. The Draw for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023™ is scheduled to occur in March, where Australia will the need to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2023™, to run 10 November – 2 December 2023.

Subway Joeys Match Schedule – Antalya Youth Cup 2023

Subway Joeys Squad | Antalya Youth Cup 2023 | 8 – 18 February 2023

*Denotes new to the squad, wasn’t part of AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023™ Qualifiers in October 2022