Sydney FC youngster Patrick Yazbek said he’ll be honoured to represent the Sky Blues in finals football as he prepares for Sunday’s NPL NSW U20 decider on Saturday.
The 18-year-old midfielder has flourished in Sydney FC’s Academy for the past three seasons, making his NPL NSW First Grade debut in 2020, as sung the praises of the Sky Blues’ youth setup ahead of this weekend’s title clash against Blacktown City.
“It would mean everything to win the Grand Final,” Yazbek said.
“It’s an honour to represent Sydney FC, especially in finals football, and hopefully we put on a good performance and get the win in front of our family and friends.
“The Sydney FC Academy has helped me a lot as a player and as a person.
“I’ve been here for the last 3 years and I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be the same player if it wasn’t for Sydney FC.
“Being surrounded by some of the best players in the nation pushes you every day to work harder and the coaching staff instill a winning and positive mentality across the group, whilst working with me personally to achieve the best I can.
“Playing NPL First Grade regularly this year has greatly boosted my development,” he continued.
“The NPL 1 is physically very demanding and was a big step up from the U20s in that aspect.
“Coming up against ex A-League and experienced footballers regularly is something I’ve benefited off and trying to adapt to the speed and intensity of their game has really boosted my performances.
“This also is credit to the coaching staff who helped me get to this level.”
Yazbek said the squad were excited to be contesting silverware this season and stated that a Grand Final win would be the perfect way to cap off a restructured NPL NSW season following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m very excited, as players finals football is what we look forward to all year,” he said.
“Personally and collectively to get to the final is a great achievement for the boys and something we won’t take for granted and hopefully can come away with the win to top off what’s been a great restart to the NPL.
“Blacktown City have always been a relatively strong club across ages, so it will be a good test against a side who enjoys playing their football just us much as we do.
“At the end of the day for both sides it’s about winning so we need to be prepared for anything they throw at us on the day.
“I’ve enjoyed my season a lot,” he continued.
“We have a great bunch of boys and good culture at the club so it’s essentially the highlight of my day attending training or games.
“To say the least personally I’ve enjoyed this season like no other.”
Sydney FC will face Blacktown City in the NPL NSW U20 Grand Final on Saturday 24th October at Valentine Sports Park (kick off 6pm AEDT). Head to npl.tv to stream the clash live.
