Melbournians will be able to witness some of Australia’s most exciting youngsters compete in the new National Youth League, with Melbourne Victory Youth set to play its home games at five different venues across the metropolitan region.
Melbournians will be able to witness some of Australia-s most exciting youngsters compete in the new National Youth League, with Melbourne Victory Youth set to play its home games at five different venues across the metropolitan region.
Doncaster, Epping, Kingston Heath, Port Melbourne and Green Gully are each scheduled to host two Victory Youth home matches throughout the season, giving all Melbournians a chance to be part of the action.
Football Federation Australia today released the draw for the inaugural National Youth League season, which will see Victory Youth open its campaign against Queensland Roar Youth at Green Gully Reserve on Friday, 26 September.
Victory Youth-s remaining home matches will either be played the day following a Hyundai A-League match or on one of the Hyundai A-League-s scheduled breaks for international matches.
“The establishment of a National Youth League competition is an important component of the National Football Development Plan,” FFA CEO Ben Buckley said.
“This is a competition which will provide an important link between elite youth football, the Hyundai A-League competition and the national representative teams, not only for players, but also coaches and referees.
“For the first time, talented young players will have an opportunity to play regular, quality competitive games regardless of whether they are part of the AIS program, the State sports institutes or the state football leagues.
“Football offers young, talented male athletes fantastic opportunities within Australia as well as unparalleled opportunities to represent Australia on the biggest stage in world sport.”
Victory Youth will play 18 matches in the National Youth League 2008/09 season, with each of the seven Australian Hyundai A-League clubs set to face each other three times in the 21 round competition.
At the end of the season, the top two teams will playoff in the National Youth League Grand Final on Saturday, 21 February 2009, one week prior to the Hyundai A-League 2009 Grand Final.
The National Youth League will feature the following competition rules:
• Youth players must be born between 1987 and 1991 to be eligible for the National Youth League 2008/09 season.
• Clubs may use up to four over-age players for National Youth League matches.
• Each of the Youth players must play a minimum of 30 minutes per match.
Victory memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season are currently available from the Victory Shop, 236 Swan Street, Richmond, by calling 1300 GO MVFC or online by clicking here.
