Sydney FC are set to create history in September when the Sky Blues Foxtel National Youth League squad take on 2015 NSW State League 2 Premiers Dunbar Rovers FC, making it the first time the club will have played local opposition in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs in its 10 year history.
The Sky Blues, led by new Head Coach Robert Stanton, will take on the Rovers at Hensley Athletic Field, Eastgardens, on Monday 28 September (7pm kick off) in a match to raise much-needed funds for former Dunbar Rovers & Football NSW coaching legend Charlie Davidson, who has experienced serious health issues over the last 12 months.
This will be the first chance for Stanton to assess his newly assembled squad under match conditions ahead of the Foxtel National Youth League 2015/16 season, which kicks off in a new conference style format in November.
Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata welcomed the announcement of the Young Sky Blues friendly match.
“I’m pleased to be able to announce that our Foxtel National Youth League squad will take on a team in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for the first time ever,” Pignata said.
“Robert Stanton has worked long and hard to assemble his Youth League side and I’m eager to see how they fare in a competitive environment. I’m looking forward to the match and a continued relationship with Peter Hennessy and everyone at Dunbar Rovers FC.”
Dunbar Rovers FC, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is coming off a very successful debut season in State League 2, also taking out the coveted Club Championship, making it eligible for promotion to the new National Premier Leagues NSW NPL Men’s 3 and Youth 2 competitions in 2016.
Their fully amateur squad is made up of a number of ex-pros and semi-pros and will be eager to provide stern opposition to a heavily fancied Sky Blues outfit.
Dunbar Rovers FC Director Peter Hennessy said that he was looking forward to the match and thanked Sydney FC for their support.
“It is fantastic that Sydney FC have got behind this initiative,” he said.
“We hope to raise a significant amount of money on the night to help our former coach. Right from our first contact with the Sky Blues, Chairman Scott Barlow, CEO Tony Pignata and Football Operations Manager Despina Kalogiannis couldn’t have been more helpful in getting the game locked in.
“I would also like to thank the Council of the City of Botany Bay, who have very kindly waived their hirer’s fee on the night”.
Sydney FC Memberships are now on sale for the Hyundai A-League season 2015/16. Click HERE to become part of the Sky Blues family
