Western Sydney Wanderers FC can today confirm that their first grade Academy side will now play in Football NSW’s National Premier League 1 (NPL 1) competition.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC can today confirm that their first grade Academy side will now play in Football NSW’s National Premier League 1 (NPL 1) competition.
The Wanderers will play in the NPL 1 for the next 11 matches, having been given the opportunity to be promoted to the first division after Sutherland Sharks were unable to complete the season.
The changes to the National Premier League competition comes as part of the increasing support of Australia’s youth football teams ahead of several important international competitions.
Age restrictions for the Hyundai A-League clubs that complete in the NPL for this season have also been relaxed to allow players born after January 1997 (U23) to be registered in accordance with the relevant Regulations. All changes are for this season only.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas thanked all parties involved in giving the Red & Black this opportunity.
“We’d like to thank Football Federation Australia, Football NSW and the affiliated clubs, for their assistance and support during this period,” said Tsatsimas.
“The next 11 matches will be a fantastic opportunity for our coaches and players, and we are excited to see them play at the highest level of the National Premier League competition ahead of some important national team matches.”
Wanderers Academy Technical Director Ian Crook praised the decision and is looking forward to watching the next generation’s development.
“This is an exciting time for our senior Academy team who are currently preparing to play against some of the heavyweights of the National Premier League competition,” said Crook.
“It is also a great opportunity for our head coach Arthur Diles and his assistants to build on the hard work they have been doing on the pitch over the last few seasons.
“We look forward to these upcoming matches and know they are something our players will benefit greatly from.”
