Words: Staff Writers
Image: Steven Gibson Photography

Five Brisbane Roar Youth teenagers will be in the starting line-up for the first time this weekend at Perry Park against Northern Fury.

Dane Ingham (pictured), Tommy Miller, Daniel Leck, Adam Sawyer and Liam O’Brien are set to benefit from a major reshuffle by Young Roar coach John Sime following last week’s 4-1 loss to Olympic FC.

All five have played part-games since their promotion from the club’s PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Under 18 squad last month, but Saturday’s match against Fury will mark the first time the quintet have appeared in the starting line-up together.

Sime said each of the players had earned their call-up with their efforts throughout the 2015 season.

"They have worked very hard in training and have made the most of the opportunities they have been given in games so far," Sime said.

"We have only a few games left in the NPL and it is important we use these matches to give as much experience as we can to the younger boys as we start preparing for the next National Youth League."

16-year-old striker Ingham said he is determined to repay his coach’s faith and is hoping to add to his maiden PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland senior goal against Western Pride a month ago.

"It felt good to score that goal. Hopefully there are many more to come," Ingham said.

Ingham commended his football journey as a junior in Byron Bay before moving to Brisbane two years ago with his family and linking up with PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland club Olympic FC.

He advanced to the Roar’s Youth set-up, run in conjunction with Football Queensland as part of the state’s National Training Centre program, earlier this year.

Ingham said he was determined to make the most of the step-up to senior competition.

“It is definitely a lot quicker than 18s football, It's a lot tougher, a lot more physical. It is a big step and I want to prove I am ready for it,” Ingham explained.

Ingham is the younger brother of former PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland star Jai Ingham, who played two matches for Roar in the Hyundai A-League after excelling with the youth team in 2014 and Olympic FC in 2013.

He said he was hoping to emulate that path and also experience the bright lights of the Hyundai A-League first hand.

"Jai has helped me so much. He's a great footballer and a real inspiration.”

"I now want to get as many minutes as I can get in the remaining NPL games and hopefully show I have what it takes to take the next step up in the Roar system,” he concluded.

This story originally appeared on the official Brisbane Roar FC website

Fixture details:

Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Northern Fury FC
Perry Park, Brisbane
Saturday, August 8
Kick-off at 6:00PM
Admission - Free