Six of Sydney FC’s Academy boys will get a once in a lifetime opportunity this Sunday when they get the chance to be ball boys at one of Europe’s top clubs.
Thanks to the Sky Blues partnership with Dutch giants AFC Ajax, the boys will sit on the sideline at the Amsterdam Arena to fetch balls for the Dutch Champions League quarter finalists, as they take on Fortuna Sittard in their first game since defeating Real Madrid 4-1 at the Bernabau on Wednesday morning.
The boys are part of a group of 55 players from our U13 to U16 teams, who left for Holland on Thursday to take part in a two-week tour of friendly matches.
Capitalising on the Sky Blue’s partnership with Ajax, the boys will also be given the opportunity to play against some of the Netherlands’ top clubs including Ajax, Feyenoord, NEC Nijmegen, FC Utrecht and Vitesse Arnhem.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our young players and coaching staff to be able to develop their skills and learn from one of the world’s foremost breeding ground for young players,” said Sydney FC’s Technical Director – Youth, Kelly Cross.
“Ajax have a fantastic facility and our games against our Dutch counterparts will serve as first class development opportunities for all involved.
“I expect all of our coaches and players to come back improved individuals and wiser for the experience.”
Starting their trip in the eastern part of the Netherlands, the boys will be based in Arnhem first as they undergo a training camp before kicking off their friendly matches on 11 March.
During this time, they will also watch the Ajax match in Amsterdam but will also take in FC Utrecht’s game against FC Groningen on Friday night.
The U13 – U16 teams then play their first match against NEC Nijmegen on 11th March followed by matches against FC Utrecht a day later.
Our youngest squad will then face Feyenoord whilst our U15/16 will take on Vitesse Arnhem on 13th March. The U14 squad will conclude the round of friendly matches with a game against Vitesse Arnhem on 14th March.
The boys will then travel to Amsterdam where they will get the chance to participate in several activities with our partners Ajax such as undergoing physical testing with the fitness teams, playing matches against Ajax’s youth squad as well as watching Ajax matches.
Our entire Sky Blues coaching staff will also get a full day of professional development at the Ajax facility, Sportcomplex De Toekomst.
Sydney FC Academy Games In Holland
March 11 – U13, 14 and 15/16 vs NEC Nijmegen
March 12 – U13, 14 and 15/16 vs Utrecht
March 13 – U13 vs Feyenoord and U15/16 vs Vitesse Arnhem
March 14 – U14 vs Vitesse Arnhem
March 15 – Travel to Amsterdam
