Sydney FC NPL NSW Head Coach Jim van Weeren believes the Sky Blues’ hard work is finally paying off, with his young charges leading the competition five rounds into the season.
The Young Sky Blues have taken some big scalps already this season, defeating the likes of APIA Leichhardt and Manly United, to record four wins and one defeat, with van Weeren believing the tide is turning in the state’s premier club competition.
“This is a competition with some excellent players, coaches and teams,” van Weeren said.
“Any team in this league has the ability to hurt you. In years gone by we have had some good matches but never really strung a consistent run together, that could be the difference.
“This young group of players is really hungry to perform and compete every week.
“This has been really evident in their ability to score goals but also the desperation to prevent goals at the other end.
“To be in top spot is nice but it is only Round 5, and we shouldn’t get too carried away, yet,” he continued.
“We believe in this group of players, and we know anything is possible. It is about ensuring we continue to train and play at our best, that’s all we can control.”
Like all clubs, van Weeren’s side were affected by the COVID-19 break, however the club strived to ensure the squad return in peak condition, something van Weeren attributed to their fantastic start.
The Sky Blues’ Head Coach also said while he was pleased with the wins, his other main focus is ensuring his squad is producing the next back of Sydney FC Hyundai A-League Champions.
“We stuck to club philosophy on training conduct and player learning and development,” van Weeren said of his staff’s work during the COVID-19 break.
“There were a few logistical and operational challenges at the resumption of training, but the staff and players, like always, find solutions and ensure we continue to operate at a high level.
“The players came back in good physical condition, that helped to hit the ground running.
“We aim to be as competitive as possible in every game we play. We will continue to have some very tough opponents and we hope we can win as many games as possible.
“We are a youth team, and the other primary goal is to help our players to continue to develop and achieve their highest individual potential.”
Sydney FC are in NPL NSW action away against Sydney United on Sunday afternoon (kick off 3pm AEST). Tune in on npl.tv to watch the match streamed live.
