Olympic FC’s stars of tomorrow will get their first taste of international quality opposition this weekend when the club’s Under 16 Boys line up against Brisbane Roar’s star-studded W-League side at Goodwin Park.

The unique friendly hit-out will serve as vital pre-season preparation for Head Coach Belinda Wilson’s Roar outfit, while for Olympic’s youngsters the match will offer a chance to close their season against some of Australia’s most talented footballers.

Earlier this week, Roar confirmed a 20 member W-League squad for the upcoming campaign – including nine Matildas, three Young Matildas, three Under 17 Matildas and German international goalkeeper Nadine Angerer, the recently named European Female Footballer of the Year by UEFA.

Far from a Mickey Mouse affair, Olympic will provide their own test of the Roar’s credentials, with promising talents goalkeeper Brandon Cuminao and striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls book-ending a team that finished their season in fourth place.

Cuminao, has made his mark in an impressive first season in NPL Queensland – taking the gloves for Queensland Academy of Sport in their NPL Queensland Under 18 Grand Final win, as well as making his senior debut for Olympic in Townsville against Northern Fury.

At the top of the formation, Wenzel-Halls struck 22 goals in 18 matches for the Under 16’s, including a stunning seven  goal haul against Western Pride and a hat-trick against Wide Bay Revolution.

He also struck a further three goals in six appearances for the Under 18’s team.

Olympic FC Technical Director Gabor Ganzcer said the match-up, which might be unfamiliar to Australian football supporters, was in line with best practice in Europe’s strongest women’s competitions.

“Spending 20 years in professional football, I’ve seen many strong women’s sides and been on study tours with UEFA in Europe, studying women’s football in the northern Eurpoean countries where women’s football is very strong,” Ganzcer explained.

“One of the first things I learned is that quality women’s teams are playing against the strongest age group teams to have a really good competitive run in the off season and pre-season. This is the best practice.”

Ganzcer however pointed out Olympic will be looking to learn from the game as well.

“In our case, it is about our Under 16’s because they are next year’s Under 18’s,” Ganzcer explained.

“We really want to focus on this generation of football players, maybe a few of them can get even higher experience next year in the National Youth League and even a run in our senior team if they are good enough.”

All told, the Roar squad features 19 Queenslanders and amongst the raft of returning stars are captain Claire Polkinghorne, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt, Laura Alleway and Amy Chapman.

Joining the club for the first time are Sunshine Coast product Larissa Crummer and Gold Coast talent Hayley Raso, who return to their home state after stints with Sydney FC and Canberra United, respectively.

In a statement released by the club, Roar Football Director Ken Stead said, “This squad is a great representation of what we want for Brisbane Roar.”

"It shows that Queensland has a strong history of developing our own youngsters and the proof is in the talent within this Brisbane Roar W-League squad.”

"We have also made sure we have the right players to implement the characteristic Brisbane Roar style of play - attacking, fast-paced football."

Roar will commence their W-League campaign against traditional title rivals Canberra United on November 9.

Match Details:

Olympic FC v Brisbane Roar
Sunday, 29^th September 2013 – Goodwin Park
Kick-Off: 3:30pm

Olympic FC (NPL Under 16 Boys) v Brisbane Roar (W-League)
Sunday, 29^th September 2013 – Goodwin Park
Kick-Off: 5:45pm

 

Words: Michael Flynn (Football Queensland)
Image: Olympic FC